SALISBURY — A new chapter in leadership development is underway in Rowan County as the inaugural class of the Leadership Development Program for Social Impact (LDP-SI) officially begins its journey. Presented by Catawba College’s Ketner School of Business in partnership with Rowan County United Way, the program brings together emerging leaders from nonprofit, business, education, healthcare, government and community sectors. Through education, collaboration and hands-on learning, LDP-SI prepares participants to develop innovative solutions, strengthen their organizations and lead meaningful change throughout Rowan County and beyond.
The inaugural class began on Oct. 14, bringing together professionals committed to strengthening their leadership abilities, exploring new approaches to community challenges and creating lasting impact.
“We are excited to welcome the inaugural class of the Leadership Development Program for Social Impact,” said Imran Chowdhury, Ph.D. dean and professor of management at Ketner School of Business. “These individuals represent the future of leadership in our community, and we look forward to seeing how they apply what they learn to create meaningful change.”
The Leadership Development Program for Social Impact provides participants with a unique opportunity to learn from experienced educators, nonprofit executives and community leaders while exploring real-world challenges facing today’s organizations. Through a combination of in-person and virtual sessions, participants will develop practical skills in strategic leadership, social entrepreneurship, community innovation, impact measurement and cross-sector collaboration. The program runs through Feb. 10, 2027, and concludes with a capstone showcase where participants will present their ideas and strategies for creating sustainable social impact.
By bringing together professionals from different industries and backgrounds, LDP-SI encourages participants to build meaningful relationships, share perspectives and explore solutions that extend beyond their individual organizations. The launch of LDP-SI reflects the mission of the HUB, a Center for Collaboration dedicated to strengthening Rowan County by bringing nonprofit organizations, educators, businesses and community leaders together under one roof. Located in the historic Oestreicher Building in downtown Salisbury, the HUB is being developed as a shared space where organizations can access resources, reduce operational overhead, encourage innovation and work together to create greater community impact. By providing opportunities for collaboration and shared learning, the HUB aims to help local organizations direct more of their time and resources toward the people and communities they serve.
The Leadership Development Program for Social Impact is one example of that vision in action. Through the partnership between Catawba College’s Ketner School of Business and Rowan County United Way, the program connects education with real-world community challenges, encouraging participants to think creatively, build partnerships and develop solutions that can make a lasting difference.
While renovations to the historic building continue, the HUB’s mission is already taking shape through programs and partnerships that bring people together and create new opportunities for Rowan County. The inaugural LDP-SI class represents an important investment in the future of local leadership and the continued growth of Rowan County. As participants progress through the program, they will have opportunities to strengthen their professional skills, expand their networks, and develop strategies to address challenges facing their organizations and communities. The HUB, Catawba College, and Rowan County United Way look forward to seeing the ideas, relationships and accomplishments that emerge from this first class and the positive impact these future leaders will make.
The program also represents a step forward in the HUB’s broader mission to build a stronger, more connected Rowan County through collaboration, innovation and community engagement. For more information about the Leadership Development Program for Social Impact, visit https://ift.tt/cEw9iWG.
To learn more about the HUB and its vision for the future of Rowan County, visit www.thehubrowan.org.
