Bloomington Leadership Program: Learn to Lead

The purpose of the program is to promote civic engagement, develop leaders in the Bloomington community, break down barriers, and increase understanding of local government.

2024 Bloomington Leadership Program Cohort

Congratulations to the twenty Bloomington residents for being selected to participate in the 2024 cohort!

Adam Spears
Amy Kilgore
Emily Gagnon
Fanny Jimbo Llapa
Gina D'Agostino
Gina Debogovich
Isabel Carter
Jake Hartmann
James Hostetter
Jason Luu
Karen Lundquist
Kat Rowe
Luke Lewy
Matthew Ihli
Michaela Clubb
Ngawang Y. Gonsar
Shanna Swanson
Tara Owens
Yehya Elsayed

2024 Schedule

• Thurs, Feb. 1, 5:30 - 8:30 pm | Civic Plaza
  Program Overview, Introductions & Insights Discovery
   
• Thurs, Feb. 8, 5:30 - 8:30 pm | Civic Plaza
  Government 101
   
• Thurs, Feb. 15, 5:30 - 8:30 pm | Fire Station 1
  City Services: Public Safety
   
• Thurs, Feb. 22, 5:30 - 8:30 pm | MN Valley National Wildlife Refuge
  City Services: Built & Natural Community
   
• Sat, Feb. 24, 9 am - 12:30 pm | TBD
  Leading in the Community
   
• Thurs, Feb. 29, 5:30 - 8:30 pm | Civic Plaza
  Public Participation (P2)
   
• Thurs, March 7, 5:30 - 8:30 pm | Civic Plaza
  City Council & Boards and Commissions
   
• Thurs, March 14, 5:30 - 8:30 pm | Civic Plaza
  Bloomington. Tomorrow. Together.
   
• Sat, March 16, 9 am - 12:30 pm | Fire Station 3
  South Loop Tour
   
• Thurs, March 21, 5:30 - 8:30 pm | Civic Plaza
  Recognizing & Celebrating Leaders (Graduation)

Testimonials from previous participants

"I really found my sense of connection & community within Bloomington.  The primary reason I joined BLP was to figure out what the city had to offer and meet my neighbors.  I have made many great friends & connected with this city on a whole new level."

"[The program] helped me deepen my sense of volunteerism and I felt more connected to the city.  As a result of the BLP, I joined the Board of the Bloomington Community Foundation."

"When I better understand the system, I want to learn more about the city, the state and the country to better teach and advocate for our Latin community."

"Now when a neighbor complains about something, I have a better lens to think about what they are saying and even correct them with better info , give them a resource to give feedback (rather than complain) or reassure them that the city is working hard and does care. I also feel more empowered about the channels available to get involved, give feedback, voice concerns, if I felt I had a question or concern.