Leadership Louisville Center programs help produce tangible results by connecting people, ideas and resources in our community. Here are a few examples:

“This story is a work in progress. I was in the 2003 Bingham Fellows class and the topic was “Creating a Cool Downtown”. The class took an overnight trip to Nashville-the “county music capital of the world”. I realized then that visitors to downtown Louisville expecting to see “Derby City” would be disappointed. So the concept of “Derby Boulevard” was born. The idea is to link downtown with Churchill Downs along Fourth Street- a straight shot (16 furlongs) to Central Avenue. This corridor could also serve many other purposes-telling the history of the community and how it developed (Cultural Tourism); Develop new restaurants, bars and retail (Economic Development); Streetscape improvements for alternate-forms of transportation, buses, trolleys and bikeways. (Transportation). Everyone who hears about this is in support and asks “Why hasn’t it been done yet”? My answer is to keep the idea alive, building awareness and support-and keep pushing-until it does happen.”
Steve Eggers (BF 10, 03, 98, LL ’95) Managing Principal, K. Norman Berry Associates Architects

“Leadership Louisville is truly a growth catalyst for the region. It creates a safe space for connection and innovation and gave me the confidence and insight to start a new business. Several of my very first clients were peers from Ignite Louisville and Bingham Fellows. I’ve gained valuable insight from attending member-only events and even spent a month in Germany through a unique opportunity I learned about at the Leadership Louisville Center. Louisville is so fortunate to have such a valuable resource center in the region.”
Christopher G. Padgett (LL ’09, FL ’06), CEO & Leadership Coach, Growth Revolution Inc.

“Being new to a city such as Louisville isn’t always easy. The relationships I formed during my Leadership Louisville time have provided me with new friends, an opportunity to learn more about this great city quicker than imagined, a connection to leaders of the city I may never have met, a desire to help market this city as a place of value many outsiders are not aware of, as well as solid foundation for my future.”
Daphne Herrin (LL ’11, FL ’09) Senior Manager, Meetings & Events, YUM Brands, Inc.

“Leadership Louisville was an incredible experience. I created lifetime friendships with several of my classmates – the contacts and connections that I have made are priceless. The experience also inspired me to become more involved in my community. I am now very active on the board for the Louisville Coalition for the Homeless and am proactive in seeking out opportunities to have an impact.”
Linda Ruffenach (LL ’09, FL ’06), Senior Consultant, Mercer PeoplePro

“Participating in the Leadership Louisville Class of 1995 coincided with my having both daughters graduate from college and becoming an empty-nester. Trusteeship discussions emerged from our Leadership Louisville program days and I asked myself, “What kind of trustee was I willing to become for those who were in need in Louisville?” We left corporate America to start a not-for-profit that would assist in moving families to self-sufficiency. To date we have made the difference for 1,115.”
John Fleming (LL ’95) President, Louisville Community Initiative

“Through the Yum! Brands Ignite Louisville Challenge, I took my involvement with our team’s non-profit agency to the next level and I am now an active member on The Academy at Saint Andrew’s board. Not only am I making a positive impact in the lives of children with autism, I am able to give back to the community that I love and tie in my professional skills with an organization that I am passionate about.”
Emily Bridwell (IL ’12) Communications Specialist, Yum! Brands, Inc.

“Though I live in Columbus, Ohio and Marco Island, Florida now, my experiences with Leadership Louisville catapulted me into some amazing opportunities including starting a leadership program in Worthington, Ohio and helping develop the Leadership Columbus curriculum. My role in the 80’s as spokesperson for the Humana Artificial Heart Project was enhanced by the relationships I built in Leadership Louisville.”
Donna Glanzman (LL ’88) President, DHG Communications

“Sometimes it takes an protracted stretch of time to lend full perspective to an important life experience. Such it is with my participation in the legendary LL Class of ‘89. Starting with SIMSOC on day-one, I forged many strong and wonderful business and social relationships. Over the past 24 years I have called upon those relationships to advance numerous civic and business projects. I’ve also shared thousands of laughs, and a similar number of beers, with my LL friends of nearly a quarter century (could I really have aged that much?). ”
Kent Oyler (LL’89), Greater Louisville Inc.

“Working with Boys and Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana as part of the Ignite Louisville program was a powerful experience for my team. When the program ended, most of us stayed actively involved and I was fortunate to be invited to join their board.”
Emma Oberdieck (IL ’11) Leadership Strategies, Humana Inc.
Read more in the Voice Tribune article, “Get Involved and ‘Ignite’ Kentuckiana”

“Leadership Louisville Center’s involvement by hosting Allan MacRae’s presentation helped lend credibility that opened many doors locally and throughout the state.”
Tom Williams (BF ’04, LL ’03, FL ’97), Stoll Keenon Ogden, PLLC
Read more about how Leadership Louisville Center helped connect key players in a youth justice pilot program.

“My Ignite Louisville classmates and professionals available through the Leadership Louisville Center gave me a wealth of human resources to tap into throughout the transition to the new Mill Creek Leadership Academy.”
Michelle Pennix (IL ’07) Principal, Mill Creek Leadership Academy
Read more about Leadership Louisville Center connections that helped launch Mill Creek Leadership Academy.

“While accompanying a police officer on routine runs in the West End, Robert Blair experienced first hand just exactly why this area of town could benefit from the efforts of Leadership Louisville.” Robert Blair (LL ’93) Founder, West End School