SPONSORED CONTENT

Judge Theresa Dellick Sees LMV as a Catalyst for Collaboration

For Judge Theresa Dellick, Leadership Mahoning Valley provided a deeper understanding of the region she has spent her career serving and reinforced her belief in the power of collaboration to strengthen communities.

Dellick, judge of Mahoning County Juvenile Court, was a member of the 1993-94 Leadership Youngstown class. She said she applied to the program to better understand the Mahoning Valley’s challenges, opportunities and assets while gaining a broader perspective on the community.

“LMV presents a non-biased and impartial view of our area which aids in building a better community,” she said.

Looking back, Dellick said one of the most impactful aspects of the program was learning about the many services available throughout the community and seeing firsthand how organizations work together to improve the lives of local residents.

“I was impressed with the many services offered in our community and the collegiality of the community,” she said. “Our Valley has members who are willing to partner and collaborate for the betterment of its citizens.”

She also developed an appreciation for the Mahoning Valley’s history and the resilience that has defined the region through decades of change. That lesson has stayed with her since graduating.

“One of the important lessons was to continue challenging not only myself but the community and its members,” Dellick said. “I saw the Valley’s history of ups and downs and was impressed with the community’s persistence, tenacity and fortitude.”

The experience shaped how she views the region today. Dellick sees the Mahoning Valley as a place of opportunity and potential, rather than focusing on the setbacks of the past.

“I see the Mahoning Valley as a land of potential,” she said. “Our community is much more than its failures and has risen from them.”

Leadership Mahoning Valley also reinforced her belief that diverse perspectives lead to stronger communities and organizations.

“It deepened my belief that diversity breeds strength and creativity,” Dellick said. “Collective ideas, perspectives and experiences aid in building better programs, businesses, projects and services.”

More than 30 years after completing the program, she still maintains relationships with classmates and fellow alumni. Those connections continue to help her build partnerships and develop new programs that benefit local youth and families.

“The class built a small community of its members,” she said.

Dellick believes Leadership Mahoning Valley remains an important resource for the region because it gives participants an honest look at both the community’s strengths and challenges while fostering relationships that encourage collaboration.

As the program looks to the future, she hopes it continues to grow and bring together diverse groups of leaders committed to making the Valley stronger.

“Future class members need to build upon their collective diversity and experiences and build a better community,” Dellick said.

For alumni, she said continued engagement is essential.

“Alumni can encourage others to apply as well as attend LMV mixers and events,” Dellick said.