From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — Last Thursday, Trussville councilmember Lisa Bright was one of 40 fellows to graduate in the inaugural class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute.
Bright and her fellow Class of 2020 graduates were recognized at a virtual ceremony on Nov. 19.
In the year leading up to graduation, Bright participated in three in-person sessions and eight months of virtual programming, all of which included skill-building seminars with regional experts, peer-to-peer learning, and case study analysis. All aspects of the curriculum were designed to equip fellows with the knowledge and network needed to create positive change in their communities. Bright was one of three representing Alabama in the inaugural class.
“Being chosen to be a part of the ARC Leadership Institute offered the ability to network and collaborate with fellow Appalachians across the region… a life changing opportunity,” said Bright, CEO of the Will Bright Foundation.
As a graduate of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, she is now part of the Appalachian Leadership Institute Alumni Network. With each graduating class, the network will continue to grow, connect leaders, and facilitate continued learning and idea exchange across the 13 Appalachian states.
According to a press release, the Appalachian Leadership Institute is a comprehensive leadership and economic development training opportunity for people who live and/or work in Appalachia and are passionate about helping their communities thrive. Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellows participate in an extensive training curriculum developed by the Appalachian Regional Commission in partnership with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; The Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy; Tuskegee University; and Collective Impact.