On August 23, Foellinger Foundation celebrated alumni of its Leadership Lab with a special event—Beyond the Lab: Beat of a Different Drummer.

 The Foellinger Leadership Lab is part of the Helene Foellinger Leadership Development Initiative, launched in 2016. Recently, the Foundation’s board of directors reauthorized the initiative for another four years. Total financial commitment to the initiative exceeds $2.1 million.

The 12-month Executive and Rising Leader Programs focus on building adaptive leadership skills in executive and non-executive director leaders of nonprofit organizations.

At this year’s Beyond the Lab event, participants were able to network with each other and learn from professionals with leadership experience in unconventional fields.

Ace Yakey, former vice president of community development for Lilly Endowment, shared leadership lessons gained from climbing the highest mountains. Zak Mirzadeh, “The Maze Illusionist,” provided illusions and reality in leadership. Drummer Doug Laughlin finished the presentations with his drum circle experience encouraging attendees to march to the beat of a different drum.

“Foellinger Foundation values providing nonprofit leaders with experiential opportunities that build on what they learn through the Leadership Lab,” said Cheryl Taylor, Foellinger Foundation President. “Thoughtful investments in nonprofit organizations, whether financial or through education, provide lasting benefits to the community.”