Leadership Northwest Indiana celebrates 50th cohort
In an era defined by rapid change and complex interdependencies, strong leadership is nonnegotiable.
Across Northwest Indiana, where economies are evolving and communities are redefining their futures, the Leadership Northwest Indiana program at Purdue Northwest is answering that call. The program is emerging as a linchpin in the Region’s development.
Strong leadership is a powerful catalyst for regional growth. LNI is equipping a diverse network of professionals with the skills, connections and vision to drive meaningful progress. From municipal government to small businesses, health care to education, its graduates are not only better leaders — they are change agents.
“You don’t have to be a CEO to be a leader,” said Mekisha Richardson, PNW Leadership Institute director of professional education. “This program is for anyone at any stage of their leadership journey. We help them reframe leadership and their ability to be leaders. People leave the program empowered to take on leadership roles in their businesses, communities and families.”
As graduates return to their organizations and communities, they are bringing new competencies and a shared commitment to Northwest Indiana’s collective success. Many apply their learning directly, launching initiatives that strengthen the workforce, boost job creation and enhance the vibrancy of local communities.
The program’s collaborative structure cross-pollinates partnerships across sectors, building economic resilience. A small business owner might work with a municipal planner on a downtown revitalization plan. An educator could team up with a manufacturing executive to design apprenticeship pipelines. These alliances help Northwest Indiana respond nimbly to shifting economic demands and technological trends.
The program’s history underscores its deep roots. Founded in 1982 under a national model for community leadership programs, the initiative grew into the South Shore Leadership Center. In 2019, the organization was restructured and rebooted as the Leadership Institute at Purdue Northwest.
More than a name change, the move signaled a renewed commitment to addressing the real-world needs of the communities it serves, with participants learning research-based, training-focused leadership skills. The program continues to grow and evolve.
“We see the demand and needs of people who are looking for higher education options beyond the traditional degree,” Richardson said. “LNI is like getting an MBA without getting an MBA. When they’re done taking LNI, they always ask for more.”
Richardson highlights the hunger for continued growth among participants as the impetus for additional programming.
“In response to market demand for concise, actionable content, we’re rolling out micro-courses and on-demand workshops that zero in on specific skills within various business verticals,” said Matt Hanson, Purdue Northwest executive director of graduate and external programming. “Our goal is to ensure busy professionals can access the right development at the right time with the least amount of friction in their daily lives. Education is changing, and we’re making sure both sides of the market — academia and professionals — have equal opportunities for growth.”
This year, the Leadership Northwest Indiana program is celebrating its milestone 50th cohort. Thirty-eight professionals representing various industries and organizations completed the 49th cohort in May.
The following profiles highlight five program graduates who are putting their leadership skills into action to shape the Region’s future. They are among the more than 1,500 graduates throughout the program’s history.
Orlando Drummond
LNI cohort 47
▶ Senior director, program quality and development, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana
Participating in the Leadership Northwest Indiana program was more than a professional milestone — it was a transformational experience for Orlando Drummond.
“The LNI program has significantly enhanced my leadership growth,” Drummond said. “It has helped me deepen my ability to lead across different domains with clarity, adaptability and purpose.”
With new tools and insight, Drummond has embraced a holistic leadership approach — one rooted in empathy, strategic thinking and personal contemplation.
“I now approach every situation with reflection, allowing past experiences and thoughtful insight to guide my decisions,” he said.
That growth has translated into real-world success. Following his LNI experience, Drummond was promoted to senior director, elected board chair of the SAFE Coalition for Lake County and tapped to co-lead a Lilly Foundation Youth Impact Network Grant.
“My LNI experience deepened my passion for leading across boundaries and inspiring others to lean into discomfort,” Drummond said. “LNI taught me how to strategically align that discomfort with goals and objectives that not only fuel my personal growth but also resonate with, support and develop my team.”
The human connection resonated with Drummond.
“It’s not just about learning leadership theories; it’s about discovering your style, expanding your perspective and growing alongside people who share your passion for making a difference.”
To Drummond, LNI stands out because it blends personal development with real-world exposure to the Region.
“You’re not just sitting in sessions; you’re actively engaging with the issues, people and opportunities that shape Northwest Indiana,” Drummond said. “The program provided me with tools that I can apply in both my professional and personal life, expanded my understanding of the Region’s dynamics and, most importantly, connected me to a network of inspiring, supportive leaders who truly understand the value of service and community.”
Juan J. Moreno
LNI cohort 48
▶ Director of economic development,
City of Hammond
Attending the LNI program elevated Juan J. Moreno’s leadership approach.
“PNW LNI was an invaluable experience that has significantly contributed to my effectiveness in my current role,” Moreno said. “The program provided a much deeper understanding of the landscape, challenges and opportunities across Northwest Indiana.”
In Moreno’s work advancing economic development in Hammond, this regional perspective is crucial. Gaining insight into workforce trends, industry strengths and the interconnectedness of local economies has helped Moreno navigate his role more effectively.
“PNW LNI brought together a diverse group of leaders from various sectors — business, government, nonprofit and education. This fostered a robust network of colleagues and contacts,” Moreno said. “These connections have been instrumental in facilitating partnerships, sharing best practices and identifying resources that benefit economic development initiatives in Hammond.”
The program also sharpened Moreno’s problem-solving skills.
“The curriculum, which covered topics like leading high-performing teams, managing change and fostering a winning culture, equipped me with practical strategies that I can immediately apply in my professional and personal life,” Moreno said.
Feedback from multiple perspectives gave Moreno an honest look at his leadership behaviors, helping him refine his approach.
“Exposure to different leadership styles and approaches, as well as discussions on regional innovation and development, encouraged me to think more creatively about solutions for Hammond’s economic future,” Moreno said. “It broadened my perspective on what’s possible.”
Unpacking the definition of leadership was a valuable takeaway for Moreno.
“LNI reinforced the understanding that leadership is not just about a title but about making a positive impact wherever you are — at work, at home and in the community,” Moreno said. “It has strengthened my leadership identity and instilled a greater sense of responsibility and confidence in my ability to drive change and contribute to the vitality of our Region.”
Katie Holderby
LNI cohort 48
▶ Director of alumni engagement
Purdue University Northwest
Participating in the Leadership Northwest Indiana program was a pivotal experience that deepened Katie Holderby’s leadership abilities and expanded her regional perspective.
“LNI emphasizes how to be a better listener, make strategic decisions and improve communications,” Holderby said. “I try every day to apply these exercises in my daily interactions.”
Through hands-on learning, thoughtful reflection and collaborative projects, Holderby strengthened the skills she relies on in her current role. LNI made a lasting impact on her professional development.
“The experience significantly strengthened my leadership skills, broadened my network and enhanced my professional growth,” she said.
A transformative aspect of the program was the combination of group projects and self-assessment exercises.
“I identified my strengths and weaknesses and areas for growth as a leader,” Holderby said. “This self-awareness has helped me become more intentional in how I lead, delegate, and support my peers internally and externally.”
Holderby also credited the program with helping her become a more confident and adaptive leader.
“I gained a deeper understanding of leadership styles and learned to adapt those approaches to become a better leader, motivating and engaging my staff and colleagues.”
What stood out the most to Holderby was the sense of connection and community the LNI program fostered.
“What I liked best about Leadership Northwest Indiana was the opportunity to build genuine connections with a diverse group of leaders from across the Region,” Holderby said. “The program inspired collaboration and community impact in ways I hadn’t experienced before.”
Jimmy Scott
LNI cohort 47
▶ Vice president of operations
Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling
Participating in the LNI program helped Jimmy Scott discover new ways to approach the everyday challenges of leading people.
Scott understands the weight of leadership. His company’s footprint spans Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. Scott attended the program with Dan Leensvaart, the company’s general manager. For Scott, the program was more than professional development — it was a personal shift.
“It was great being around other leaders — whether young, old, new or those who have been there and done that,” Scott said. “It also helped me realize I’m not alone in the everyday struggle of being a leader and manager in business.”
One aspect Scott enjoyed was networking and learning from peers. Like many LNI cohorts, Scott’s included participants of different ages, demographics and levels of business leadership experience. Attendees hailed from banks, hospitals, police departments, nonprofits, construction and design firms, insurance companies and manufacturing facilities.
Scott appreciated the candid, inclusive class environment and format of the program.
“The open forum was one of the best parts,” he said. “You can always learn. There were no dumb ideas. They accepted all input with an open mind. It was very user-friendly.”
The hands-on structure of the program inspired Scott to revamp his company’s quarterly meetings.
“The coolest thing about that program was a breakout session where they split us into teams, and we did a team-building event,” Scott said. “I still use that exercise to this day — it was a game-changer for how we do meetings. It has really built morale.”
LNI also pushed Scott to reflect on leadership itself.
“One session focused on identifying leaders throughout history. You realize there are good leaders and bad leaders,” Scott said. “Just because you’re a leader doesn’t mean you’re a good person. That really made me think more intentionally about the kind of leader I want to be.”
Nila Williams
LNI cohort 49
▶ Community health improvement coordinator
Franciscan Health Michigan City
Attending the LNI program was a catalyst for personal growth and professional confidence for Nila Williams.
The Leadership Northwest Indiana program also gave Williams a deeper understanding of what it truly means to lead.
“It opened my eyes to see that it’s not a perfect science to leading — that anyone can be a leader,” Williams said. “Every group or job is different, and you have to stay open and willing to work with others. Leadership is not a one-person mentality.”
By participating in the program, Williams also illustrated to Franciscan Health that she is committed to having a professional and personal growth mindset.
“LNI showed leadership that I am willing to grow and learn, and that they can depend on me to step up if needed,” Williams said. “It also helped me to understand how they make their decisions when it comes to leading our team.”
By stepping into the program, Williams gained insights into leadership from both a strategic and a human perspective, recognizing the complexities behind decision-making and team dynamics.
For Williams, the program changed her mindset and provided a powerful lesson about empathy. “The skills and education I learned taught me to be a person who is approachable, because you are not alone in this,” she said. “People need to know that they are supported — it takes a team, and the end goal is to be successful.”
Perhaps what Williams appreciated most about LNI was the atmosphere of shared growth among participants.
“It was a safe space to explore, express and share your thoughts without judgment. It was nice to have that community engagement,” Williams said. “Learning different ways to lead from hearing everyone’s experiences was so valuable.” •
Read more stories from the current issue of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine.
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