On Friday, November 15, 2024, the graduates of Leadership Prince William's Emerging Leaders program gathered at the historic Manassas Museum to celebrate the culmination of their eight-week journey into leadership development. The ceremony, held at 5 p.m., honored the participants' achievements and inspired them to embark on the next chapter of their leadership endeavors.
Arron Tolson of Leadership Prince William addressed the graduates, emphasizing the importance of their newfound skills. “This is not the end. It is just the beginning. Now you have a framework to go out into the community and make change,” said Tolson. He described the class as “motivating, competent, overcomers, purposeful, energetic, and dreamers,” adding that these qualities will strengthen the community and empower future leaders.
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Heather Haney, a participant in the Leadership Prince William Signature Program Class of 2025, shared her journey with the organization, reflecting on how it began with the Emerging Leaders Program. Haney’s involvement in Leadership Prince William started in 2018 after a friend encouraged her to apply.
“I was in a tough headspace at the time, working on launching my own business,” Haney said. “My friend, who was already involved with Leadership Prince William, suggested I give it a try.”
Haney first enrolled in the Emerging Leaders Program, an eight-week course for those seeking a preview of the more extensive Leadership Prince William Signature Program. “It’s a great option for people not ready to commit to the full 10-month program,” Haney explained. “Each week, community leaders come in to speak about leadership and managing both yourself and others.”
During her time in the Emerging Leaders Program, Haney learned valuable skills in leadership and communication. “Bob Schneider from OmniRide and Greg Ballard were two speakers who resonated with me. They really helped me understand the dynamics of working with clients and business professionals,” she said.
After completing the Emerging Leaders Program, Haney was eager to further her involvement and enrolled in the Class of 2025 Signature Program. “I was nervous but knew I needed to be part of the community. I wanted to build my business acumen and be more involved in Prince William County,” Haney said.
The Class of 2025 will kick off at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on Thursday, September 26, 2024. The morning event will begin with breakfast and networking from 7:30 to 8 a.m., followed by a send-off program from 8 to 8:45 a.m. The program will include a welcome to new members, sponsor recognition, and a special moment as the Class of 2024 “passes the torch” to the incoming participants.
A fun tradition at the event is the awarding of the “Golden Pineapple” to the class with the highest attendance. “It’s all about encouragement and welcoming new members to the Leadership Prince William family,” Haney said.
Haney, originally from Pennsylvania, moved to Northern Virginia in 2000 and has lived in Manassas since 2005. She started her business, Calluna’s Lens, during the 2020 pandemic, providing photography and marketing services. She continues to expand her business while growing her leadership skills through the Signature Program.
“Leadership Prince William has given me a more professional mindset and helped me understand how to approach challenges in business,” Haney said. “For anyone thinking about joining, I recommend just reaching out and learning more. It’s been a great experience for me.”
Martina Jackson Green, Executive Director at the Human Services Alliance of Greater Prince William County, recently graduated from the Leadership Prince William Class of 2024. The one-year program aims to develop leadership skills and foster connections among local leaders.
During a recent interview with Potomac Local Live, Green shared insights from her experience. She described the initial intimidation of joining a class with over 30 leaders across the county but emphasized the value of leaning into her strengths and learning from others.
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Have you ever wanted to discover what kind of leader you truly are? To understand your community better than anyone else? To build life-long connections that strengthen you, your family, and your community?
If so, Leadership Prince William is the perfect opportunity for you.
The 10-month Leadership Prince William Signature Program is specifically designed to help you explore our community, increase your awareness of critical issues, and connect with other community leaders. By participating, you will be prepared to take on active, leading roles within your organization, community, and Leadership of Prince William itself.
Here’s what LPW offers:
- Broadens Your Horizons: Step beyond the familiarity of your industry and organization.
- Expand Your Network: Connect with a diverse group of community leaders.
- Enhances Your Leadership Skills: Gain a deeper understanding of your leadership strengths.
- Improves Collaboration: Learn how to work with those around you, including loved ones, effectively.
- Provides Eye-Opening Experiences: Develop a better understanding of your community through unique experiences.
- Inspires and Motivates: Feel driven to serve and make a difference.
- Boosts Confidence: Gain the confidence to lead and inspire others.
Join Leadership Prince William and unlock your potential as a leader while making meaningful connections and contributing to the strength of our community.
Upcoming Information Sessions
Thursday, May 23, noon-1:00 p.m. Northern Virginia Community College, 2645 College Dr., Woodbridge- Wednesday, May 29, 2024- 5:30 to 7 p.m. – Out of the Blue Seafood, 5005 Wellington Rd, Gainesville
- Friday, May 31, 2024- 8:30 -10 a.m. – Hampton Inn, 7295 Williamson Blvd, Manassas
- Wednesday, June 12, 2024- 9:00-10:30 a.m.- Sentara (SNVMC), 2300 Opitz Blvd, Woodbridge
- Wednesday, June 12, 2024- 5:30-7 p.m. – Sentara (SNVMC), 2300 Opitz Blvd, Woodbridge
Want to know more? Email us by the end of the day and get 3 FREE exclusive program tips we’re only sharing with Potomac Local Readers!
The Leadership Prince William (LWP) Board of Regents has announced the appointment of Charles Gilliam as the organization's Executive Director. Gilliam, who has been serving as the interim executive director since July 2022, brings over 20 years of experience in the restaurant/hospitality industry to his new role. Most recently, he owned Roux Pot, Inc. and the Old Town Manassas restaurant Okra's Cajun Creole, which closed in 2021 after 23 years in business.
"The job announcement attracted more than 40 qualified applicants from across the nation," stated Tiffany Izenour, LPW Board of Regents chair. "We are pleased that Charles has demonstrated the experience and skills needed to effectively lead the organization to the next level."
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Leadership Prince William announces its upcoming “Mardi Gras Casino ” fundraiser, which is scheduled for March 22, 2024, at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, near Manassas.
The event runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and features a live auction, hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. Tickets are $75 each and open to the public.
Leadership Prince William is a private non-profit organization that serves Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. The mission is to engage individuals, organizations, and alumni for collaborative leadership to enrich the community.
For ticket information and event details, visit leadershipprincewilliam.org.
Leadership Prince William is a private non-profit organization operating under section 501(c)(3), dedicated to engaging and inspiring individuals, organizations, and alumni to enrich the community through collaborative leadership. Serving Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, the organization fosters leadership skills and community involvement.
Leadership Prince William: “Everyone was a winner at the Leadership Prince William Casino Royale [Thursday, July 6, 2023, at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas]. Aside from being our major fundraiser, we like to take the opportunity to honor individuals that have done something special for LPW, our community, or our world. We were honored to have Kathy Ellington, our founding Executive Director, as our guest and partner in delivering the award named in her honor. Our award winners this year are:
- Chair Award- Valerie Meale
- Kathy Ellington Leadership Award- Patrick King
- Vision Award- Dr. Carol Shapiro
- We also welcomed our incoming Chair, Tiffany Izenour and thanked our outgoing Chair, Bennett Whitlock.
“The Class of 2013 gathered to celebrate their 10th Anniversary and set the bar for future classes by raising $10,000 to “pay it forward” for LPW to have the resources needed to ensure future classes enjoy the same quality of programming. Our auctions were a huge success, thanks to the amazing coordination by our former Executive Director, Kathy Bentz. All-in-all, it was a great evening and we’re excited to start planning our next big event.”
Leadership Prince William is an organization that aims to develop new leaders while providing them with new perspectives on Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.
Each year since 2007, the program has held an annual class, dubbed its signature program, where future leaders meet monthly to discuss big ideas and tour various areas of the county and cities.
