The Oxford-Lafayette Chamber of Commerce graduated 19 young leaders last week from its annual eight- month leadership development program, Leadership Lafayette.
Denson Hollis of the The University of Mississippi Foundation recently graduated from Leadership Lafayette.
“It’s an eight month-long program that the Chamber of Commerce puts on and different organizations around the city nominate people within their organization to be in the class,” Hollis said. “Each meeting is held at various locations around town, and we learn about how these places interact with the community and different speakers from the community come around.”
Elise Lee of Lee Family and Cosmetic Dentistry enjoyed participating in this year’s session.
“We have the chance to meet local community leaders, politicians, and law enforcement agencies,” Lee said.
“We really get this great insight into the workings of the city and how we can be better citizens and make our community a better place to live.”
Along with developing personal skills, participants in Leadership Lafayette performed community service.
Lee was a member of the Faulkner Alley Beautification team that started a miniature art gallery in the alley to make it more aesthetically pleasing and highlight the history behind its name.
“One team worked with the local park commission and did a neat animated cartoon map of all the local outdoor areas in the community where people can enjoy themselves with outdoor recreation,” Lee said. “The Get Outdoors Oxford team promoted awareness to the lakes, parks, tennis complexes and pools in the area that many citizens are unaware of.
“It’s a wonderful program that I would highly recommend to any young professionals in the area. It’s a great learning experience, a good networking opportunity and an all-around really superb program.”
Whitney McGraw of Kessinger Real Estate likewise recommends the program to young professionals.
“I thought it was a great opportunity to learn about Oxford, especially if you’re not from here, and learn about different businesses,” McGraw said. “I’m definitely glad I did it and I would encourage other people to do it as well.”
