A Celebration of Leadership: How the GRCC’s Signature Program Helps Support a Region of People We Believe In

Every year, I get to witness something that genuinely fills my cup: a room full of Rockford's next generation of leaders who spent nearly a year in our intensive Leadership Rockford program. These people showed up, leaned in, and walked away seeing their community in a whole new light. That's Leadership Rockford, and it's one of the most meaningful programs I have the privilege of being part of. 

Leadership Rockford is a fan-favorite amongst our members. Every other week for 10 months, participants gather to tour and explore different pillars of our region. Topics and tours include criminal justice, the media, manufacturing, parks and recreation, healthcare, and more. It's immersive, eye-opening, and a little addictive. (I went through the program myself, and it absolutely changed the way I see Rockford.) 

This year's participants make up the 71st graduating cohort joining over 2,000 alumni since the program's founding in 1967. That's 57 years of introducing leaders to each other, to their community, and to the full depth of what makes this region remarkable. 

What This Year's Cohort Had to Say

This year, my favorite moments came from social media. I found myself scrolling through post after post from participants, moved by what I read. The theme that kept showing up? Gratitude. 

"Hearing how local organizations collaborate and genuinely prioritize the greater good was a powerful reminder that real impact happens when we work together." 

"Walking away from these sessions, I have a renewed appreciation for the organizations that enrich our daily lives — and I've built new relationships, gained valuable perspective, and I'm proud to say — I'm from Rockford." 

"The more we can tell our own regional success stories as community members, the more we can attract and retain good people to Rockford. We don't have mountains or warm winters with beaches, but we have a lot of great things happening." 

"Feeling grateful for this eye-opening experience and for the people in Rockford who show up every single day to make a difference." 

"Grateful for days like this, and even more grateful to call Rockford home." 

Gratitude to employers for believing in them. Gratitude to the leaders who showed up at our sessions. Gratitude for the hard work being done across this region. Gratitude to call this place home. That kind of gratitude comes from people being seen, invested in, and given access to the full story of their community. 

To Our 2025/2026 Graduates
Carry that spirit of gratitude with you. Keep the hunger to learn, lean into collaboration, and ask great questions. Raise your hand, come to the table, show up in the room. Leadership matters. You matter to this region.

We’re always available at the GRCC. We’re here for coffee, a connection, or whiteboarding your next big idea. Both the GRCC and I are incredibly excited for what lies ahead, for you and for our region.

Ready to Be Part of the Next Cohort?
Applications for the next Leadership Rockford cohort are open now. Whether you're nominating yourself or investing in a rising leader at your organization, this is one of the most meaningful things you can do for your team — and for Rockford. 

Sign up for Leadership Rockford today.