## Level Up Your Business Savvy: PNW’s Newest Leaders Graduate!
Are you a gamer who dreams of conquering the business world? Then you’ll want to hear about the latest victory in the Pacific Northwest! A cohort of ambitious entrepreneurs and innovators just graduated from a prestigious leadership program, ready to take on the challenges of the global market.

Think of them as the ultimate power-up for the PNW’s economy. Their journey, fueled by strategy, collaboration, and a whole lot of grit, is a story that gamers and business enthusiasts alike will find inspiring.

Key Takeaways from the Graduates’ Experiences

The PNW leadership cohort’s graduation ceremony provided a unique opportunity for the graduates to reflect on their experiences and share valuable lessons that can be applied to business and leadership. One of the key takeaways from the graduates’ experiences is the importance of embracing challenges and taking risks. Regina Biddings-Muro, a former PNW vice chancellor, shared her personal story of taking a leap of faith and leaving her comfortable life in Northwest Indiana to take on a new role at California Lutheran University. Her experience serves as a reminder that challenges can often lead to growth and opportunities for development.
Another key takeaway from the graduates’ experiences is the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership development. The PNW leadership cohort’s emphasis on community and collaboration has contributed to its success, and the graduates’ experiences demonstrate the value of fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect.
The graduates’ experiences also highlight the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. David Bolton, the PNW Student Government Association President, shared his own story of overcoming challenges and persisting through difficult times.

Lessons from the Graduates’ Experiences
- Embracing challenges and taking risks can lead to growth and opportunities for development.
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential components of effective leadership development.
- Perseverance and resilience are critical skills for overcoming challenges and achieving success.
- Establishing a culture of inclusivity and respect.
- Fostering a culture of perseverance and resilience.
- Providing opportunities for growth and development.
- Encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The PNW leadership cohort’s emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion has contributed to its success, and the graduates’ experiences demonstrate the value of fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, organizations can create a more effective and efficient work environment that benefits all employees.
Practical Applications and Next Steps
Businesses and organizations can apply the lessons from the PNW leadership cohort by embracing challenges and taking risks, prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and fostering a culture of perseverance and resilience. By implementing these strategies, organizations can create a more effective and efficient work environment that benefits all employees and drives business success.
Strategies for implementing similar programs and initiatives include:
Women on the Rise: Northwest Indiana’s Emerging Leaders
Meet the 2024 Women on the Rise
The Leadership Institute and Society of Innovators at PNW have named the 2024 Women on the Rise, a list of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs who are making an impact across Northwest Indiana. These women are shaping business, guiding communities, and encouraging economic growth in the region.
The 2024 Women on the Rise include:
- Samantha Bean, director of marketing and communications for the Porter County Community Foundation.
- Felicia Blakely, executive pastor of High Praise Outreach Ministries and founder of Diamonds and Pearls Mentorship for Girls.
- Whitney Bradshaw, curator of the Lubeznik Center for the Arts.
- The importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
- The value of fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect.
- The importance of prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Profiles of the Women on the Rise
Samantha Bean is a marketing communicator and graphic designer with a passion for helping others. She currently serves as the director of marketing and communications for the Porter County Community Foundation and is a freelance graphic designer.
Felicia Blakely is the executive pastor of High Praise Outreach Ministries and founder of Diamonds and Pearls Mentorship for Girls. She has served in the role for 19 years and has been a registered medical assistant for over 20 years.
Whitney Bradshaw is an artist and curator of the Lubeznik Center for the Arts. She has worked with stakeholders from the federal government, tribal communities, and conservation groups to develop a white paper on Tribal co-management of public lands.
Leadership and Innovation in Northwest Indiana
The Leadership Institute and Society of Innovators at PNW are playing a critical role in fostering innovation and leadership in Northwest Indiana. By recognizing and supporting emerging leaders, these organizations are helping to drive economic growth and development in the region.
The importance of recognizing and supporting emerging leaders cannot be overstated. By providing opportunities for growth and development, organizations can create a more effective and efficient work environment that benefits all employees.
Practical Advice and Takeaways
The Women on the Rise offer valuable insights and advice for business and leadership. Some practical takeaways from their experiences include:
Practical Advice for Businesses and Organizations
Businesses and organizations can apply the lessons from the PNW leadership cohort and the Women on the Rise by embracing challenges and taking risks, prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and fostering a culture of perseverance and resilience. By implementing these strategies, organizations can create a more effective and efficient work environment that benefits all employees and drives business success.
Some practical advice for businesses and organizations includes:
- Establishing a culture of inclusivity and respect.
- Fostering a culture of perseverance and resilience.
- Providing opportunities for growth and development.
- Encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Establishing diversity and inclusion training programs.
- Creating a culture of respect and inclusivity.
- Providing opportunities for growth and development.
By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, organizations can create a more effective and efficient work environment that benefits all employees. This can be achieved by:
Scaling and Replicating the Program’s Impact
The PNW leadership cohort’s success can be replicated and scaled through strategic planning and implementation. Some strategies for scaling and replicating the program’s impact include:
- Establishing partnerships with other organizations and institutions.
- Developing and implementing effective evaluation and assessment tools.
- Providing ongoing support and resources for participants.
By scaling and replicating the program’s impact, organizations can create a more effective and efficient work environment that benefits all employees and drives business success.
Conclusion
Here is a comprehensive conclusion for the article:
In conclusion, the recent graduation of the leadership cohort marks a significant milestone in the region’s business landscape. As discussed, this cohort comprised of talented individuals from various industries, who underwent an intensive training program focused on leadership development, networking, and community building. The program’s success is evident in the graduates’ testimonials, which highlight the transformative impact of the cohort on their personal and professional lives.
The significance of this cohort lies in its potential to drive positive change in the region. As these leaders return to their respective organizations, they are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and network to tackle complex business challenges and contribute to the region’s growth. Moreover, this cohort serves as a model for future leadership development initiatives, demonstrating the power of collaboration and investment in human capital. Looking ahead, it will be exciting to see how these leaders will shape the region’s business landscape and address pressing challenges such as diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As we celebrate this achievement, we are reminded that the true measure of success lies not in the graduation itself, but in the ripple effect of positive change that these leaders will create in the years to come. As they assume leadership roles, they will be the torchbearers of a brighter, more sustainable future for the PNW region. In the words of a graduating cohort member, “Leadership is not about titles, it’s about the impact you make on the lives of others.” As we conclude, let us remember that the true power of this cohort lies not in their individual achievements, but in the collective difference they will make in the lives of others.