By Susan R. Wenner
Herald Publisher/Editor
Since 2017, Dawn Kraus has been the President and backbone of Leadership Seminole forging the organization to build a strong group of business movers and shakers.
According to Kraus, Leadership Seminole is a 10-month program beginning each August with a two-day orientation followed by monthly one day sessions focused on timely issues within areas such as: Government, Arts, Culture, Public Safety and Infrastructure, Human Services, Healthcare, Education, Economic Development, Environmental Preservation, Simulated Society(SIMSOC) and concluding with Law and Justice in May and a sold-out graduation ceremony with 350 people in attendance.
“The sessions are an opportunity for class members to develop lifelong relationships with their classmates, alumni facilitators as well as subject matter experts,” she said. “Class members build vast background knowledge on important issues that impact them daily. They use this information for the betterment of themselves, their company and their community. The class also chooses a nonprofit as their legacy project. Committed to giving back to the community, these legacy projects have impacted the lives of children, women, seniors, families, the homeless, and uninsured individuals. To date, legacy projects have raised over $1.6 million, given to local nonprofit organizations in Seminole County- an incredible legacy that grows more impressive with each passing year. This tremendous volunteer participation results in significant community improvements in the region.”
The beginnings of Leadership Seminole goes back to 1993, as Kraus cited. Business leaders were being sent to other leadership programs in Central Florida by their employers. They enjoyed the experience so much that they came together and invited community partners to come together and explore interest in starting a leadership program right here in Seminole County. There was overwhelming support and interest in this program and stakeholders were identified to begin the process. On November 29, 1993, Leadership Seminole was incorporated. A board was formed giving each organization their seat on the board plus a space for a team member to be in the leadership class. This was how the funding plan was created.
“On September 21, 1995, Leadership Seminole started its first leadership class, operating as a 501c3,” said Kraus. “The program was modeled after traditional leadership programs nationwide and was volunteer driven. Today we have over 300 active alumni who volunteer to serve on one of our committees.”
Although Kraus previously worked for the Florida Hospital, now AdventHealth Foundation, from 2008 to 2017, she admits that the work prepared her for her role with Leadership Seminole.
“I was responsible for major gift fundraising and community engagement, with the last six years focusing on relationship development in Seminole County,” she said. “The nine years with the Florida Hospital Foundation, I helped to raise more than $150 million in gifts and donations for Florida Hospital campuses and programs. Besides Altamonte Hospital in Seminole County, my role expanded to include major gift fundraising for the Apopka and Winter Garden hospitals. In addition, I have extensive experience in board and volunteer management and special events coordination for small to large events. With an in-depth knowledge in strategic planning and fiscal forecasting, this positioned me well for my role with Leadership Seminole.”
With nearly 300 active members currently, Leadership Seminole has a very engaged alumni association. These members give their time and talent, not only to the organization, but to their thriving careers, and many worthy community causes. “Not a week goes by that we do not receive an e-mail announcing an award, board appointment or promotion for one of our alumni,” she said. “Leadership Seminole is leading Seminole County. These achievements are more than metrics. They are a reflection of a movement powered by people who care.”
Kraus shared a bit of what she has learned through her involvement with Leadership Seminole such as the fact that most people in Seminole County have a strong desire for community engagement.
“In my experience, our local leaders have a vested interest in ensuring Seminole County is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family,” she said. “By bringing together individuals from non-profit, government and business backgrounds, I have seen first-hand the value in collaboration and diversity of thought. Our work at Leadership Seminole allows us to connect these engaged individuals to each other. They, in turn, work together to create the vibrant and forward- thinking region we all get to experience.”
Relating to community involvement, the organization has an upcoming event planned on Oct. 23 from 8:30 to 11 a.m., at The Rink at Northland Church in Longwood. Kraus described this as a benefit to the non-profit partners called The 6th Annual Call to Service.
“Call to Service is an expo-style free event open to the public creating a pathway to volunteer opportunities,” said Kraus. “Meet representatives from forty Seminole County organizations who are actively recruiting volunteers. Guests will be able to match their interests from helping the unhoused, children, the environment, senior citizens and more. These charitable organizations are looking for volunteers to help with social media or record-keeping, committee and board service, hands-on labor, serving meals, sorting donations and more.”
For more information about The Call to Service go to leadershipseminole.org/event/calltoservice
For more about Leadership Seminole or to reach Dawn Kraus go to www.leadershipseminole.org, Facebook.com/LeadershipSeminole, Linkedin.com/company/leadership-seminole, [email protected], call 407-708-4620 or visit the office at Leadership Seminole, Inc., 1055 AAA Drive, Suite 140, Heathrow.
For more about the program itself go to https://leadershipseminole.org/page/Program
