Class XLI
2024-2025
Presenting Sponsor:
Contact: Rachel Ligon | rligon@wacochamber.com | 210-618-7667 mobile | 254-757-5613 office
We want to see your pictures! If you post throughout the class, make sure you tag us and use #LeadershipWaco.
LinkedIn: @LeadershipWaco | Facebook: @LeadershipWaco | Instagram: @GWCLeadershipWaco
About the Program
Leadership Waco benefits Greater Waco by developing informed, connected and activated community leaders.
Purpose & Objectives
PURPOSE
Leadership Waco, a Greater Waco Chamber program, is designed to educate, empower and engage current and emerging leaders to make a difference in our community and prepare them for future leadership roles.
Participants will observe our community's realities, opportunities, and challenges. Each class day, participants will be provided opportunities to discuss what they learned with classmates with the hope that each day's content will be personally impactful.
Each class day will feature lectures, panel discussions, dialogue among speakers, on-site visits, and participant interaction with session leaders.
OBJECTIVES
Leadership Waco is an educational program with the following objectives:
- Educate participants about Greater Waco’s history, government, economy, social issues, challenges, and opportunities.
- Motivate participants to critically evaluate and work to improve, if necessary, current and future community processes.
- Facilitate connections and dialogue among participants, presenters, and community stakeholders.
- Encourage participants to actively engage in future activities that contribute to Greater Waco's growth.
Class Calendar
Class XLI 2024-2025 CALENDAR
Aug. 13th Retreat
Sept. 17th Regional Services Day
Oct. 15th History Day
Nov. 19th Economic Development Day
Sponsored by Extraco Banks
Dec. 17th Nonprofit Day
Jan. 14th Education Day
Sponsored by Baylor University
Feb. 18th Leadership Development Day
Mar. 18th Healthcare Day
Apr. 22nd Tourism Day
Sponsored by Carpenter & Croft, PLLC
May 20th Future Outlook Day
Sponsored by LINC by Extraco
June 17th Government Day
June 24th Graduation Luncheon
Daily Debrief
The debrief portion of the class aims to help participants reflect on how their Leadership Waco experience can enhance their community involvement and professional growth.
In your assigned group of three ("triad"), use the provided metaphors to discuss today's experiences. Spend 20 minutes on this conversation. Afterwards, we'll regroup, and each triad will have the opportunity to share their insights with everyone.
Required Activities
Required Activities
Leadership Waco participants are required to complete two outside activities from the list provided below. Select one experience from Section I and one from Section 2.
Upload a photo of the agenda or a selfie at the event HERE.
Section I - Civic Leadership Event
Waco City Council meets on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. in the Bosque Theater at the Waco Convention Center. Agendas are posted on the City website 72 hours prior to the meeting on their website.
Planning & Zoning meet the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Bosque Theater at the Waco Convention Center.
County Commissioners Court meets every Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the Commissioners Court on the 1st floor of the McLennan County Court House. Agendas are posted on their website the Thursday afternoon prior to the meeting.
Waco ISD School Board Meetings are held on the 4th Thursday each month at 7 p.m. at the Waco ISD Administration Building Downtown. Call Waco ISD to confirm meeting schedule at 755-9473.
Any McLennan County school board meeting qualifies for this requirement. (Midway, La Vega, China Spring, Robinson, etc.)
Section 2 - Cultural Experience - choose one of these experiences that you have not done before
- Waco Civic Theater
- Waco Symphony
- Baylor Theater
- Martin Museum of Art | Baylor University
- Cultivate7Twelve Exhibit or Event
- Creative Waco event
- Waco Tours
- Texas Ranger Museum
- Mayborn Museum
- Dr Pepper Museum
- Waco Mammoth National Monument
- Texas Sports Hall of Fame
- Waco Independent Film Festival
- Art Center Waco AND Washington Gallery
Class Project
Class Project
Your Leadership Waco class is responsible for working together to complete a class project that benefits Waco.
Class projects could include:
- Neighborhood cleanup
- Playground Improvement at a neighborhood park or nonprofit such as Family Abuse, Talitha Koum
- Work collectively with the City Manager or Mayor on a common project
- Tree planting
- Serve at a non-profit's special event
- Special Olympics
- Waco Cultural Arts Festival
- Pick an organization (Mission Waco, Methodist Home) and fundraise for computer lab, playground, painting, repairs
The possibilities are endless. A family-friendly project that involves the entire family is encouraged.
We suggest choosing a class leader to help organize the group and the project.
A plan of work for the project must be completed and turned into Rachel by the January 14th class and the project must be completed by the last class day, June 17th.
Attendance Policy
Attendance Policy
Leadership Waco consists of eleven full class days, August through June.
Participants are allowed only two absences.
Arriving to class 2 hours late or leaving 2 hours early constitutes a full day's absence.
Absent from class for more than 30 minutes constitutes a half day, unless prior approval has been given from the Leadership Waco Director.
CLASS PROJECT: Butterfly Garden for Talitha Koum
Information to Share
Donation Link: Donate — Talitha Koum Institute
Link to Flyer: Butterflyer
Work Days
May 31 and June 7
times TBA
General Info
Class Roster




































April - Tourism Day
Learning objectives:
- To understand the impact of tourism on Waco's economy
- What affects tourism revenue?
- For Wacoans to experience what tourists do
Agenda and Dress Code
April 22, 2025
Tourism Day
sponsored by
Agenda coming soon.
We will begin and end our day at the Waco Convention Center (100 Washington Ave, Waco TX 76701). There is plenty of free parking there.
Dress Code: Dress like a tourist! Shorts are permissible. We'll walk about 2 miles for the day, so dress accordingly. CLOSE-TOED SHOES ARE REQUIRED due to touring a construction site.
8:00 Meet at Waco Convention Center in the Brazos Ballroom – Breakfast and Presentation by Convention Center/ASM – Kathy Bart, General Manager
8:40 Bobby Horner presentation at Lovers Leap
9:10 Mark Firmin, author of William Cameron Park: A Centennial History, talks about Cameron Park
10:00 Cameron Park Zoo Keeper Talk / Behind the Scenes Tour - Brendan Wiley and Duane Hills
12:00 Lunch at Pignetti's - Presentations by Carpenter & Croft, PLLC; Melinda Adams, Dir Sales/Mktg, Convention Ctr
1:25 Tour Hotel Herringbone – Adriana Regan, General Manager
2:10 Magnolia Tour/Presentation – Anna Smith, Experience Team Manager, Magnolia
3:20 Tour AC Hotel including Skyline Ballroom construction site - presentation by Luke Whyte of Waco Tours
4:15 Daily Debrief in the Brazos Ballroom at the Waco Convention Center
Daily Debrief
April triads:
- Becky Odajima, Blu Kostelich, Craig Schwartinsky
- Jovan Overshown, Jacob Hogan, Haley O'Brien
- Dominic Braus, Chrissy Brault, Abbie Ramirez
- April Rosier, Megan Washington, Chet Beene
- David Henry, Cody Spillers, Kelly Contella
- Ramon Vigil, Jake Dickson, Glenn Coward
- Brian Sullivan, Michelle Cornelissens, Diego Loredo
- Kimberly Bobbitt, Jacob Bradshaw
- Krista Rosas, Austin Linebaugh, Jean Wright
- Terra Tipton, Rick Bradley, Aryn Bolton
- Jacky Chandler, Corey Hancock, Lorena Palacios
- Brandal McCormack, Lindsay Meadors Waite, Catia Sykora
Presentations
Additional Links & Resources
March - Healthcare Day
Learning objectives:
- Identify key trends in healthcare
- Identify how social and economic trends impact healthcare
- Identify levels of care available in Greater Waco
LINK TO TODAY'S SURVEY (Reminder: the survey is used to count attendance)
Agenda and Dress Code
March 18, 2025
Healthcare Day
sponsored by Kick Start CPR
For healthcare day, please dress in business or business casual.
We'll start and end our day at Premier ER at 221 S Jack Kultgen Expy
8:00 Premier ER and Urgent Care (Breakfast)
9:15 Tour Waco Family Medicine
10:30 Tour Carter Bloodcare
11:30 Tour & Lunch at Baylor Scott and White Center - Hillcrest
1:15 Tour Ascension Providence Hospital
2:45 Tour Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Waco
3:00 Presentation on Mental Health by Oceans Behavioral Hospital
3:25 Snack Break
3:30 Post-Acute Care Panel with Encompass, Bluebonnet Health Services, and Oceans
4:15 Evaluations & Daily Debrief
4:45 Travel back to Premier ER
5:00 Adjourn
Daily Debrief
March Triads:
- Becky Odajima, Blu Kostelich, Craig Schwartinsky, Jovan Overshown, Jacob Hogan, Haley O'Brien
- Dominic Braus, Chrissy Brault, Abbie Ramirez
- April Rosier, Megan Washington
- David G. Henry, Cody Spillers, Kelly Contella
- Lauren Montgomery, Ramon Vigil, Jake Dickson
- Brian Sullivan, Michelle Cornelissens, Diego Loredo, Brandal McCormack, Lindsay Meadors Waite, Catia Sykora
- Kimberly Bobbitt, Jacob Bradshaw, Raven Peavy
- Krista Rosas, Austin Linebaugh, Jean Wright, Chet Beene
- Terra Tipton, Rick Bradley, Aryn Bolton
- Jacky Chandler, Corey Hancock, Lorena Palacios
Presentations
Additional Links & Resources
February - Leadership Development Day
BEFORE Tuesday's Class Day, please answer these 3 questions: LEADERSHIP RESOURCE QUESTIONS
Learning objectives:
- Provide resources to sharpen leadership skills in each individual for current and future leadership roles
- Challenge thinking about leadership and how to grow as a leader
- Move class members to move forward in their leadership journey proactively
The dress code for the day is business casual.
Wear your nametag (for the sake of our guests and speakers) and bring your journal and a pen. You'll take LOTS of notes!
We'll be at the PRESS LOUNGE at McLane Stadium all day. Park in the lot closest to I-35 and enter through the media entrance.
Complete today's feedback form - this is how attendance will be counted
Agenda and Dress Code
8:00 Breakfast
8:05 Introduction & Agenda Overview; Mark Benning (LW Class XL)
8:10 Greater Waco Chamber Leadership, Education, and Development (LEAD) Program; Rachel Martinez
8:30 Your Personal Board of Directors; Glenn Robinson
9:20 Crucial Conversations; Greg Ligon
10:15 Stadium Tour; Jovan Overshown
10:45 Volunteering for Boards + Commissions; Dillon Meek (LW Class XXIX)
11:45 Etiquette Lunch; Sarah Aynesworth
12:45 Break
1:00 Ethical Leadership; Leah Teague
2:30 Break + Resources for Leaders; Rachel Donohue (LW Class XXXIX)
2:55 Greater Waco Chamber Total Resource Campaign; Nancy Gupton (LW Class XL)
3:00 Leadership Coaching Panel: Jay Mathis (LW Class XI), Chief Sheryl Victorian (LW Class XL), Mishelle Kost, Tommy Lowrance - Sabrina Moore (LW Class XXXII), moderator
4:00 Daily Debrief
4:30 Class Project Discussion; Jean Wright and Lindsay Meadors Waite
Daily Debrief
February triads:
- Dominic Braus, Glenn Coward, Raven Peavy, Becky Odajima
- Jovan Overshown, Lindsay Meadors Waite, Abbie Ramirez
- Megan Washington, Jacky Chandler, Michelle Cornelissens, Chrissy Brault
- Krista Rosas, Aryn Bolton, Corey Hancock, Lorena Palacios, Rick Bradley
- April Rosier, Jacob Hogan, Jake Dickson,
- Jacob Bradshaw, David Henry, Craig Schwartinsky
- Kimberly Bobbitt, Austin Linebaugh, Jean Wright, Diego Loredo
- Terra Tipton, Lauren Montgomery, Brian Sullivan
- Ramon Vigil, Haley O'Brien, Catia Sykora, Blu Kostelich
- Brandal McCormack, Chet Beene, Cody Spillers, Kelly Contella
Presentations
Contact info for today's presenters:
Mark Benning - mbenning@cnbwaco.com
Rachel Martinez - rmartinez@wacochamber.com
LEAD Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce
Nancy Gupton - ngupton@wacochamber.com
Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce - Total Resource Campaign
Glenn Robinson - glenn@pacerhcc.com
Chasing What Matters (Glenn Robinson's podcast)
Greg Ligon - greg@leadingstronger.com
Crucial Conversations Presentation
Dillon Meek - dillon@cromwellcommercialgroup.com
Sarah Aynesworth - sarah@sarahaynesworth.com
Dr. Leah Teague - Leah_teague@baylor.edu
Rachel Donohoue - rachel@buildrdh.com
Jay Mathis - jay.mathis@sandler.com
Mathis Training and Development
Chief Sheryl Victorian - sherylv@wacotx.gov
Michelle Kost - mishfit07@gmail.com
Mishelle Kost - Self Leadership Coaching
Tommy Lowrance - tlowrance@mclennan.edu
Sabrina Moore - sabrina@dinvestors.com
Additional Links & Resources
Ten Essential Resources for Busy Leaders — ADAM TARNOW
Ten Influential Books — ADAM TARNOW
The Fort - An Entrepreneurship Podcast
The Power of Vulnerability by Brene Brown (Ted Talk)
Book Recommendations:
Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny
One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith
Garden City by John Mark Comer
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
High Output Management by Andrew Grove
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni
Everyone Deserves a Great Manager: The Six Critical Practices for Leading a Team by Scott Miller
January - Education Day
Learning objectives:
- Understand the current educational landscape and pipeline from Pre-K-Post-Secondary Education
- Introduction to nontraditional education opportunities for students: GWAMA, GWACHA
Complete today's feedback form - this is how attendance will be counted
Agenda and Dress Code
January 14, 2025
Education Day
sponsored by Baylor University
Dress Code: Other than walking to and from the bus, we’ll be inside all day, so no snow boots or parkas should be necessary. Dress code for the day is business / business casual.
We’ll begin and end our day at ECS Region 12 (2101 W. Loop 340). There’s an abundance of parking behind the building.
7:45 Breakfast
8:00 Welcome - Patrick Murphy, Deputy Executive Director, ESC Region 12
8:10 CTE Update – TJ Arndt, Education Specialist/Coordinator, ESC Region 12
8:20 How Does School Finance Work & Why Should We Care?
Nick West, School Finance Agent/Field Service Agent – ESC Region 12
8:50 A.I. in Education - John Essary, Internal Training Coordinator, ESC Region 12
9:15 Team Vision: Function and Mission - Victor Hawks, Director, Actor and CEO of Team Vision Entertainment
9:50 Travel to Greater Waco Advanced Health Care Academy (GWAHCA)
10:05 Career and College Readiness Panel
Frank Graves – Dean of Workforce & Public Service, McLennan Community College
Kacey Darnell, VP and Sr Exec Dir, Student Learning, Texas State Technical College
Lisa Saxenian - Director of Career & Technical Ed, Waco ISD
Cash Teague – CTE Director, Rapoport Academy Public School
Jess Wheeler – Director of College & Career Readiness / CTE, Midway ISD
Moderator, Heather Wheeler, Education Coordinator, ESC Region 12 - LW Class XL
11:05 Overview & Tour of Greater Waco Advanced Health Care Academy - Matt Rambo, Dean
11:35 Travel to Baylor Research & Innovation Collaborative (BRIC)
12:00 Welcome, Jeremy Vickers – Associate Vice President, External Affairs
12:15 Lunch, Sponsored by Baylor
1:00 Panel on Local Higher Education
Dr. Shannon Hankhouse, Exec Dir of External Operations, Tarleton State University
Dr. Chad Eggleston, Vice President of Instruction and Student Engagement, MCC
Dr. Nancy Brickhouse, Baylor Provost, Baylor University
Dr. Brandi Ray, Instructor, Texas Tech University, Texas Tech at Waco
Beth Wooten, Provost, Texas State Technical College
Moderator, Stephanie Maultsby, Director-Continuing Education, MCC - LW Class XXXV
2:00 Community Involvement in Education Panel
LaTishia Beacom,Director of Education Initiatives, Prosper Waco
Kaley Eggers, Chief Program Officer, Communities in Schools
Marlanya Massey, Director of Duncan Scholars, Waco Foundation - LW Class XL
Krista Brinser, President, Junior League of Waco - LW Class XXXVII
Moderator,
3:00 Coffee Break
3:15 Shaping the Future of Public Education
Dr. Chris Allen, Superintendent, Midway ISD
Dr. Michael Hope, Robinson ISD
Dr. Mark Faulkner, Superintendent, China Spring ISD
Dr. Joe Kucera, Superintendent, Lorena ISD
Dr. Sharon Shields, Superintendent, La Vega ISD
Superintendent, Waco ISD
Moderated by: Dr.Becky Odajima, Midway ISD
4 p.m. Daily Debrief
4:45 Travel back to ESC Region 12
5:00 Dismiss
Daily Debrief
January triads:
- Dominic Braus, Raven Peavy, Catia Sykora
- Krista Rosas, Terra Tipton, Megan Washington
- Becky Odajima, Ramon Vigil
- April Rosier, Brian Sullivan, Diego Loredo
- Jacob Bradshaw, Brandal McCormack, Jacky Chandler
- Michelle Cornelissens, Blu Kostelich, Lauren Montgomery
- Kimberly Bobbitt, Kelly Contella, Rick Bradley
- Jake Dickson, Abbie Ramirez, Lindsey Waite
- Aryn Bolton, Haley O'Brien, Jovan Overshown
- Chet Beene, Jacob Hogan, Cody Spillers
- Chrissy Brault, Austin Linebaugh, Corey Hancock
Conversation:
Head- What did you learn? How was your thinking challenges?
Heart- What emotion did you experience? What moved you?
Hand- What was something praiseworthy? Who "deserves a hand"?
Feet- What next steps will you take after today's class experience? Write this in your journal for your own accountability.
Presentations
Contact info for speakers from ESC Region 12:
Additional Links & Resources
December - Serving Others Day
Learning objectives:
- Understanding Community Needs: gain insight into specific needs and challenges within our community.
- Building Connections: establish relationships with nonprofit leaders and volunteers to enhance your engagement with the community.
- Identifying Potential Involvement: explore how you can contribute through volunteering, donating, or advocating - find a cause that resonates with you.
Complete today's feedback form - this is how attendance will be counted
Agenda and Dress Code
December 17, 2024
Non-Profit Day
No specific dress code is required.
We'll begin and end our day at the Chamber.
7:45 Breakfast; Waco Chamber –Intro Class Projects
8:00 Overview of Non-Profits in Waco, Chris Qualls
8:20 Non-Profit Presentations: Isaiah 117 House, Grassroots, Cooper Foundation
9:30 Talitha Koum; Susan Cowley, Executive Director
10:30 Methodist Children’s Home; Jean Wright and Kelly Lawson
11:25 Jubilee Market
11:50 Mission Waco; John Calaway
12:30 Lunch from World Cup Cafe eaten at NeighborWorks
1:00 NeighborWorks Waco; Delisa Brunell-Smith, VP and COO
1:20 Pack of Hope; Jane Bounds, President
1:40 Coffee Break + Load Jane Bounds Vehicle with POH Shopping
2:20 Friends for Life; Inez Russell, Executive Director
3:10 Waco Civic Theatre; Kelly MacGregor, Executive Director
4:00 Daily Debrief + Class Project Discussion
5:00 Adjourn
Daily Debrief
December Triads:
- Haley O'Brien, Abbie Ramirez, Catia Sykora
- David G. Henry, Sr., Lorena Palacios, Corey Hancock
- Becky Odajima, Jacob Hogan, Lindsay Meadors Waite
- Brandal McCormick, Ramon Vigil, Jean Wright
- Terra Tipton, Chrissy Brault, Megan Washington
- Blu Kostelich, Cody Spillers, Austin Linebaugh
- Jacob Bradshaw, Glenn Coward, Jacky Chandler
- Kimberly Bobbitt, Kelly Contella, Brian Sullivan
- Aryn Bolton, Lauren Montgomery, Diego Loredo
- April Rosier, Chet Beene, Michelle Cornelissens
- Craig Schwartinsky, Rick Bradley, Jovan Overshown
- Chet Beene, Kelly Contella, Dominic Braus
Presentations
Additional Links & Resources
The Reap and Jubilee Market at Mission Waco address food desert in that part of Waco. Pertaining to that, here's an interesting article:
Grassroots Homeownership and IDA
Grassroots Financial Literacy and Homebuyer Education Class Schedule
Grassroots Leadership Training
November - Economic Development Day
Learning Objectives:
To deepen our understanding of the Waco economy by
exploring the key industries that drive growth and innovation in our region.
These focus industries:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Aerospace & Defense
- Professional & Financial Services
- Distribution & Supply Chain Management.
We will visit facilities in each sector to see firsthand the work they do,
understand the opportunities and challenges they face, and gain insight into how these industries
contribute to Waco’s economic vitality and future.
Complete today's feedback form - this is how attendance is counted
Agenda and Dress Code
November 19, 2024
Economic Development Day
sponsored by LINC by Extraco Banks
- pants
- flat, closed-toed, and closed-heeled shoes (comfortable shoes are recommended)
- hair longer than shoulder length is recommended to be pulled up
- shorts
- high heels
- open toe shoes
- excessive jewelry
-
Legal Name (as on your driver's license)
-
Company and title of employment
-
Country of citizenship
-
Shoe size (for safety toe covers, or wear your own steel toe)
-
lunch order (food and drink) from Georges #2. Click here for menu.
Please fill out this FORM that will provide Rachel with the above info no later than EOB Wednesday, November 13th.
AGENDA:
7:45 AM Breakfast @ Waco Chamber
8:00 AM Economic Development Overview
Waco Chamber, Kristina Collins, Executive Vice President
8:45 AM Professional Services
STV, Jennifer Boen, Group Manager
9:30 AM Distribution and Supply Chain Management Tour
Amazon, Michael Morrison, General Manager
10:45 AM Advanced Manufacturing Tour
Hello Bello, Peter McLaughlin, Vice President and General Manager
11:30 AM Construction Site Tour
Graphic Packaging Site, Rusty Miller, SVP Mill Division Engineering and Technology
12:30 AM Lunch at George’s #2
2:00 PM Aerospace & Defense
L3Harris, David Coody, Director of Strategic Business Operations
4:30 PM Daily Debrief at the Chamber
5:00 PM Adjourn
Daily Debrief
November Triads:
- Chrissy Brault, Ramon Vigil, Raven Peavy
- Austin Linebaugh, Haley O'Brien, Chet Beene
- Jacob Bradshaw, Jacob Hogan, Lorena Palacios
- Krista Rosas, David Henry, Jake Dickson
- Brandal McCormack, Rick Bradley, Abbie Ramirez
- April Rosier, Lauren Montgomery, Cody Spillers
- Megan Washington, Brian Sullivan, Jean Wright
- Jovan Overshown, Blu Kostelich, Jacky Chandler
- Kelly Contella, Lindsay Meadors Waite, Dominic Braus
- Kimberly Bobbitt, Craig Schwartinsky, Diego Loredo
- Becky Odajima, Michelle Cornelissens, Corey Hancock
- Terra Tipton, Aryn Bolton, Glenn Coward
Presentations
Powerpoint Presentation made by Kris Collins:
Map shared by Jennifer Boen, STV:
Additional Links & Resources
Waco Chamber's Economic Development Website: https://wacoeconomicdevelopment.com/
City of Waco's Economic Development Website: https://www.waco-texas.com/Departments/Economic-Development
Texas Labor Market Information: https://texaslmi.com/
Waco Prospector (available commercial land bank): https://www.wacoprospector.com/#modal-one
October - History Day
Learning Objectives:
-gain a perspective from our history that will inform our future
-gain an awareness of your surroundings
-appreciate all of Waco's history: the good, bad, and ugly
Agenda and Dress Code
October 15, 2024
History Day - Sponsored by M. Lipsitz
Prior to class, please download the Waco History app to your phone. We will be utilizing it throughout the day.
Dress Code: Casual; ready to walk
We will be doing a lot of walking outside. Please dress for the weather (shorts are permissible; the high is forecasted to be 100 degrees!) and definitely wear shoes built for walking.
Bring a refillable water bottle and your LW journal and a pen. Since we'll be walking, consider a backpack for these items (instead of a heavy purse, ladies). We will only be on the bus for half of the day. So, you won't be able to leave your items on the bus during the latter part of the day.
Please wear your lanyard with your nametag.
7:50 - Meet at the Chamber in the Cooper Room. We will depart right at 8:00. Please be on time.
8:00 - Depart the Chamber
8:10 - Breakfast at the Mayborn Museum
8:30 - The Politics of Rocks - Dr. Joe Yelderman
9:10 - Waco History App - Dr. Stephen Sloan
9:40 - Travel to East Side tour
9:50 - Historical Walking Tour - East Side of the River - Adrienne Cain
10:50 - Travel to Oakwood Cemetery
11:00 - Tour Oakwood Cemetery - Clint Lynch
11:45 - Travel to Alico Building
12:00 - Lunch at the Alico - Presentation my Mary Lou Castillo of Casa de Castillo and Alico Team
1:30 - 1953 Tornado Presentation - Harry Harelik
2:00 - Walking Tour of West Side of the River / Waco's Downtown - Mark Firmin, JD & Bobby Horner
3:10 - Dr Pepper Hour at Cultivate 7Tweleve / Undercroft - Emily Embry
4:15 - Daily Debrief & Survey (see tab for triad assignments)
4:50 - Walk to Chamber
5:00 - Dismiss
Daily Debrief
October Triads:
- Chrissy Brault, Jacob Hogan, Jake Dickson
- Becky Odajima, Austin Linebaugh, Haley O'Brien
- Brandal McCormack, Ramon Vigil, Aryn Bolton
- Kelly Contella, Blu Kostelich, Catia Sykora
- Kimberly Bobbitt, Mark Ard, Brian Sullivan
- Jacob Bradshaw, Megan Washington, Diego Loredo
- David Henry, Dominic Braus, Rick Bradley
- Jovan Overshown, Corey Hancock, Glenn Coward
- Terra Tipton, Craig Schwartinsky, Abbie Ramirez
- Lauren Montgomery, Raven Peavy, Jean Wright
- Chet Beene, Jacky Chandler
- Michelle Cornelissens, Cody Spillers
Presentations
Additional Links & Resources
If you'd like to continue learning about Waco history, check these out:
Home Texas Ranger Hall OF Fame
Dr Pepper Hour | Student Activities | Baylor University
City of Waco Presented with the 2018-2019 Baylor Founders Medal
September: Regional Services Day
Learning Objectives:
Gain understanding of the intricate web of services that support life in greater Waco.
Agenda and Dress Code
September 17, 2024
Regional Services Day
Dress code: Casual/Comfortable
Jeans are acceptable; tennis shoes are recommended.
In order to enter the jail ladies must wear pants or skirts that cover the knees and no bare shoulders.
Please no shorts today.
8:00 Meet at the Emergency Operations Center at 721 N. 4th St.
Breakfast will be served.
We’ll leave our cars here. Rest of the day, we’ll travel by city bus.
8:15 Travel to City of Waco DAF Water Treatment Plant
8:30 Tour DAF and Mount Carmel Water Treatment Facilities
10:30 Travel to Waco Transit – 1717 Austin Ave.
10:45 Presentation & Tour Waco Transit
11:30 Travel to Fire Station #6
11:45 Tour Fire Station and Presentation: Chief Bergerson
12:45 Travel back to EOC - 721 N. 4th St
1:00 Lunch
1:15 EOC Presentation (Ryan Dirker or Tim Jeske)
Neighborhood Presentation (Melett Harrison)
City of Waco PD (Chief Victorian)
2:20 Travel to Hwy 6 Jail - 3201 E. State Highway 6, Waco, TX 76705
2:40 Tour Bomb Squad/SWAT
3:10 Tour Jail
3:55 Travel back to EOC
4:15 Restroom & Coffee Break
4:25 Daily Debrief in Triads
5:00 Dismiss
Daily Debrief
September Triads:
Ramon, Brian, Rick
Catia Lorena, Chet
Jovan, Austin, Dominic
Jacky, Craig, Lindsay
Cody, Raven, Brandal
Diego, Terra, Abbie
Blu, Haley, Glenn
Jean, Krista, Jacob H.
Megan, Lauren, Corey
Jake, Kelly, Chrissy
Michelle, Aryn, Kimberly
Jacob B., April, Becky
Presentations
August - Orientation Retreat
Learning Objectives:
- begin building trust-based relationships among classmates
- learn what to expect of Leadership Waco
- learn what Leadership Waco expects of you
Agenda
Retreat - Eastland Lakes
Today’s Dress Code: Cool/Casual/Comfortable
*closed-toe shoes required* (Crocs don’t count)
We’ll be outside in the morning, so shorts are encouraged.
Bring a refillable water bottle and sunscreen.
8:00 a.m. Gather Baylor University Challenge Course
406 Eastland Lake Dr, Waco, TX 76706
Breakfast will be served
8:15 a.m. Class XLI Introductions
Rachel Ligon, Director of Leadership Development, Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce
9:00 a.m. Team Building & Ropes Course
Baylor University Challenge Course Staff
12:15 p.m. Lunch + Welcome
Pattillo, Brown & Hill, LW Presenting Sponsor
Matt Meador, President, and Kris Collins, Senior Vice President, Waco Chamber
1:15 p.m. Improving Communication Skills Using Emotional Intelligence Training
Chip Wilson, CEO, 360 Solutions
3:15 p.m. Break
3:30 p.m. Leadership Waco Overview
4:15 p.m. Daily Debrief + Survey
5:00 p.m. Adjourn
Presentations
Daily Debrief
August Triads:
Mark, Chet, Kimberly
Aryn, Rick, Jacob B.
Chrissy, Dominic, Jacky
Danny, Kelly, Michelle
Glenn, Jake, Corey
David, Jacob H., Blu
Austin, Diego, Brandal
Lindsay, Lauren, Haley
Jovan, Lorena, Rachel L.
Raven, Abbie, Krista
April, Craig, Cody
Brian, Catia, Terra
Ramon, Megan, Jean
Additional Links & Resources
The curriculum committee cannot include everything they would like for you to experience in one class day. This tab will contain some opportunities for further learning.
-other tour ideas that you could arrange for yourself
-links to blogs, videos, books or other resources related to each day's topic
If you have suggested resources to share with the class, send them to rligon@wacochamber.com and they will be added to this tab as well.