Engage Richland - New Program Launch

Engage Richland is a new program of the Mansfield-Richland Area Educational Foundation. The cohort of 16 young professionals began their journey in October with a leadership workshop and will continue with tours, mentoring, and a community capstone project.

The program empowers participants representing multiple industries to talk with decision-makers through business tours and discussions. They will discover opportunities for civic engagement such as volunteering, donating, and board service.

Program days consist of leadership development sessions, mentor meetings, and business tours focused on local government, workforce development, economic development, tourism, and health and wellness.

The leaders participated in a workshop to understand the way they currently lead, and how to engage in exemplary leadership behaviors more frequently. They took an assessment that generated a customized report with the next steps and suggestions for improvement in each of the leadership behaviors. Funds raised during Richland Gives will be applied toward the leadership assessment cost of $200 per person.

Participants are paired with a mentor to discuss their leadership, career, and civic engagement goals.

A capstone project will allow participants to advise Rubies Womens Group on a fundraising project.

The goal is for young professionals to grow in leadership development, community familiarization, and professional network growth as a result of the program. Realistically, participants could also find a board role or volunteer position.