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About Us

Leadership That Strengthens a Community

Leader Valley believes leadership has the power to change lives, strengthen organizations and shape the future of our community.

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What began as an effort to help young people build the skills they need for school, work and life has grown into a broader commitment to leadership development across the Cedar Valley. Today, we work with schools, businesses, nonprofits and community organizations to help people recognize their potential, strengthen their skills and make a meaningful impact on those around them.

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From the classroom to the workplace, our purpose remains the same: create more opportunities for people to grow as leaders and build a stronger Cedar Valley in the process.

OUR MISSION

Change lives through leadership.

OUR VISION

Be the leadership hub of the Cedar Valley.

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OUR CORE VALUES

Servant Leadership: We believe leadership is for everyone. Through modeling leadership, focusing on strengths and creating opportunities for others, we empower people who will empower others.

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Human Connection: We believe in the power of diverse relationships. Through fostering trust and being a resource for others, we develop sustainable partnerships.

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Integrity: We believe authenticity is best and character matters. Through responsible use of community investments and leading by example, we build a reputation of positive impact.

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Lifelong Learning: We believe education is an ongoing journey. Through investing in individual and community development, we equip people to change their lives.

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Facilitate Change: We believe challenges are opportunities to improve. Through a flexible response to change, we create better results that ripple into the community.

Our Story

Leader Valley believes leadership has the power to change lives, strengthen organizations and shape the future of our community.

​

What began as an effort to help young people build the skills they need for school, work and life has grown into a broader commitment to leadership development across the Cedar Valley. Today, we work with schools, businesses, nonprofits and community organizations to help people recognize their potential, strengthen their skills and make a meaningful impact on those around them.

​

From the classroom to the workplace, our purpose remains the same: create more opportunities for people to grow as leaders and build a stronger Cedar Valley in the process.

Programmatic Priorities and Outcomes

Priority One 

Future Talent Pool

Develop the future talent pool by expanding the reach of leadership opportunities to PreK-12 students in the Cedar Valley.


Outcomes

Ensure students develop essential future-ready skills needed for their life ahead Strengthen the Cedar Valley workforce.

Priority Two 

Current Talent Pool

Strengthen the current talent pool by providing relevant, quality leadership programming.


Outcomes

Ensure current and budding leaders are equipped to lead in the Cedar Valley. Strengthen the Cedar Valley workforce.

Leader Valley Staff

Executive Director

Executive Director

Dr. Melissa Reade

563-880-4190

Coach/Facilitator

Coach/Facilitator

Shantavia Parker

319-504-3466

Director of Development

Director of Development

Madi Montross

319-327-1599

Director of Finance and Operations

Director of Finance and Operations

Kristen Kimball

319-558-8805

Coach/Facilitator

Coach/Facilitator

Beauty Fitts

319-464-7622

Leader Valley Council Exec. Committee

CHAIR

Shanlee McNally

Waterloo Schools (Ret.)

TREASURER

Gretchen Ogden

US Bank

AT-LARGE

Aaron Jarnagin

Integrity Grove

VICE CHAIR

Erin Earnest

Amperage Marketing

AT-LARGE

Liz DeJoode

PDCM Insurance

SECRETARY

Braden Yauk

Homeland Energy

AT-LARGE

Josh Halverson

John Deere

Leader Valley Council

Rachel Breuer

Cardinal Construction

Kim Cross

Retired Cedar Falls Principal

Katie Hillyer

True North Restoration

Emily Knutson

Hawkeye Community College

Jill Murray

VGM

Ryan VanMaanen

Smartbox US

Ashley Caldwell

Tri County Head Start

Torie Greenwood

Lincoln Savings Bank

Sherita Jenkins

Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa

Danny Laudick

Mayor of Cedar Falls

Madelyn Ridgeway

24/7 BLAC

Kayla Ventura

Vine Valley Real Estate

Jonny Craig

Westminster Presbyterian Church

Mark Halvorsen

John Deere

Michele Knaack

Western Home Communities

Jane Messingham

BankIowa

Derick Stoulil

UNI Foundation

Juan Villa

Veridian Credit Union

Donate

Every donation helps us continue our work, expand our impact, and serve our community. Give today and help make progress possible.

Events

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Merch

Show your support and take a little something home with you. Shop our store and help spread the word while supporting the work we do.

Save the Date!

Celebrating 15 years of Leader Valley at the 2027 Leader Valley Gala on February 5th, 2027.

CLICK HERE to secure your spot!

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