2024 Cohort

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed nearly every aspect of daily life. Schools, workplaces, and social gatherings moved online almost overnight. Less frequently discussed, however, is how profoundly the pandemic altered political leadership. Council chambers, committee meetings, and public consultations were suddenly replaced by…

Leadership is often associated with authority, formal positions, or political office. Yet many leaders shape their communities in quieter but equally powerful ways. Through teaching, mentoring, and storytelling, they create spaces where others can learn, question, and grow. During periods of political…

As my mentor, Helen Cole, founder of the Jean Collective: A Women In Politics Initiative, provided countless opportunities to learn about civic leadership — from attending professional conferences to participating in public events and community conversations. One of those experiences involved a…

For many people, faith is associated with tradition, stability, and preserving established ways of doing things. For Linda Steel, however, faith demands something far more active. Throughout her career as a trustee with the London District Catholic School Board, she has understood…

For Patti Dalton, leadership is not defined by titles, authority, or personal ambition. As President of the London and District Labour Council, she understands leadership as an ethical commitment to use one's knowledge, skills, and privileges in service of others. It requires…

Climate change, housing insecurity, homelessness, rising infrastructure costs, and post-pandemic recovery have transformed municipal government into one of the most challenging arenas of public leadership. Rather than confronting a single crisis, local leaders increasingly govern amid multiple, overlapping pressures that require balancing…