Leadership for Five Seasons

Attention current sophomores and sophomore parents at local area high schools: it's Youth LFS application time! Check with your school's guidance office for applications and your school's deadline. You could be part of the Youth Class of 2027! https://www.cedarrapids.org/membership/leadership-for-five-seasons-cr-metro-economic-alliance/lfs-youth-class/

Congratulations to this year's Leadership for Five Seasons adult class scholarship recipients: Molly Stuelke with Trees Forever was awarded the Shive-Hattery scholarship and Lindsey Kaefring with Area Substance Abuse Council - ASAC who was supported by the Vestweber Family Scholarship. Both classmates have had an incredible experience- THANKS to these generous donors!

We had a great turnout for the LFS Spring Alumni Society Lunch today at the Mount Mercy University Graduate Center! 🌼 🥗 Over 40 Alumni Society members enjoyed lunch with friends and an inspiring message from Class of ‘11 alum Karen Schumacher. 🤩 Not part of the LFS Alumni Society yet? There’s still time to join and be in on exclusive opportunities and events: https://www.cedarrapids.org/events/detail/eventid13558/

In case you haven't heard, applications for the Adult LFS Class of 2027 are now OPEN! https://www.cedarrapids.org/membership/leadership-for-five-seasons-cr-metro-economic-alliance/lfs-adult-class/lfs-adult-class-of-2027-application/

Don’t have lunch plans today? Head to Big Grove CR between 11-2 for dine in or takeout and 10% of their sales will be donated to the Leadership for Five Seasons adult class fundraiser with Tanager! It’s a tasty way to support a great non-profit! Can’t make it today? Check out next week’s dinner event!

Dine out and make a difference 🍽️

Join us at Big Grove Brewery in Cedar Rapids to support a great cause. The Leadership for Five Seasons Adult Class is hosting a fundraiser to help build a new outdoor playground for our Bright Foundations Therapeutic Child Care Center.

📅 Friday, March 27 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Lunch)
📅 Thursday, April 2 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Dinner)

On both dates, 10% of all dine-in and takeout sales will be donated to support this project.

Can’t make it? You can still support this project by clicking the link in our bio!

Amazing Youth LFS Service Day today at Eastern Iowa Arts Academy! 💪 Seeing what they do for the community is truly inspiring. Big shout out to our friends at Klinger Paint Company and Lowe's Home Improvement for donating paint and supplies! Stay tuned for pics from the Youth Class of 2026 graduation!

While it might not feel like spring just yet- it's time to register for the LFS Alumni Society Spring Lunch! Spots are limited for this free event.

Not yet a member of the LFS Alumni Society or need to renew for 2026? Check out event details and a link to Alumni Society registration here: https://www.cedarrapids.org/events/detail/eventid13676/

A first for Leadership for Five Seasons! 🎉

This morning we brought together our Youth and Adult Leadership classes for the very first Youth/Adult Mix & Mingle, creating space for networking, career conversations, and connections across generations of leaders. We loved seeing the energy in the room as juniors from local high schools shared ideas and experiences with their adult LFS counterparts!
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🚀💼 Youth Leadership for Five Seasons – Business & Entrepreneurship Day Recap

Our LFS Youth class dove headfirst into the world of business and innovation at the Cherry Building in the heart of NewBo!

The day kicked off at de Novo Ideas Institute with ice breakers, an introduction to entrepreneurship from Scott Swenson, followed by a hands-on business brainstorm where students developed and pitched their own ideas. 💡

Students then heard directly from local leaders representing The Warehouse Salon, Van Meter, and de Novo Marketing, gaining insight into entrepreneurship, growth, and leadership in action.

Students enjoyed lunch at Parlor City Pub & Eatery and learned about Kirkwood Community College’s Workplace Learning Connection job shadow and internship opportunities.

The afternoon focused on building professional presence and workplace leadership skills before heading out into the NewBo district for behind-the-scenes tours of Almost Famous Popcorn, The Hangry Lady, and NewBo City Market. Students heard firsthand what it takes to start, sustain, and scale a business right here in our community.

Thanks to all of our speakers, hosts, and planning committee members along with our sponsors Collins Aerospace and Hills Bank for making this day possible!

Do you know individuals that should apply for the upcoming LFS Adult Class? Applications open in April and we're hosting several virtual info sessions to tell individuals and employers everything they need to know about the program and how to apply! Help us spread the word!
https://www.cedarrapids.org/membership/leadership-for-five-seasons-cr-metro-economic-alliance/lfs-adult-class/

🍎 Executive LFS Education Night Recap ✏️

Our Executive LFS cohort gathered in January to explore how education is shaping and responding to needs in our region.

Starting at Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, the group was welcomed by Executive LFS '24 alum and Cedar Rapids Community School District superintendent, Dr. Tawana Lannin. The group toured the non-profit’s new location in a repurposed elementary school and learned how equal access to the arts benefits individuals of all ages through self expression, creativity, and community. 🎨

Leaders from Cedar Rapids Prep, City View/Iowa BIG, and Junior Achievement’s 3DE shared how alternative models and experiential learning are preparing students in innovative and meaningful ways.

The conversation then moved to Kirkwood Community College, where we connected education directly to workforce needs. After dinner and networking, we heard from Workplace Learning Connection about building bridges between students and employers, followed by insights from Kirkwood Corporate Training on emerging workforce trends, employer challenges, and practical solutions.

The evening concluded with a behind-the-scenes tour of Jones Hall’s Industrial Technologies programs, offering a look at the hands-on training developing our region’s next generation of skilled professionals. 🤝

Thank you to all of our hosts and presenters for investing in this important dialogue and what you contribute a bright future for our community! ☀️

💼 Adult LFS Business & Entrepreneur Day Recap 🚀

Last month, Adult LFS spent a full day exploring what it really takes to start, scale, and sustain businesses in our region — from early-stage ideas to established companies and CEO-level leadership.

The day started off with an ice breaker and interactive brainstorm/shark tank activity led by David Tominsky (Novy Ventures), where teams pitched each other business ideas. 💡 That energy carried into our Small Business–Entrepreneurial Panel, featuring Nikki Kettelcamp (SCOUT of marion & Scribe Stationer), LeShawn Smith (Shawnniecakes), Justin Sloan (Everbowl), and Candice Luter (Candice Luter Art + Interiors).

Participants then went behind the scenes with New Leader Manufacturing, touring the facility and hearing from leadership about how they exceed customer expectations and stay a leader in their industry. 🚜

After lunch at Big Grove Brewery CR, the class heard directly from Matt Swift about Big Grove’s entrepreneurial journey and expansion. Next, they toured at AMTek Microwaves., which produces and services industrial microwaves used throughout the world. 🌎

The day wrapped up at TrueNorth with a leadership session from Nate Klein and a dynamic CEO Roundtable discussion, featuring: Jen Skogman (Skogman Companies), Sydney Rieckhoff (Almost Famous Popcorn), Jason Smith(TrueNorth) and Brent Cobb (World Class Industries)

Thank you to Everbowl for sponsoring breakfast, and to all our hosts, speakers, partners, and our amazing alumni planning team! 🙏🏻