“To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
HICV is proud to offer a variety of professional development opportunities, and one of those is the Expansions program, which entails a six-month leadership development program for emerging and evolving leaders. Throughout the program, participants have the opportunity to take monthly classes, meet with a mentor, and work on real-world projects to foster leadership development. That is just the beginning of their journey!
This month, we are excited to chat with Lesley Pileggi, who works on our VIP Experiences team as a vendor and contract specialist. She graduated from the Expansions program in Fall 2022 and worked with Team Evergreen on the corporate campus “Green Initiative.” She is also currently participating in Branch Out, HICV’s formal mentorship program.
We sat with Lesley to chat about all things Expansions, and how her experience shaped her future.
Q: When did you first learn about the Expansions Program?
A: I think I was with HICV a few weeks before I heard about the program and knew it was something I would be lucky to be a part of.
Q: Could you share what makes Expansions so unique?
A: The Expansions program is so different from any other opportunities that were available to me at previous companies. It’s this amazing combination or personal and professional development mixed with networking and a massive confidence boost!
Since our class concluded, I’ve recommended the program to so many team members. It was such a positive experience!
Q: What are your takeaways from being part of Expansions?
A: I can’t say enough about all the wonderful people I met during those six months. My amazing team members each came from a different department, and this presented so many opportunities to broaden my horizons. Our team sponsor, Julie MacPherson, was so receptive and supportive of all our ideas! Everyone at the Academy of Learning and Development is completely wonderful. Their support is like having your own personal cheering section for all your goals.
Be on the lookout for other rising leaders, like Lesley, as we continue this series spotlighting our leadership development program graduates.
Applications for the upcoming Fall 2023 Expansions class are open now through August 18. If you are interested in applying, please click here. The Academy of Learning and Development is also hosting info sessions throughout August for team members that are interested in learning more. To sign-up for an info session click here.
