The Leadership Learning Lab (LLL), a regional professional development program for nonprofit and community leaders, has reached a significant milestone in Oceana County: 50 local leaders have now participated in the program.
Since its launch, the Lab has steadily expanded its impact by supporting leaders from a wide range of organizations and sectors. Participants have included nonprofit executive directors, emerging leaders, and professionals from business, government, and Tribal Nations—all working to strengthen their organizations and communities.
The Leadership Learning Lab is a year‑long, cohort‑based program designed to help participants build practical leadership skills while staying grounded in their day‑to‑day work. The program combines monthly in‑person workshops, small group discussions, and ongoing peer support. Leaders from Oceana, Mason, and Manistee counties meet locally at the Lakeshore Resource Center in Ludington, while also being part of a broader Northern Michigan network.
Rather than focusing only on traditional leadership training, the Lab emphasizes adaptive leadership—helping participants navigate complex challenges, respond to change, and lead through uncertainty. Sessions explore topics such as:
- Understanding and practicing adaptive leadership
- Strengthening time management and personal effectiveness
- Building collaborative partnerships across organizations and sectors
- Approaching community challenges with shared problem‑solving strategies
Participants are encouraged to bring real‑world challenges from their own organizations into the learning environment. This allows them to test new approaches, reflect on their experiences, and receive feedback from peers, creating a practical and immediately applicable learning experience.
A key component of the program is the relationships it fosters. By working alongside leaders facing similar challenges, participants build trusted peer networks that often continue long after the cohort year ends. These connections help strengthen communication, coordination, and collaboration across organizations serving the region.
The Leadership Learning Lab was developed through a partnership of ten northern Michigan community foundations and is facilitated by Rotary Charities, with funding support from the Frey Foundation and participating community foundations. At the Oceana Community Foundation, the Lab aligns with ongoing efforts to invest in leadership development and build capacity within local nonprofits.
Reaching 50 participants locally highlights the program’s sustained impact—not only on individual leaders, but on the broader community through stronger organizations and deeper cross-sector relationships.
Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Leadership Learning Lab cohort. Those interested in participating are encouraged to learn more about the program and the application process.
Learn more: https://www.rotarycharities.org/leadership-learning-lab or contact Tammy Carey at [email protected] or call 231-869-3377.