Burbank, CA – The Burbank Chamber of Commerce is proud to highlight one of their members, Leadership Burbank, for their contribution to the Burbank community. Leadership Burbank is a community-based organization that offers a hands-on leadership training program for people who live or work in Burbank. Emerging community leaders have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of community dynamics, and build a network of colleagues and associates throughout the city.
“Leadership Burbank makes a meaningful and positive impact in our city,” said Chamber CEO Tom Flavin, “[Leadership Burbank] brings together up and coming leaders from our business, non-profit, and public sector communities. And it strengthens our City by preparing them to be effective leaders in whichever path of service or community engagement they choose to pursue.”
Leadership Burbank’s centerpiece is a 9-month leadership course open to individuals who live or work in Burbank. Meeting one Friday per month from September through May, class members have the opportunity to connect with community leaders, discuss and engage with issues facing the City of Burbank, and learn about their own leadership styles.
The class is traditionally composed of representatives from different City departments, major employers, non-profits and community organizations, and representatives from Burbank’s small business community. “I met a diverse group of students and instructors who introduced me to amazing things in our community,” reflects Kathy Sessinghaus, Food Services Director for the Burbank Unified School District.
Leadership Burbank Class of 2017
In addition to the course, each Class completes a service project, designed to make a lasting contribution to the Burbank community. The Leadership Burbank Class of 2017 partnered with the Family Service Agency of Burbank (FSA), raising over $30,000 to help furnish and supply the FSA’s new Wellness Center at John Burrough’s High School. The Wellness Center will provide mental health services to Burbank students, and follows in the footsteps of a similar center, now operating with great success, at Burbank High School. Previous projects include:
- 2016: Creating an employment training center at the Burbank Temporary Aid Center
- 2015: Renovating the front garden of the Boys & Girls Club of Burbank and the Greater East Valley
- 2014: Creating an outdoor oasis at the Joslyn Adult Center
- 2013: Providing 31 violins (and more) to elementary schools in the Burbank Unified School District
Leadership Burbank Class of 2015 Project Ribbon Cutting
Leadership Burbank alumni have gone on to hold a range of leadership positions throughout Burbank, including:
- Public sector:
- Burbank Water and Power
- Hollywood Burbank Airport
- Burbank Chamber of Commerce
- Burbank Unified School District
- Community non-profits:
- Burbank Arts for All
- Kids Community Dental Clinic
- Burbank Temporary Aid Center
- Burbank YMCA
- Family Promise of the Verdugos
- Boys & Girls Club of Burbank and the Greater East Valley
- Family Service Agency
- City Boards & Commissions:
- Building and Fire Code Appeals
- Burbank Housing Corporation
- BWP Board
- Cultural Arts Commission
- Heritage Commission
- Landlord-Tenant Commission
- Library Trustees
- Parks & Recreation
- Planning Board
- Police Commission
- Sustainable Burbank Commission
- Senior Citizen Board
Individuals interested in applying for Leadership Burbank should download and complete an application, and send it to Barbara Miller ([email protected]). The deadline for the next year’s Class is in mid-July. Prospective members may also attend a Recruitment Mixer at 6:30pm on May 17th, 2017, at Nickelodeon Animation Studios For security purposes, attendees must RSVP with Barbara Miller ([email protected]).
About the Burbank Chamber of Commerce: The Burbank Chamber of Commerce is the leading public policy advocate for business, promoting economic growth and initiatives that enhance and preserve quality of life in the Burbank Community. The Chamber represents nearly 1,000 members businesses, and their 33,000+ employees, in and around Burbank. For more information, or to join the Chamber, please email Chris Hunter ([email protected]).