Leadership Los Alamos Class Of 2025 Celebrates Graduation
Last Friday, the Leadership Los Alamos (LLA) Class of 2025 celebrated its graduation at the Los Alamos Ski Hill, marking the culmination of a transformative leadership journey. This year, 25 participants received their graduation certificates, along with a 2024 grad who couldn’t attend the closing session last year.
The event featured keynote speaker Jenn Bartram, a Senior Chaplain who volunteers with both the Los Alamos Police and Fire Departments. Bartram shared reflections on leadership through service, compassion, and community commitment—values that have defined her career. A longtime advocate for youth, elders, and mental health resources, she is currently working with local partners to expand suicide prevention efforts in the region. Her message resonated with graduates, emphasizing the enduring impact of empathy, connection, and purpose-driven leadership.
The 9-month Leadership Los Alamos program starts in September with a two-day orientation where students from all over the community get to know each other and begin what can be a very formative bond. They gather monthly for sessions that continue until May, with a different area of focus for each class. The outcome is a well-rounded leader in the areas of Los Alamos programs, projects, and people with an advanced interest in community engagement.
Session topics are designed to reflect the core elements of a thriving community. These include Environment, Community Organizations, Local Government, Health & Wellbeing, Culture, Youth & Education, and Economic Development.
Kirsten Bell, current Chair of the LLA program, likens the experience to being a teacher welcoming a new class each year—one that leaves a lasting impression. “What has stood out most to me about this group is your genuine curiosity and your willingness to challenge each other to think differently,” Bell said. “Over the past nine months, you’ve explored a wide range of topics with openness and thoughtfulness. The diversity of perspectives among you has been one of your greatest strengths, creating space for deeper understanding and lasting impact.”
Leadership Los Alamos is a cornerstone of the community, with a mission to foster leadership across a wide range of professions and civic roles. Operated entirely by volunteers, the program has thrived since its inception in 2003 thanks to the dedication, passion, and service of its board members and supporters.
In addition to Bell, board members for the 2024–2025 program include:
Sobia Sayeda
Mihaela Popa-Simil
Seth Martinez
Jack Allison
Jennifer Aylmer
Christy Cartelli
Kim Ferguson
Martha Katko
Carmen Kramer
Amber Pope
Jasmine Stephens
Terra Hite
LLA is currently seeking additional board members. Interested community members must be program alumni. Board membership applications can be requested via email (ladershiplosalamos@gmail.com). Applications for the next class cohort will be available in mid- June at leadershiplosalamos.org.
Each year, LLA also recognizes outstanding contributions to the community through three leadership awards:
The Distinguished Alumnus Award
The Distinguished Leadership Award (for non-alumni)
The NextGen Leadership Award (for youth ages 13–18)
The 2025 award recipients are Suzanne Lynne, Ken Nebel, and Uxue Sansinena. A feature on these honorees will be published soon.
Read more on: https://ladailypost.com/leadership-los-alamos-class-of-2025-celebrates-graduation/
