Community Health Leadership Academy, Class of 2016

l/r: Lisa Westfall, Melinda Izzo, Jeanne Schanzenbach, Cailin Coolbaugh, Victoria O’Neill, Terry Hall, Erica Murphy,Erica Klinedinst.  Not pictured, Kristen McGee

The Community Health Leadership Academy was designed, and is implemented, by the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation.  In the weeks between Labor Day and Thanksgiving, the students learned about diversity, ethics, citizenship, project management, planning, and public speaking all while developing an individual community service project. Some of the needs that the students wanted to address during this program include the rehabilitation of a beloved school, to diet, nutrition and exercise, to reading and education, to overcoming personal challenges and fresh starts.

The Leadership Academy was founded on the belief that the more people get involved in the community for the purpose of positive change, the stronger and healthier the community will be. 89% of the students reported they have seen a change in the way they navigate professional and personal situations. One student said: “Beyond the good ideas, information and skill sets to develop, it was wonderful sharing a table and learning experience with eight amazing, talented, smart and inspirational women who I may have not otherwise have had a chance to know”.