News

LaMicah Harris

Never in my 17 years of living have I been in a session that was better than the one that Leadership Orlando provided for Class 79 on July 20, 2010. That day was full of knowledge, and I love these types of opportunities.

Politics, Business, Campaigning, and making Orlando a better place to live were what that day was all about. Within each of those subjects, we dug deeper to see how to make businesses more successful, see who’s running for office in Orange County, and learn campaigning pointers.

While it may not sound like fun for people with no interest in those areas or those who’ve been attending these sessions forever, for me, being a very inquisitive intern hoping to become an expert at business and political issues, it was no doubt one of the best days of my life. Need I mention that the session was nine hours long, including a Luncheon with some very important people in Orlando? If you aren’t smiling yet, I really don’t know what will make you smile.

At the Session we had some phenomenal speakers: Virginia Whittington, Michael “Mike” Ketchum, Mark Mills, Derek Bruce, Bill Sublette, The Honorable Bill Segal, and lots more. So with me being able to sit in and listen to each and every one of them was like a dream come true. I say such a thing because there was so much information provided throughout the session, and I feel that the information they provided can help make me become a very successful person one day.

Bill Sublette, candidate for Orange County School Board Chair, and The Honorable Bill Segal, candidate for Orange County Mayor, address Leadership Orlando class.
Leadership Orlando participants hear from business and community leaders on “Business Advocacy and Impacting Public Policy” and “Politics in Central Florida” Click here for Agenda listing of panelists. Click here for more photos from this event.

You know, I never gave it much thought to worry about who is running for whatever position in the Orange County. Now that I’m a bit wiser, I will be sure to stay posted on who’s trying to make a difference in my county. I’m also wiser about what amendments are trying to get passed, and I will be sure that my family, friends, and neighbors Vote No on Amendment Four. I may not be able to vote, but I’d rather be aware of the issues than nonchalant about things that could have a big impact on my life. I want what’s best for my school system, my community, and the businesses in my region. So, I encourage those that are able to please get involved because you too can help make a difference.

With my goal of going off to Florida State University and Majoring in Business Administration, interning here at the “Five Star” Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce is a great opportunity for me. I love the exposure that the wonderful people here have been showing me. Each and everyone here makes me feel like I have known them for years. I could be wrong, but I don’t think there’s another group of people that are contributing to the Central Florida Region better than the ones here.

Meanwhile, I’m going to keep learning, preparing, and researching my plans for the future. And I know for a fact that if I keep faith in “The Man Upstairs” I shall prosper. Thanks Leadership Orlando!!!!

LaMicah Harris is a Rising Senior (Senior) at Evans High School and is a Summer Intern, provided by Professional Opportunities Program for Students (P.O.P.S.).

If you have been looking for the “right” time to participate in Leadership Orlando, or know someone who should be in the room for these discussions, now is indeed the perfect time to be a part of America’s largest Community Leadership program, Leadership Orlando. Preparing for the future of our region is up to each of us. Now is the time to learn about the issues, participate in the difficult conversations and help in guiding our future.

Enrollment is currently underway for Class 80, scheduled to begin in September. Space is limited, so don’t delay! The online enrollment form and the full schedule may be accessed at www.orlando.org/leadership. Should you have questions, contact Kathy Panter at 407.835.2499 or via email at Kathy.Panter@ideastoresults.org.

About Leadership Orlando
Developing regional leaders is important to the future success of the Central Florida Region. That is why “Regional Leadership” is a primary line of business for the Central Florida Partnership. With over thirty years of proven success, Leadership Orlando, America’s largest “Community Leadership Program,” continues to encourage, cultivate and recruit emerging leaders to better serve the Central Florida Region.

Working together with Orlando, Inc. (Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce) focused on Regional Entrepreneurship, BusinessForce (Public Policy Advocacy), and myregion.org (Regional Research & Resolves), the Central Florida Partnership is moving “Ideas to Results.”

Click here to learn more about Leadership Orlando
Click here for a listing of the 2010 Leadership Team