Berea College

Whether this is your first visit or you’ve been with us often during the last 20 years, we invite you to join leaders from across the region as we explore ideas for inclusive solutions to community challenges. And we continue to offer hands-on, applicable workshop tracks that will increase your skills in nonprofit and community leadership.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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The 20<sup>th</sup> annual Brushy Fork Leadership Summit will explore how local leaders can support community efforts by empowering others to work for the good of the places they call home. We often hear the notion of bringing people to the table. But how can we create leadership spaces that are truly community-owned, where change is defined by the community, which then controls resources and decisions? Brushy Fork believes that leadership begins by collaboratively building this table, creating accessible seats for all community members.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Take a breath and a break from the daily grind! Come see old friends and make new ones. Share in conversations and learning that will inspire and excite you! Celebrate a vision for inclusive leadership and community development with art, music, and great local food!&nbsp;&nbsp;

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<ul>
 	<li><strong>Should Nonprofits Start Making a Profit? <em>How to Create Social Enterprise in Small Communities </em></strong>led by Mae Suramek</li>
 	<li><strong>What's the Culture in Organizational Culture?</strong> led by Joe Tolbert Jr.</li>
 	<li><strong>Amplifying Impact: Strategies for Nonprofit Communications</strong> led by Rachel Rosolina &amp; Erin Rosolina</li>
 	<li><strong>Building Community Power: Practical Strategies &amp; Tools for Stability &amp; Growth</strong> led by Chris Handberg</li>
 	<li><strong>Building an Inclusive Leadership Table: Personal Tools and Community Belonging </strong>led by Dee Parker &amp; Leah Van Winkle</li>
 	<li><strong>Narrative 4 Story Exchange:</strong> <strong>Share Today, Change Tomorrow</strong> led by Evan Barker &amp; Amanda Cantrell Roche</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.berea.edu/brushy-fork-institute/2024-brushy-fork-leadership-summit/2024-leadership-summit-workshop-tracks/"><em>Click here for workshop track descriptions and track leader bios.</em></a>

Workshop Tracks

<h4>Accountability that Leads to Sustainability | Donna Carter | Clark County Equity Coalition</h4>
How do we build trust and foster relationships that lead to sustainable communities? Hear from Donna Carter, founder of Clark County Equity Coalition, an organization committed to creating accountable, welcoming, and inclusive spaces by embodying the values, beliefs, and behaviors they promote within their community. Recognizing that members are at different levels of experience and comfort with addressing internal implicit biases, the Coalition is dedicated to building a sustainable path towards community resilience. In this interactive session, Donna will share the story of the Equity Coalition, highlighting the importance of mutual and community accountability in building trust and fostering relationships. Through her extensive experience and passion for organizational culture, Donna will provide insights into the mindset required to show up with mutual respect and work towards sustainable community development.

<strong><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-105560" src="https://bereafaust.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Donna-Carter-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" />About Donna Carter</strong>

Donna has over 20 years of HR experience within various industries. Over her career she has been responsible for leading HR departments in the manufacturing, nonprofit, government, education and private sectors. Donna's passions are leadership development, impacting organizational culture and mentoring other HR professionals. Over the course of her career, Donna led the development and execution of organizational DEIB strategies, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness strategies. She continues to provide oversight for Human Resources, Talent Management and Inclusion and Diversity initiatives in her current role of Director, Professional &amp; Community Development at Internal Family Systems Institute, headquartered in Chicago, IL. Donna earned her PHR and SHRM-CP certification, completed her Master of Education in Adult and Continuing Education from Rutgers University, and BS in Human Resources Management from DeVry University. Donna is the founder of the Clark County Equity Coalition which is a grassroots nonprofit that is striving to assist in bridging the gap to ensure “Equal &amp; Meaningful Preparation for All Children Utilizing Proactive Measures”. She is also active with her church serving on the Connections and Experience Teams. One of her greatest achievements, after her daughter, is being over 30 years in recovery from drugs and that lifestyle. Donna currently resides in Winchester, KY with her husband of 24 years and their daughter.

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Keynote Address

<h4>People Ready Futures Gallery &amp; Celebration</h4>
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-105523" src="https://bereafaust.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-1-e1721238275804-300x165.png" alt="" width="300" height="165" />Join us at the 2024 Brushy Fork Annual Leadership Summit for an evening at the Berea Arts Council's People Ready Future Gallery and Celebration. Artists from across the region will share their visions of what a People Ready Future could look like for Eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia. We’re turning the 400 block of Chestnut Street into a lively block party, filled with creativity and community spirit.

Explore artworks that show resilience, innovation, and the evolving identity of Appalachia. From traditional art to modern installations, each piece tells a story of what’s ahead for our region.

While you stroll through the gallery, enjoy delicious food and a cozy atmosphere provided by Nightjar Restaurant and Rebel Rebel Studio and Lounge. This night is all about celebrating art, sparking conversations, and imagining our future together.

Come for an evening of art, culture, and inspiration as we celebrate the rich heritage of Appalachia and the endless possibilities of a People Ready Future.
<h4>Book Exchange</h4>
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-105524" src="https://bereafaust.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/13392-Photo-6-small-300x169.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="169" />Bring your favorite books to the 2024 Brushy Fork Leadership Summit and join our book exchange! This is a great chance to give your books a fresh start and find new reads to inspire you. It's simple: bring a book, take a book, and discover something new. Share the knowledge and stories that have shaped your journey and pick up new ideas to take back home. Let’s give our books a new home and keep the learning going.
<h4>Youth Panel</h4>
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-105583" src="https://bereafaust.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/eb-panel-youth-300x107.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="107" />As leaders envision the future of their communities, it is imperative that they consider factors that will improve the quality of life for all residents, including youth. Attracting young people to stay or return home is essential, as they will eventually take up leadership and various community roles. What draws youth back to, or keeps them in, their Appalachian hometowns? Hear directly from local youth in this inspiring panel session where high school students will share their ideas and aspirations for the region’s future. This session highlights their perspectives on creating an inclusive future in their communities. Including diverse voices, especially from younger generations, is crucial for informing plans for a future where they will thrive. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the next generation of leaders and gain insights into their hopes and dreams for a vibrant, inclusive Appalachia.

Other Activities

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Questions? Contact us at <a href="mailto:brushyfork@berea.edu">brushyfork@berea.edu</a> or 859-985-3858.

2024 Leadership Summit Workshop Tracks

Join Brushy Fork for as we celebrate two decades of empowering leaders and envision a future where Appalachia thrives through innovative, inclusive, and effective leadership.