LEONARDTOWN, MD – April 1, 2022: On March 25, 2022, Leadership Southern Maryland’s Emerging Leaders Program (LEAP) Class of 2022 held its third of six program sessions. The focus for the session was mentoring and networking relationships.

The day opened with a networking icebreaker activity followed by a segment on the 30-second elevator pitch presented by Wynne Briscoe, regional director of the Maryland Small Business Development Center, Southern Region. The class rounded out the morning with a discussion on intentional networking led by Patrick Haley LSM’17, president of OakPoint Insurance.

After lunch, the class interacted with Calvert County leaders: Commissioner Steve Weems, Deputy Director Danita Boonchaisri from Calvert County Department of Economic Development, and Cpl. Bill Rector LSM’19 of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office. The panel discussion was moderated by Destiny Allen LEAP’20, program officer, Local Initiatives Support Corporation.

The afternoon session continued with a presentation on choosing a mentor given by Mayor Mike Benton of North Beach, Maryland. The final portion of the day featured an open space activity with Leslie Fazio LSM’22, team effectiveness and coaching team lead for NAVAIR and the Emergenetics and session facilitator for LEAP Class of 2022.

At the conclusion of the program day, the class adjourned to Brick Wood Fire Bistro to continue the conversation and reflect on the day’s events.

Leadership Southern Maryland’s Emerging Leaders Program (LEAP) provides educational programming opportunities to new or emerging leaders in the region. Through a series of six “experiences,” young leaders facilitate, foster, and refine their individual leadership understanding and abilities via structured course curriculum and a focus on self-discovery, teamwork, and networking. Experts from across the region and state representing business, government, education, and the nonprofit community serve as panelists and guest speakers.