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GREG KOZAK
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER, COLLEGE OF LAKE COUNTY
CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR
"I want to make a difference for a place that makes a difference.” Being involved with Charmm’d has helped me not only apply that credo but to expand it. By being a Leadership Academy Mentor, I am able to make a difference for the people who make a difference. The mentorship program is filled with bright, articulate, and service-oriented leaders who need a space to learn from Charmm’d’s amazing leaders and from each other. It’s a privilege to be able to facilitate a set of these impactful and generous-hearted souls in a peer-advisory group. I enjoy the mentoring aspect of sharing my successes and failures throughout my career, but even more so (as should come as no surprise), through facilitating and simply listening to each participant in the group, I learn much more than I share. On the fortunate dates on which it takes place, The Leadership Academy is the highlight of my day."
Fondly,
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Sheri Miller, CPCC, CPQC
TTI Certified in DISC, DF & EQ
Founder and Executive Director
The Charmm'd Foundation
MONICA DOMBROWSKI
LIBRARY DIRECTOR, WINNETKA-NORTHFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR
"When I first joined my leadership club, I was new to the area and trying to figure out how to best navigate some of the sticky situations that I’d inherited when I took my job. I found a group of colleagues at Charmm’d that were able to offer suggestions, listen and provide feedback as I worked through issues, and remind me that the community needs the skills and expertise that I bring when things got tough. In addition, the book we read—and subsequent workshop that grew out of it—provided me with new skills that can be applied in every area of my life and deepened my sense of compassion for myself, and for others. So grateful to have had this experience!"
SELENA LESURE
CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFFICER, PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF MICHIGAN
CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR
"The Charmm’d Foundation sits at the top of my resource list for both people and experience management tools. The professional development opportunities, coupled with the expertise of the staff, have aided my ability to confidently navigate team and organizational level challenges. They have a unique style of highlighting and connecting your strengths as a leader, to an approach that yields your desired outcome. Furthermore, the network of professionals you gain through working with them is unparalleled. Each of their services is outstanding!"
Proudly SHARING
Based on survey results, Charmm'd partners reported the following notable results:
94%
Of partners gained a better sense of self by taking one or more of the following actions below:
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standing stronger in their truths and acting from that place
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understanding their strengths and areas for growth
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understanding the impact of their actions
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being more self-reflective
96%
Of partners have strengthened their leadership by taking one or more of the actions below:
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having a better understanding of the impact of their actions
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accepting feedback from others
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taking action in new ways to make a difference within their organization
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sharing feedback, ideas and experience to help strengthen other leaders
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becoming better listeners and communicators
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being more accountable for their actions
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gaining a clearer vision of the next steps and the “big picture”
MIKAEL "MICK"
JACOBSEN
DIRECTOR,
LAKE VILLA DISTRICT LIBRARY
"I have found Charmm’d to be a perspective-widening organization which has helped me understand the aspirations, concerns, and mindsets of leaders of non-profit organizations throughout the Northern Suburbs. It is simple (and feels safe) to stay inside your field’s echo chamber, but hearing unvarnished opinions and truths from admirable and accomplished community leaders has helped me personally and has helped me guide my organization to better serve my community. I am always pleased to spend time with the Charmm’d organization be it through group meetings or individual coaching. I highly recommend working with Charmm’d!"
MOLLY SCHEIBLER
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, SCHAUMBURG TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY
PAST CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR
"Being a part of Charmm’d has helped me become a better leader and has helped me become an even better listener. The Peer Advisory Group that I am involved in has been pivotal to my growth as a Supervisor. We have created a safe environment to discuss our personal and professional goals. With the help of the Charmm’d Foundation I have become the manager that I always wanted to be."
"I learned of the Charmm’d Foundation from colleagues at other local governments. Personal and organizational assessments, coaching, peer groups, The Leadership Academy, and The Summit have all provided several important and valuable experiences for myself and our team’s leaders. The networking and spontaneous exchanges outside the formal structured programs are equally valuable and welcome. The mix of participants from the not-for-profit sector and local government is another hidden gem of Charmm’d. The diversity of these participants and perspectives is a key to its success. Charmm’d programs offer me a way to help build the team using many voices."
LINDSAY THOMAS
SUPERINTENDENT OF OPERATIONS,
WILMETTE PARK DISTRICT
"I am so thankful to have been nominated to be part of the Charmm’d Leadership Academy, which was my main introduction to this amazing group! When I think of Charmm’d, I think of an organization that provides a variety of opportunities for learning and growth, both personally and professionally. The individuals and mentors I have connected with have provided me with invaluable insight and guidance in numerous areas surrounding leadership, which I hope to take and apply throughout my career. I look forward to continuing to build my leadership skills and passing on advice and mentorship to others."
ZEESHAN ALI
PAST CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MENTOR
The Charmmd foundation is doing some amazing work in developing the future leaders in the nonprofit sector. Their evidence based approach has developed me as a leader and I feel more confident in developing others. When there was an opportunity to give back to other nonprofit leaders, as a Leadership Academy Mentor, it was a no-brainer for me. I look forward to the growth of my mentees in my peer advisory group and the Charmmd Foundation as a whole.
ANTHONY NITTI
RETIRED HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES, VERNON AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
PAST CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR
"Charmm’d Foundation has connected me with other leaders at the same level of management as myself. The Peer Advisory Group I have been affiliated with since 2017, encourages, motivates and supports me as I set and achieve goals in my current leadership role. I am truly honored the team at Charmm’d believed I would be a good mentor to future leaders in government and in the nonprofit world. As a mentor, I look forward to sharing my education, experience and knowledge in hope I can provide the guidance necessary for others to succeed."
GEORGE ALEXOFF
RETIRED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NORTHFIELD PARK DISTRICT
"The Charmm’d Foundation has provided me a forum of leaders outside my community who have been able to provide me with a fresh prospective of how they deal with leadership within their communities and their agencies. I have taken this information and been able to apply what I have learned to help me better navigate through the partnership opportunities here in Northfield. Through this, my agency has been able to provide more for the community with less, by utilizing existing community resources in a more collaborative way."
LIZ COX
PAST CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
CO-FACILITATOR
"Charmm’d has given me the wonderful opportunity to collaborate and learn from other professionals who are passionate about service and leadership. I look forward to every Peer Advisory Group meeting because my takeaways always include thoughtful and insightful feedback that helps me continue to hone my leadership skills. I ultimately see Charmm’d as a “call to arms” for community leaders to rise up and create positive change in the world."
PETER BOWER
MARKET EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
ALSAC/ST. JUDE
"I have had the opportunity to work closely with The Charmm’d Foundation for several years. This organization is like no other! Their commitment to helping develop leaders and strengthen communities is bold and ambitious – and they do it so well. I am thankful for the relationships I’ve built with other leaders through Charmm’d and the personal learning and growth that they have made possible."
DANI CZARNIK
PAST CHARMM'D ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER AND LEADERSHIP ACADEMY PARTICIPANT
"Charmm’d has been such a wonderful resource for me both professionally and personally. Charmm’d has provided me with a network of leaders to learn from and grow with. The Charmm’d staff continues to provide well-designed programs which allow me time to reflect on my leadership style, team dynamic and constantly pushes me to evaluate and develop my leadership skills for the future."
TERRY DASON
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WINNETKA-NORTHFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
"Leaders may think that using Charmm'd during difficult times is valuable. It is during the good times that have proven incredibly valuable to our organization as I learn ways to develop as a leader while not in crisis."
DR. JEAN SOPHIE-HEAD
RETIRED SUPERINTENDENT/ STATE TEACHER/PERA EVALUATION TRAINER/NORTH COOK INTERMEDIATE SERVICE CENTER COACH AND PRINCIPAL AND SUPERINTENDENT MENTOR, CONSULTANT FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING AND PERSONNEL
"Charmm’d has provided me opportunities to network and grow with "like" peers that are in leadership and a part of community organizations. It has allowed me time to reflect and gain an understanding of myself and the local community by meeting with other leaders in both formal and informal groups. I have strongly encouraged the leaders in my organization to take part in the leadership offers that apply to them. The professionalism of the Charmm’d leaders as well as the "out of the box" thinking has been a valuable resource in my work!"
COURTNEY VOLNY
CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER, WINNETKA-NORTHFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
PAST CHARMM'D
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
CO-FACILITATOR
"Joining Charmm'd has given me the incredible opportunity to speak with other professionals outside of my field and the ability to share insights, and encouragements, which has been invaluable to me both personally and professionally. As a new manager, it has been an amazing experience to sit down with other leaders and know that I can both share my own experiences and learn from the experiences of others. Charmm'd has built a platform that allows professionals to connect in a safe communicative environment where we are able to build professional connections and friendships."
SCOTT ROSEN
TOWNSHIP COMPTROLLER, GLENBROOK HIGH SCHOOL
DISTRICT 225
PAST CHARMM'D
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
CO-FACILITATOR
"Now in my second year being involved with The Charmm'd Foundation, I'm so glad it was recommended to me and that I took advantage of the opportunity in front of me. The leadership team at Charmm'd is second to none and they make sure every participant has the resources available and the ability to communicate whatever the needs may be. Meeting with Peer Advisory Groups every month has opened my eyes to different ways of thinking and has allowed me to come away from every session more informed about myself and others than I was before. I am grateful for what the Leadership Academy has taught me and I know it will help me on my path toward continual personal and professional growth."
JEN FREY
JEN FREY COACHING
CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR
"It is truly an honor to work with leaders in our community who are ready and willing to serve. The Peer Advisory groups provide a safe space where non-profit leaders can grow, learn and wrestle with topics that occur across various industries. I love the look on the participants’ faces when they realize they are not alone AND their problems are solvable! The camaraderie and support offered by Charmm’d is unparalleled and makes volunteering as a co-facilitator easy and fun. I’m grateful for the personal growth I have experienced and the confidence I have gained as a result of being in this role."
PRISCILLA SAUNDERS
LOWER SCHOOL STEM TEACHER, DAVIDSON DAY SCHOOL
CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR
"As an elementary teacher of 19 years, I am a lifelong learner. My current path has taken me down the road of learning to be a leader and Charmm’d has played an important role. In my first year of the Leadership Academy, I was able to benefit from a deep dive into understanding my own strengths and weaknesses as we unpacked our DISC assessments. Charmm’d has allowed me to grow through its professional development workshop topics from ‘difficult conversations’ to ‘conquering your inner saboteurs’. I also connected with individuals on various stages of their own leadership journeys in peer advisory groups where honest and vulnerable conversations help me work through challenges. I have begun 2023 feeling empowered working as a co-facilitator in the Year 2 Peer Advisory Programs and continue to gain knowledge and tools that help me move forward."
NICOLE SEIDLITZ
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION
"Charmm’d is an invaluable – and unique – asset to nonprofit professionals and nonprofits as a whole. From being able to learn and share with colleagues who have similar jobs to sharing best practices and forming significant professional relationships, Charmm’d has helped me become a more effective leader. In turn, the nonprofits where I have worked have become stronger as well."
SHERRY QUAM TAYLOR
CEO, QUAM TAYLOR LLC
"From the first interaction with the leadership team at the Charmm'd Foundation, I could tell something was different about the way they led. They were authentic and intentional in every interaction. Quickly, I witnessed this same level of care for the leaders they worked with, many of them were my clients. I'm involved with the team because of the unique and remarkable support they provide leaders who are changing their communities, country, and world."
CHERI NEAL
SUPERVISOR, ZION TOWNSHIP
CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MENTOR
"When Charmm’d came on the scene, I felt like a freak of nature. No one seemed to understand, more less embrace servant leadership and emotional intelligence. Over the years, with Charmm’d at our back, the Zion community has been able to make strides that I only dreamed of. We have a solid Leadership Team made up of all the key leaders of the taxing bodies collaborating in substantial ways and we have a collaborative communication vehicle in our Zion Quarterly Magazine. My team at Zion Township is more confident and leading in their own right thanks to the professional development I was able to offer them through Charmm’d. I have also grown in my leadership in substantial ways both personally and professionally. There are no words to express my gratitude for all Charmm’d has been and done for me, my team and my community.
I am so grateful."
KATIE SWEENEY
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HR, COLLEGE OF LAKE COUNTY
CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR
“I found the Charmm’d Foundation by accident. In searching for leadership coaches,
this “diamond in the rough” surfaced for leadership development in my area. A total package, from coaching, to an academy, to structured networking groups, there is something here for every level of leader. Recently, I joined the Leadership Academy to serve as a mentor, an opportunity to support and inspire new leaders in their journeys. It has been a sheer joy working with the Charmm’d staff. Every leader in Lake County should add Charmm’d to their list of tools in their toolbox”
