News from the Berkshire Leadership Program

The Berkshire Leadership Program (BLP) has been preparing leaders for over 20 years in the Berkshires. BLP seeks, prepares, involves, and sustains leaders from diverse backgrounds who are committed to addressing community challenges and improving the quality of life in the Berkshires. BLP is a program of 1Berkshire, planned by a Steering Committee of 20 volunteers, and driven by individuals and businesses in the community who donate their time for our sessions. The Steering Committee carefully reviews each application for the program and selects a wide variety of leaders in Berkshire County. 

At this time last year, we were scheduled to begin the BLP Class of 2020. Unfortunately we needed to make the necessary decision to postpone the program, acting with an abundance of caution with regard to COVID-19.  After nearly 15 months from when they were first accepted into the program, the now BLP Class of 2021 is just days from beginning their journey, albeit virtually.    

We are excited to welcome the following individuals into the 2021 program:

Anita Akor, City of Pittsfield/Pittsfield Municipal Airport
Maya Bahl, Toastmasters International
Jon Bishop, General Dynamics Mission Systems
Kayla Brown-Wood, Berkshire Family and Individual Resources
Eammon Coughlin, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
Tia-Marie Damman, General Dynamics Mission Systems
Michelle Decepida, General Dynamics Mission Systems
Nicole Hall, General Dynamics Mission Systems
Mark Hawthorne, General Dynamics Mission Systems
Michelle Lopez, Berkshire Immigrant Center
Frederic MacDonald-Dennis, Berkshire Community College
Ellen Manley, Becket Athenaeum
Kelan O’Brien, Williams College
Jay Ogle, Berkshire Bank
iin Purwanti, Cinta Hutan Foundation and Outpost
Emma Roberts, Iredale Cosmetics
Karen Ruiz León, Berkshire Community College
Holly Simeone, Berkshire Money Management
Kristin Winsett, Berkshire Community College

Applications for the Class of 2022 will be made available this fall.  For more information about the program please click here.