H&M’s Shannon Robinson, is currently participating in the Marion Area Leadership Program. The Marion Area Chamber of Commerce shares the following information about the program on their website:

 The Marion Area Leadership Program was initiated in 1991 by a group of citizens concerned about the lack of new leadership in the community.  As Marion continued to grow and develop, it was felt that there would be a need for a continuous pool of individuals to fill diverse leadership needs throughout the community.

It is the mission of Leadership Marion! to invite high-potential candidates from throughout the Marion area to join in a journey to better understand Marion’s history, its current challenges and its future possibilities.  Together, they explore essential building blocks of our community – from education, business and government to health care and social services.

Marion Area Leadership Program participants attend nine sessions beginning in September and continuing with day-long sessions each month through May. During this time, they have the opportunity to develop and implement new leadership skills as well as learn about the community of Marion. Community topics include local history, educational issues, governmental structures, social service needs, economic development, EnVISIONing the 21st Century activities and health care. Participants not only learn about these areas, but also have the opportunity to explore leadership possibilities and involvement. Presentations to the class are supplemented by tours and site visits. By the end of the program, participants have learned more than they ever imagined they could about their community. Also, many of the skills which have been developed carry over into the participants’ work and personal lives.

Although a life-long resident of Marion County, Shannon is excited to learn more about Marion and develop her leadership skills both personally and professionally.  Despite only having had two session so far, Shannon has already made many new connections with other members of the community and has learned new information about some of the organizations and businesses in Marion.  Shannon looks forward to connecting with more members of the class, learning much more about Marion and her community, and helping formalize and complete a class project to benefit Marion. Check back for more updates on Shannon’s experience.

Congatulations, Shannon!