Title
Recognition of members of the Parks and Recreation Department Emerging Leaders Program.
Body
BACKGROUND:
In 2022, the Parks and Recreation Department developed an Emerging Leaders Program to equip staff with the skills necessary to transition to a greater role within the organization. The second 5-person class included four members of the Recreation Division and two from the Parks Division. The 12-month curriculum included topics about career planning, organizational values, ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, leadership, teamwork, finance, business planning, effective management, writing, public speaking, presenting, conflict resolution, work/life balance, and professional networking. Each participant was hand-selected by their supervisors due to their potential to grow beyond their current position.
DISCUSSION:
The program consisted of monthly sessions and also included “Branchmaster” public speaking classes. The sessions contained leadership and management style assessments and required reading assignments. The program's culmination required each student to construct and present a business case in a Study Session-style format in front of the Farmers Branch administration. The five members of the Parks and Recreation Emerging Leaders Program include:
• Jocelyn Avina, Recreation Supervisor
• Bonnie Neuman, Historical Park Specialist
• Jennifer Stone, The Branch Connection Assistant Manager
• Luis Delgado, Crew Leader
• Michael Guamancela, Crew Leader
These graduates will have the opportunity to help teach future Emerging Leader sessions.