Leadership Corvallis’ Class of 2021 – the program’s first virtual class – has started a 10-month exploration of the inner workings of the city of Corvallis and Benton County.
Twenty-six Corvallis-area residents are taking an active role in shaping community policy by participating in this program. Starting in September, participants began learning about the processes, agencies, institutions and people behind them that make Corvallis function and thrive.
“The COVID-19 pandemic led us to drastically change the Leadership Corvallis class this year and offer the first year-long virtual class,” said Leadership Corvallis Board President Hans Neukomm Jr. “Yet, each class day is still focusing on a crucial element of our community, building upon the previous sessions to paint the big picture of what makes Corvallis a unique place to live, work and lead.”
The class meets virtually the second Thursday of each month. Classes consist of live panel interviews, group discussions and small-group breakout chats. This new online format still provides opportunities to connect with leaders across the community and gain a deep understanding of the business community, local government and the social services that make Corvallis one of the top communities in the country to live and work.
This year’s sessions are an abbreviated version of the standard Leadership Corvallis curriculum. They also include new elements designed to help emerging leaders understand and navigate COVID-19, as well as engage in the evolving conversation around racial justice, diversity and equity in our community.
Curriculum for each day is developed and presented by community leaders who volunteer to share their professional insights to inspire the next generation of leaders in Corvallis.
Residents interested in taking part in future Leadership Corvallis classes should reach out to Chris Nordyke, Leadership Corvallis recruitment committee chair, at chris.nordyke@gmail.com.
The Leadership Corvallis Class of 2020 includes:
Zina Allen, community volunteer
Morgan Baker, Visit Corvallis
Lesa Banks, RBLB Marketing
Benjamin Blasen, Jacobs Engineering Group
Ethan Braught, Samaritan Health Plans
Norma Cardona, Oregon State University
Ireland DeRosia, Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence
Stephanie Dreiling, Samaritan Health Services
David Goodrum, Oregon State University
Michele Griffin-Campione, The Arts Center
Mica Habarad, Edward Jones
Clay Higgins. Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis
Stephanie Jensen, Intercommunity Health Network
Tatiana Leon, Corvallis Housing First
Hannah Miller, Jackson Street Youth Services
Jake Moevao, Southside Youth Outreach
Tracy Oulman, City of Corvallis
Stacia Pugh, Lumina Hospice
Ian Rollins, Samaritan Health Services
Samantha Sied, freelance writer and marketer
Hanna Valva, FinTech Executive
Michelle Waddell, Running Princess Athletic
Laura Young, Foundry Collective
Charissa Young-White, Intercommunity Health Network