Leadership Jefferson

Leadership Jefferson is a nine-month program designed to develop a diverse network of dedicated business and community leaders. Facilitated by a professional leadership team, the interactive workshops expose participants to local leaders and activists working to resolve critical issues facing Jefferson Parish. Specific session topics include education, healthcare, quality of life concerns, criminal justice, diversity, community involvement and economic development.

The application process takes place each June and is a benefit for members of the Jefferson Chamber. A company MUST be a member of the Jefferson Chamber in order to submit an application. For further questions, please contact Alicia Frazier at alicia@jeffersonchamber.org.

Program Overview

Kick-off Retreat

To facilitate the intense discussion and interaction we expect from program participants, we must allow them to develop a mutual respect and connection with each other. The program emphasizes teamwork, and the orientation session focuses on recognizing individual leadership abilities and their application in a team environment.

The Leadership Jefferson Class of 2020 kicked off an exciting year at the Biloxi Visitors Center on the Gulf Coast. The class learned about the Emergenetics of their brains and how we all work together as structural, analytical, social, or conceptual leaders and colleagues. Through activities and discussion, each class member learned more about how and why we act and react in various situations. The class also enjoyed time getting to know each other with a social hour and dinner. The retreat closed on Friday afternoon with everyone prepared to take on the issues of Jefferson Parish with new and more focused perspectives!

Quality of Life

This session bridges the Kick-off retreat with the framework for the rest of the year. A trip to Westwego kicks off the first official session of the year. The day’s focus includes, but is not limited to, the elements that improve the quality of life/quality of place.

The Quality of Life session was held on Tuesday, October 9^th at the Westwego Community Center. The Panel included Jefferson Parish Councilmen Keith Conley, Dominick Impastato, and Ricky Templet, and was moderated by Leadership Jefferson Alumni Brian Moldaner. The class also toured the Westwego Museum and learned more about the history of our great parish.

Healthcare

Economic Development

Education

Historically, a panel is invited to field questions by participants on the growing concern of our national educational system and how new bills/laws will affect us locally (A visit to Archbishop Chapelle High and Alfred Bonnabel High round out the day). We take a look at all of the types of educational systems we provide in Jefferson parish – private, public, parochial and the newly added charter school.

Diversity & Inclusion

Governance

A major challenge every community faces is trying to inform citizens about government. Many perceive the political structure to be complicated and beyond their reach; the program works to give the participants an up close look at our parish’s political structure to demystify and educate everyone on local government. The highlight of the day is when participants are able to take a jail tour and see what life is really like behind bars.

Community Involvement

Closing Retreat

Graduation