YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Business Journal will host the Next Generation Leadership Forum on Thursday, May 22, at the Eastwood Event Centre in Niles.
The event, which will run from 1-5:45 p.m., is designed to equip young professionals and business leaders with the skills and insights needed to navigate today’s evolving workplace.
The forum will feature a lineup of dynamic speakers, a panel discussion on engaging multigenerational workforces and networking opportunities.
Attendees will gain actionable leadership strategies and explore how community engagement contributes to career growth and business success.
Michael B. Ross, principal at High Performance and author of “The Leadership Edge,” will moderate the event. With experience coaching business owners and executives, Ross specializes in leadership development and organizational growth.
Jennifer Pintar, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Youngstown State University, will lead the first speaker session, “Building Leadership Skills Early,” from 1:30-2:30 p.m. The session will focus on developing leadership capabilities before stepping into management roles. Attendees will participate in a live poll to commit to a leadership action.
From 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., the second speaker session, “Beyond Business: How Community Engagement Fuels Leadership and Growth,” will explore the role of community involvement in career advancement and leadership development. Attendees will receive commitment cards to pledge community engagement efforts.
The forum’s panel discussion, scheduled from 3:30-4:45 p.m., will address strategies for engaging multiple generations in the workplace. Panelists include John Demmler, CEO of 717 Credit Union; Rod Wilt, executive director of Penn-Northwest Development Corp.; and Katie Seminara-DeToro, executive director of Oh Wow! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology. Topics will include collaboration, innovation and leveraging generational differences as strengths. The session will also include a Q&A session.
The event will conclude with a mixer and leadership commitment activity from 4:50-5:45 p.m., providing attendees with opportunities to network and establish follow-up plans for leadership and community engagement goals.
The Next Generation Leadership Forum is part of The Business Journal’s Next Generation series, which highlights the importance of empowering young professionals and fostering local talent.