More than 60 people attended a reception hosted by Bergen LEADS at the Hilton in Woodcliff Lake. Guests included members of the current class, as well as alumni, supporters and prospective applicants for the Class of 2011. The reception was sponsored by TD Bank and the Hilton Woodcliff Lake.
After an hour of networking over hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, Janet Sharma, the executive director of the Volunteer Center, welcomed all to the event. David Warshaw, the chair of the Bergen LEADS Advisory Panel, introduced several members of the inaugural Class of 2009 and the Class of 2010, as well as Advisory Panel members and Volunteer Center board members.
Bishop CV Singletary, member of the Class of 2010, chaplain at Bergen Regional Medical Center and scholarship recipient, spoke about his experience in the program and encouraged attendees and funders to support the scholarship fund.
Mike Stern, member of the Class of 2009 and co-chair of Alumni of Bergen LEADS (ABL), spoke about the creation and growth of the alumni organization. ABL was actually formed by a class project team; its mission statement reads: Graduates of Bergen LEADS organized for the purposes of maintaining and further developing relationships among alumni, serving the community of Bergen County, continuing to learn about the needs and resources of Bergen County and influencing public policy.
Mike encourage the current class to remain involved through participation in ABL - as he said: “There is life after Bergen LEADS; it doesn’t end at graduation.”
Lynne Algrant, Bergen LEADS Seminar Co-director and leadership consultant, spoke about what the program has done for her personally, connecting her to right people after she moved to Englewood four years ago. Lynne briefly described some of the activities and benefits of participating in Bergen LEADS.
Amanda Missey, Bergen LEADS Director, wrapped up with an explanation of the application and selection process and tuition assistance. She emphasized that applications must be postmarked by due April 2, 2010.
For those who have been associated with Bergen LEADS, the evening was one more opportunity to catch up with old friends and perhaps discuss a couple of hot topics. For those who are considering making application to the program, it was a fine introduction to the stimulating atmosphere and warm camaraderie that is becoming a hallmark of Bergen LEADS.
To learn more about Bergen LEADS, please visit our website or contact Amanda Missey at amissey@bergenleads.org.
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