Next Level Leaders program develops region’s emerging leaders

By Rebecca Kirkman on June 9, 2022

Two dozen leaders from across the greater Baltimore region—the first cohort of the Next Level Leaders program—emerge this spring prepared to make a meaningful impact on their organizational culture.

A signature program from the Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute at Towson University, Next Level Leaders builds on the university’s commitment to positively impact the region through outcomes-producing leadership.

Intended to build mid-level managers into leaders with impact, the program empowers participants to take their leadership to the next level.

Over nine months, facilitator Adam Bradley guided the program’s inaugural cohort through an interactive journey designed to amplify key leadership skills, develop coaching strategies, and encourage participants to apply their knowledge to their organizations.

A June 7 event at the StarTUp at the Armory celebrated the first cohort.

“It has been such an inspiration to hear your ideas and witness your enthusiasm, and I can’t wait to see what is ahead for you,” said Erin Moran, executive director of the Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute. “And for those of you representing organizations who have sent leaders to this program,” she continued, “I can’t wait to hear how you all will benefit from the ideas these leaders bring back to you.”

The program builds on the Institute’s commitment to developing leadership across all levels and industries. In support of that aim, participation in Next Level Leaders is available at no cost to qualified applicants through the generous support of Whiting-Turner.

“We are delighted to participate in and support the Next Level Leaders program at the TU Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute," said Lauren N. Bennett, Vice President, Community Impact at The Whiting-Turner. "There is no better role model for humble yet highly effective leadership than Dr. Grasmick herself. The fact that this cohort and many others to follow will benefit from her wisdom makes me very optimistic about the future of our community."

The cohort model allows participants to learn from their peers in diverse industries.

“It’s an amazing experience being able to be in a room of some of the brightest emerging leaders in Maryland,” says Arnold Farmer, a manager at SC&H group and member of the first cohort.

Next Level Leaders gave Gurvir Singh, a manager at Jimmy’s Seafood, the opportunity to examine his leadership style and acquire new skills to apply right away.

 “It has helped me change the way that I work and the way that I lead,” he says. “What I have done in the past nine months I’m going to carry forward with me for the rest of my life. It’s a big steppingstone for me moving into the next phase of my life.”

The inaugural cohort encourages other regional leaders to learn more.

“Just to have the opportunity to be surrounded by other leaders for me has been one of the things I feel most grateful for in my life right now,” says Kim Paradise, chief of staff at Mindgrub. “Anyone who has the opportunity to take this program should take advantage—100%.”