Preparing Leaders for Today and Tomorrow – Celebrating New Class of Leadership Academy Graduates

Leadership isn’t about having a title. It’s about having a voice, sharing ideas, helping others and being willing to make a difference. This month, the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) celebrated four local leaders who are ready to do just that.

At its September Board Meeting, the MCBDD proudly recognized the newest graduates of its six-month Leadership Academy, celebrating the accomplishments of Lauren Bonus, Amanda Kracker, Alyssa Nutter, and Joe Tortiano.

The Leadership Academy was created to help people with developmental differences build the skills, confidence and connections they need to take on meaningful leadership roles in their communities. Now in its fourth year, the program continues to demonstrate that people with developmental disabilities have valuable ideas, perspectives and talents to bring to community organizations and decision-making tables.

“When we started the Leadership Academy, we knew there were individuals with developmental differences who had the drive and passion to become more involved in their communities,” said Nicole Richter, Community Supports Manager. “Our goal was to provide the skills, support and training to help turn that passion into leadership opportunities.” This year, Molly Usner, MCBDD Advocacy Coordinator and Maggie Skultety, MCBDD Training Specialist, shared the duties of helping support participants throughout their leadership journey.

Over six months, participants explored what it means to be a leader and developed practical skills they can use in their personal, professional and community lives. Training included communication and listening, problem-solving, time management, interviewing, developing a personal profile, understanding nonprofit boards and creating individualized leadership goals.

But the learning did not stop in the classroom. Participants attended a Medina County Commissioners meeting, took part in a civic activity and heard directly from leaders representing local community organizations. These experiences gave participants an opportunity to see leadership in action and begin building connections within the community.

The four members of the 2026 graduating class were selected based on the strength of their applications and their existing involvement in advocacy and community activities. “We have watched this class learn, grow and step into their roles as future leaders,” Skultety said. “Each person came into the program with their own experiences, ideas and passion for giving back. Over the past six months, they have built on those strengths and gained new skills and confidence.”

For the graduates, completing the Leadership Academy is more than the end of a six-month program, it’s the beginning of what comes next. MCBDD hopes the skills, connections and confidence gained through the Leadership Academy will inspire graduates to pursue leadership opportunities on community boards, participate in civic activities, advocate for others and continue making their voices heard.

“We are incredibly proud of everything this class has accomplished,” Usner said. “We know they have important things to say and valuable contributions to make. We can’t wait to see where their leadership takes them next.”

Four graduates. Six months of learning. A lifetime of possibilities. MCBDD congratulates Lauren, Amanda, Alyssa and Joe and looks forward to seeing the difference they will make as the next generation of community leaders.