LLA students participate in an activity facilitated by Bernadette Lauritzen. Photo by Kateri Morris

Bernadette Lauritzen and the class participate in a discussion of the book Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson. Photo by Kateri Morris

LLA News:

Leadership Los Alamos Class of 2023 held its first session in October. Participants learned about the heart of non-profit organizations in the community. Executive Director Bernadette Lauritzen of the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization and Champions of Youth Ambitions, hosted the class at the Betty Ehart Senior Center.

Guest speakers included Director Kathy Keith of the LANL Community Programs Office, President Kyle Wheeler of the Los Alamos Living Treasures, Executive Director Diane Smogor of Self Help, Inc., Executive Director Todd Nichols of the Los Alamos Historical Society, Executive Director Steve Laurent of the Los Alamos Community Foundation and Co-founder Dr. Donald Cobb of the Los Alamos Community Foundation.

These community leaders were instrumental in informing the class of the purpose and value of their organizations, the variety of volunteer opportunities there are in the county and were able to leave the class with some advice to enhance their philanthropy. Collaboration, networking, pivoting services, successes and challenges were additional areas of focus.

The class continued the day with hands-on activities at the Los Alamos Animal Shelter, Family Strengths Network, and the Senior Center; and met local community organizations at a mini-fair at Fuller Lodge.

Leadership Los Alamos is a non-profit organization whose mission is to identify current and emerging leaders in Los Alamos and surrounding communities, to enhance their leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing the community.

Each class learns about a variety of topics like community organizations, cultural and history, youth, education, local government, economic development, and environmental issues. For more information go to: Leadership Los Alamos – An educational organization dedicated to the future of Los Alamos.

LLA students assemble charity bags for local residents in need. Photo by Kateri Morris

LLA students clean and disinfect toys at the Family Strengths Network hosted by FSN Executive Director Carie Fanning. Photo by Kateri Morris

LLA students learn about the LA County Animal Shelter and play with the new dogs that arrived. Hosted by LAC Animal Shelter Manager Paul Sena. Photo by Kateri Morris

LLA students meet a variety of non-profit organizations at the Community Organizations Fair at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Marisol Padilla