Transformation begins at the core: Urban Core Collective launches Transformational Leaders Program

On Friday, May 17, the Urban Core Collective (UCC) launched its eight-month Transformational Leaders Program (TLP), designed to equip 23 young leaders with the critical skills and knowledge needed to fill influential positions across Grand Rapids. The endeavor is made possible thanks to a $2 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

It's a win-win proposition all around: diversity in community leadership produces diversity of thought, which in turn leads to innovative strategies, supports racial equity, and enhances the quality of life for all members of the community. The aim is to increase the capacity and accessibility of supportive services -- health, education, and other resources -- to people of color and marginalized families residing in Grand Rapids.

"Together we can move mountains and that is the beautiful thing about these organizations coming together to affect change," says Latesha Lipscomb, program support assistant for the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI).

During the monthly TLP learning sessions, participants will engage in a multi-faceted learning approach: from reading assignments, workshops, exercises, case studies, and webinars, to team projects, creation of a Career and Life Portfolio, and a series of off-site experiential learning sessions. Participants may serve on the board of a nonprofit community organization, volunteer to lead an initiative targeted to help address an issue, or offer up some other contribution of time, effort, and financial support.

Corporate and organizational mentors include Varnum Law Center, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Spectrum Health, Steelcase University, Michigan State College of Human Medicine, Grand Valley State University-Johnson Center, Goei Center, Cascade Engineering, and others.

The Urban Core Collective comprises six organizations: the Baxter Community Center, 935 Baxter SE; Family Outreach Center, 1939 Division Ave. S; Grand Rapids African American Health Institute, 301 Michigan St. NE, Suite 400; Grand Rapids Urban League, 745 Eastern Ave. SE; Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, 1204 Grandville Ave. SW; and United Methodist Community House, 904 Sheldon Ave. SE.

Get involved:

- Follow the Urban Core Collective's Facebook page to stay abreast of the organization's progress.

Source: Kim Bode, 834 Design & Marketing
Writer: Victoria Mullen, Do Good Editor

Images: Courtesy of the Urban Core Collective