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The Wayne County Leads (WC Leads) program is a dynamic leadership development cohort created to empower young professionals to step into roles of influence and impact in Wayne County. A signature initiative of HYPE Wayne County, WC Leads is designed to equip emerging leaders with the skills, connections, and confidence needed to shape the future of our community.
This selective program prepares participants to lead with intention—at work, in the community, and beyond—by offering hands-on experiences, meaningful mentorship, and opportunities to engage directly with local leaders and organizations. |
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The WC Leads program supports the Chamber’s mission to build a pipeline of future leaders by investing in the personal and professional growth of young professionals across Wayne County.
Participants in WC Leads:
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As a public defender, Sam sees some of the hardest challenges in Wayne County—and the most inspiring stories of hope. Through WC Leads, he aims to build leadership skills and connections to help drive positive change.
Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator who enjoys learning the ins and outs of public housing. Through WC Leads, Lindsay looks forward to strengthening skills, building connections, and serving Wayne County.
Jarrett Focht is a Commercial Insurance Producer at McGowan Insurance Group, where he helps businesses safeguard what they’ve built through tailored insurance solutions. He is eager to join WC Leads because its mission to empower future leaders in Wayne County aligns closely with his personal and professional goals.
Anna Garrett recently relocated to Richmond from Houston and Los Angeles, bringing with her a background in TV production and a passion for community. Now part of the marketing team at Reid Health, she looks forward to building connections through WC Leads and developing leadership skills to better serve Wayne County.
Matthew Keller is the Director of Public Operations and Engineering for the City of Richmond, where he oversees projects and develops new initiatives, strategies, and directives. He is eager to join WC Leads to strengthen his connection with the community and gain tools and insights to better address the ideas and issues shaping Richmond.
Chelse Leonard is the Director of Sales at Holiday Inn Express with more than a decade of experience in both hospitality and public service. Her career has given her a deep appreciation for leadership, structure, and the power of meaningful connections. Through WC Leads, Chelse is eager to expand her skills and gain valuable tools to support both her personal and professional growth within the community.
Eva Marotta is the Associate Director of Community Relations at Earlham College, where she strengthens connections between the College and Richmond through local partnerships, collaborative programming, and community initiatives such as Revitalize Richmond. She sees WC Leads as an opportunity to expand her leadership skills, learn from peers across sectors, and build lasting relationships that support Richmond’s growth.
Nathan Parker is the Assistant Branch Manager at Wayne Bank, where he oversees teller operations, ensures compliance, supports deposit processes, and assists customers with account management. Known for his people-first approach, Nathan is committed to enhancing the customer experience while supporting his team with clarity and compassion.
Mary Parrett is the Coordinator of Bethany BOLD at Bethany Theological Seminary, where she mentors students and builds community connections. A Lynn, Indiana native and IU East graduate, she also coaches varsity softball at Randolph Southern. Through WC Leads, Mary hopes to strengthen her leadership and communication skills to better serve Wayne County..
Evan Silvia is a Service Representative at 3Rivers Federal Credit Union, where he enjoys meeting new people, taking on new challenges, and finding opportunities to learn and grow. He hopes WC Leads will help him expand his skill set and strengthen his ability to support others in improving their own lives.
Kalleigh Smith is the Administrative Assistant at the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce, where she helps keep the office running smoothly. Passionate about creativity, learning, and community, she looks forward to using WC Leads to grow personally and professionally while gaining tools to support her future development.
Seth Stegall is an Enrollment and Recruitment Specialist at Ivy Tech Community College – Richmond, where he guides students through the enrollment process and represents the college in the community. Inspired by local leaders, he is eager to grow as both a professional and an engaged member of Wayne County.
Katie Stephen works in Community Engagement at Reid Health, where she has spent six years building connections and leading initiatives that support youth, families, and local organizations. She is committed to continuous growth and strives to create lasting impact in both her professional role and the community.
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