Testimonials

“I joined Leadership Ontario to gain a deeper understanding of the community I grew up in and to learn about the different organizations I was unfamiliar with. After my year in Leadership Ontario, I have been able to get involved in multiple county boards, taken on leadership positions and transitioned to a career that allows me to work more closely with community partners on a daily basis. Through my experience with Leadership Ontario, I have become a better leader and community member and am fully committed to making a difference in Ontario County.”

“As someone who lives in Monroe County (Rochester) and works in Ontario County (Canandaigua), Leadership Ontario provided me a much bigger and better understanding of the community New York Kitchen operates within. This has allowed me to pursue strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations, and better align New York Kitchen’s community engagement efforts to best serve locals and tourists alike. The connections I’ve made with peers from my cohort is icing on the professional development cake!”

“Participating in Leadership Ontario introduced me to a talented network of local leaders and organizations, each contributing to our County in a unique way. Ontario County thanks our Board of Supervisors for initiating Leadership Ontario and for their financial investment in developing community leaders.”

“Leadership Ontario provided me with a deeper understanding of the many resources Ontario County offers its residents, reflection and insight on the leader I am, and introduced me to a network of professionals that I have since called on for a variety of opportunities. This cohort-based professional development is a must do for professionals, new and established, within the region.”

“Leadership Ontario is an important and meaningful way to connect with leaders in the area. I was able to learn from others while working on my own personal skills and development. As a lifelong resident of Ontario County, I still discovered and observed so much about my community and the surrounding communities, which created a greater appreciation and understanding.”

“Leadership Ontario provided an in-depth look at Ontario County and connected me with professionals in diverse industries including education, tourism, business, agriculture, public health, and government. This has been beneficial for collaborations, development within my own organization, and a deeper understanding of our county-wide community.”

“As someone who works with the Ontario County community, but lives elsewhere, Leadership Ontario allowed me to learn more about the resources and systems here. Gaining knowledge on these networks has provided important context for my work. Going through the program with other local leaders who care about the community has been inspiring, and it’s been fun getting to know and connect with the cohort.”

“I have been so inspired by all of the people I have met in this program. It has been a truly memorable experience, making lasting connections and developing me in ways that no other professional development experience has.”

“Leadership Ontario has been an excellent way to network and learn about ways that I can get more involved in the county in which I live. I've met dozens of leaders in Ontario County through this program and my new network makes me feel much more confident in my ability to find a way to get involved and make a difference in my community.”

“It is an immersive year-long experience where you’ll have the opportunity to build leadership skills, learn more about the community, connect with key stakeholders, and see what we can do to work together to foster the future of Ontario County.”

“The leadership training has been invaluable to my growth as a leader and I really enjoy having the backdrop of seeing these lessons in action as we rotate to organizations around the County. If you're motivated, open, and eager to learn, you’ll find all the tools at Leadership Ontario you need to further your role as a leader.”

“Leadership Ontario is a great way to start a support network. Leadership isn't a single person at the top making all the decisions. It is a group of people working together, listening to each other, and coming up with the best solutions to problems.”

“Canandaigua National Bank is a proud supporter of the Leadership Ontario program. Our past participants have improved their core leadership skills, and built relationships with other program attendees. In addition, they have learned about many aspects of Ontario County and the richness of what our county offers to those who live, work, and play in our communities. We highly recommend this interactive and engaging program!”