Emerging Leader Awards Announcement

February 13, 2023 – Sarasota

Three up-and-coming community leaders have been named to receive the first-ever Emerging Leader Awards, sponsored by community advocates Bill and Barbara Little. An award presentation at the Collaboration Celebration luncheon on February 28, 2023 kicks off the program, where each recipient will receive a $1,000 grant to develop their leadership goals.

The awardees are Kelly Duyn, Assistant Director of Education and Community Engagement at Venice Theatre awarded in the category of arts and culture; Dana LeBlanc, Assistant Director at Faces of Accomplishment awarded in the category of human services; and Tiona Settles, Community Health Worker at CenterPlace Health awarded in the category of physical and behavioral health.

Sponsors Bill and Barbara Little have spent decades serving the community. “During my career in health and human services and Barbara’s time in public health and nursing education, we both worked with many talented individuals who, early in their careers, demonstrated a passion and capacity to be an engaged and collaborative leader,” said Bill Little. “This is our way of continuing to encourage and support emerging leaders of today who will guide our community in the future.”

“Glasser/Schoenbaum was founded by leaders determined to make an impact on this community, and we are honored to provide support to those that will continue that work.,” said Charlene Altenhain, Executive Director of Glasser/Schoenbaum. “I was moved by the impressive submissions received in the first year of the program. These emerging leaders foster optimism for the future and inspire us all to do better.”

Tickets for the February 28 Collaboration Celebration are $90 and can be purchased at gs-humanservices.org/event/celebration2023 through February 17. The event will take place at Michael’s On East (1212 S East Ave, Sarasota) from 11:30am – 1:00pm.