Littleton Leadership Academy Aims to Develop Leadership Skills to Drive Success and Growth in Our Community

The 2024 Littleton Leadership Academy hosted its first session on Friday, January 19, 2024, at Arapahoe Community College.

17 participants, who comprise leaders from diverse sectors of the community, including Littleton City Council and Lockheed Martin, gathered for a day of networking and presentations centered around community leadership.

Littleton Public Schools Foundation Executive Director and LLA participant, Stef Carroll, is a long-time leader, but new to the City, "I've been so impressed with the warmth shown in welcoming me into the Littleton community. There is truly a genuine commitment to making a difference here, and I'm thrilled to be able to give back through the Littleton Leadership Academy. Thus far, the curriculum, speakers, and participant camaraderie have been amazing, and I look forward to continuing to not only grow as an effective leader, but also help to move our unique city forward as well."

ACC’s Vice President of Economic Mobility and Workforce Innovation, Julie Beggs, delivered a welcome from Arapahoe Community College and gave an overview of the Academy. One of the goals of the LLA is to develop and nurture leaders, driving success and growth in Littleton.

Debbie Shackelford, Coordinator of the Littleton Leadership Academy and Julie Beggs, ACC’s Vice President of Economic Mobility and Workforce Innovation.

LLA alumnus and current Littleton Mayor, Kyle Schlachter, along with City Manager, Jim Becklenberg, gave a rundown of "Littleton 101" at the January session.

Merrill Stillwell, President of Colfax Real Estate Company and LLA participant, is excited to work with leaders focused on our local community. “The group is really positive about our future. The organizers were really thoughtful about incorporating an exploration of personal leadership and connecting that to opportunities in Littleton.”

While this is the inaugural class of the LLA housed at Arapahoe Community College, the Academy was active from 2015 to 2019, before pausing for several years during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The LLA will hold collaborative sessions on the third Friday of each month through October 2024, with sessions taking place not only at ACC, but at other prominent locations around the city. Curriculum for the Academy will include interactive sessions using "The Leadership Challenge Program" facilitated by Amy Savage, Leadership Development Consultant at FlashPoint Leadership. 

Littleton Business Chamber Executive Director and LLA participant, Korri Lundock is "excited to start this new journey, especially one that involves developing important skills like leadership. I am excited the Littleton Leadership Academy is back and with the support of Arapahoe Community College. The camaraderie, shared knowledge and experiences are already developing among the attendees, and I look forward to them becoming lifelong friends."

LLA Coordinator, Debbie Shackelford, plans to have applications for the 2025 Littleton Leadership Academy available in July 2024. Visit arapahoe.edu/lla for more information about the Littleton Leadership Academy.  

Cover Photo: Amy Savage, Leadership Development Consultant at FlashPoint Leadership, facilitates “The Leadership Challenge Program” at January’s session of the Littleton Leadership Academy.