Leadership Lancaster

06/01/2026

📣 Calling All Lancaster County Nonprofits!

Does your organization have a project, initiative, process, or challenge that could benefit from fresh perspectives and dedicated support?

Leadership Lancaster is now accepting CAT Group Project Proposals for our 2027 Core Class! CAT (Community Action Team) Groups pair your organization with a team of motivated and engaged local leaders who will work collaboratively to help advance meaningful projects that strengthen your mission and our community.

Interested in learning more? Join our CAT Group Information Webinar on Tuesday, June 23, to learn about the proposal process, project requirements, and the impact a CAT Group partnership can have on your organization. Sign up via our events page of our website!

📅 Proposal submissions close Tuesday, June 30. Click this link to begin your application: https://leadershiplancaster.org/community-actions-teams-request-for-proposal/

We look forward to partnering with organizations that are making a difference across Lancaster County!

05/27/2026

Attention Lancaster Nonprofit Organizations!

Leadership Lancaster is excited to announce that CAT Group RFPs for the Core Class of 2027 will officially open on Monday, June 1!

Does your organization have:
• A project that could benefit from additional support?
• A new initiative that needs community outreach and engagement?
• A challenge that would benefit from collaborative leadership and fresh perspectives?

Consider partnering with Leadership Lancaster as a CAT Group Partner!

Interested in learning more? Join us virtually on June 23 for our CAT Group RFP Information Session to learn about the goals, expectations, and impact of this partnership opportunity.

Register to attend here! https://leadershiplancaster.org/event/core-class-cat-group-nonprofit-partner-information-session/

05/13/2026

EXTRA EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT THE VERY FIRST ENCORE ACADEMY!

We’re thrilled to see Leadership Lancaster’s Encore Academy featured in today's LNP Media Group paper!

We are even more thrilled to celebrate the very first Encore Academy cohort!
This incredible group of motivated, engaged, thoughtful, and FUN "Encorians" proudly dubbed themselves “The ONE-derfuls” 💛 because being the first comes with a little extra sparkle. For this group, the name fits perfectly.

Over the past 3 months, we’ve watched this group build community, challenge themselves, share wisdom, laugh often, and explore what leadership, purpose, and connection can look like in this next season of life.

Each session reminded us of something important: leadership doesn’t retire - it evolves.

To our ONE-derfuls: thank you for helping shape the heart of Encore Academy and for proving that the encore may just steal the show. ✨

Click here to read more:

Laurie Grove, 60, has started designing life after retirement with one main caveat: She wants to avoid the indecision, financial worries and depression a few friends and coworkers first experienced

04/24/2026

When an event sells out… the scammers get excited too 😅

Just a reminder: CATalyst is officially SOLD OUT, and we do not support ticket resales in the comments.

We can’t wait to welcome a full room of leaders next week 🔥

04/24/2026

We’re officially SOLD OUT! 🎉

CATalyst 2026 is bringing together a full room for a powerful day of CAT Group Presentations, Board Service Workshops, and our Nonprofit Fair. We can’t wait to experience a day of leadership, connection, and community impact!

Want to be on a waitlist? Contact [email protected].

04/16/2026

This past Tuesday, the Encore Academy gathered at West Art for an inspiring Arts & Culture Session 🎨✨

The morning began with brunch, connection, and cohort check-ins before diving into Lancaster County’s vibrant arts ecosystem. Huge thanks to Jason & Katharine Horst of Horst Arts Center and Justin Johnson of the Lancaster Chamber for guiding a thoughtful conversation on the history of arts and culture in our community, current initiatives shaping the sector, and meaningful ways leaders can get involved.

We were then joined by an incredible lineup of local arts leaders for a “Meet the Leaders & Organizations” campfire chat, featuring Abby Baer Demuth Museum, Meg Martin (Friends of Reservoir Park), Guy McIntosh (Lancaster Symphony Orchestra), and Johnny Roberts (Ephrata Performing Arts Center). Through powerful stories and honest conversation, participants explored the impact of these organizations and the many ways they can help champion this vital work.

The afternoon continued with Natalie Lascek of PCAD, who shared exciting opportunities for continued learning through programs and certifications designed to keep creativity growing beyond the session.

We closed the day with a creative cohort activity focused on strengthening connection, sparking imagination, and celebrating the collective artistry within the Encore Academy. 💡🎭🤝

A special thank-you to our Encore Academy sponsor, The Steinman Foundation, for investing in lifelong leadership development and helping make transformational experiences like this possible.

04/15/2026

✨ A truly special Core Class Friday ✨

Last Friday, the 2026 Core Class gathered at the stunning Drumore Estate for their Environment & Sustainability Session and this one was extra memorable!
For the first time ever, our Core Class was joined by the inaugural Encore Academy Cohort for crossover programming, creating a powerful space for multigenerational leadership, connection, and shared learning.

A huge spotlight goes to our incredible hosts, Jerissa and Eric Warfel of Drumore Estate, who welcomed both cohorts into such a beautiful and inspiring space. Jerissa, an LL alumna, shared how her Core Class experience helped shape the leader she is today—a true full-circle Leadership Lancaster moment. 💙

The day continued with meaningful networking and an engaging panel conversation featuring Molly Deger (City of Lancaster) , Diana Martin, and Chrissy Leslie (Eurofins), who helped frame the opportunities and challenges surrounding the environment and sustainability in our region.

Our morning rotations brought the learning to life:
🌿 Keith Williams (Lancaster Conservancy) led a guided hike reflecting on the importance of connecting with nature
🌎 Diana Martin walked participants through the vision and planning of the Sunnyside Peninsula Environmental Center
🚶 Emily Landis (Steinman Foundation) shared the transformative vision behind the Blue Green Connector and its impact on countywide connectivity

After lunch the energy continued with afternoon rotations featuring
♻️ Chris Hinojosa (RegenAll)
💧 Allyson Gibson (Lancaster Clean Water Partners)
🌱 Keith Williams, continuing to deepen the day’s exploration

We closed with a Sustainability in Practice session led by Melisa Baez of Elume, grounding the day in sustainable leadership and real-world application.

Many thanks to our session hosts and our facilitators for their aid in helping ensure this session's success!

04/08/2026

What happens when 65 leaders join forces with 10 local nonprofit organizations?
Impact. Innovation. Community Change.

For the past nine months, the Leadership Lancaster 2026 Core Class has partnered with local nonprofit organizations to develop meaningful projects, bold initiatives, and strategic solutions that strengthen our community.

Join Leadership Lancaster at CATalyst to experience the incredible work of this year’s class and hear directly from the inspiring organizations leading this important work every single day.

Register for CATalyst Today!

https://leadershiplancaster.org/event/catalyst/

04/07/2026

🚨 2027 Core Class Applications Are Open! 🚨

Are you — or someone you know, an emerging or established leader ready to deepen community connections, strengthen leadership skills, and expand their impact?

The Core Class is your next step.
✨ 9 Months
✨ 12 Transformative Sessions
✨ Endless Impact

Join a powerful network of changemakers committed to leading Lancaster forward.

What’s next starts here. Learn more and apply today. Deadline for Applications is May 8th. https://leadershiplancaster.org/core-class/

04/03/2026

Join Leadership Lancaster at Armstrong World Industries on Friday, May 1 from 9am-5pm for CATalyst!

Catalyst: (n) Something or someone that sparks change, accelerates progress, or brings new energy to a situation without being consumed by it.

CATalyst brings it all together—CAT Group Presentations, hands-on Board Service Workshops, and a vibrant Nonprofit Fair where you can mix, mingle, and connect with Lancaster’s nonprofit leaders and organizations.

Registration for CATalyst is live on our website! Join us and spark lasting change in your community, and in your leadership.

https://leadershiplancaster.org/event/catalyst/