Year over year, Flourish is proud to be part of Leadership Greater Huntsville’s Connect Program. This ten-month experience brings emerging leaders together to learn, grow, and give back to the Rocket City. This year, Flourish Account Manager Gracie is representing our team as a member of Connect Class 28.
Throughout the program, she’ll be sharing her perspective and monthly reflections to highlight what she’s learning and how each experience is shaping her as a leader.
So with that, let’s jump in!
AUGUST
Opening Retreat
Our Opening Retreat began at City Hall with lunch, introductions, and an overview of the program. The highlight was a name game where each of us paired an adjective with our first name, a difficult yet effective way to start learning 50+ new faces. Later, we hit the streets of downtown Huntsville for a scavenger hunt, which turned out to be the perfect mix of competition, teamwork, and connection. Alumni reminded us that the more we invest now, the greater the impact will be, which is advice I’m keeping top of mind as the year unfolds.
Day two focused on self-awareness and understanding others. Jillian Miles Massey shared insights on communication, followed by a personality exercise that grouped us by style and showed how our differences complement one another. The most powerful moment came during the “step forward” game, where we acknowledged the diverse experiences and perspectives that shape who we are. It was challenging, but it created an immediate bond within the class. We also formed our small groups and learned about our service projects, which I’m ecstatic to share more about!
I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of Connect Class 28. Over the months ahead, I look forward to building meaningful relationships, gaining new perspectives, and discovering even more about my community!
SEPTEMBER
Human Services Day
Our first program day with Connect Class 28 was Human Services Day, and it left a lasting impression. The day was designed to give us a deeper understanding of the challenges many in our community face, as well as the nonprofits and organizations working every day to meet those needs.
We began at the Downtown Rescue Mission with a panel of local leaders, then stepped into the Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS). In this exercise, each of us assumed the role of someone living in poverty and attempted to navigate daily life, from paying bills to accessing transportation and caring for family members, all on limited resources.
What struck me most was how quickly small setbacks snowballed into overwhelming barriers. Even when resources technically existed, time, transportation, or lack of information often kept families from accessing them. The simulation underscored how easy it is to fall behind and how difficult it is to break cycles of poverty. It was a humbling, eye-opening reminder that empathy and understanding must guide our leadership.
Next, we visited Merrimack in Owens Cross Roads, known as the happiest place in Huntsville. Merrimack provides visual and performing arts education and cultural activities. I had the privilege of joining their arts and crafts session and was immediately welcomed by Sarah, a student celebrating her 26th birthday, who made the experience especially memorable. From crafts to karaoke, the visit highlighted the joy and sense of belonging that Merrimack provides its students.
We closed the day with a panel of nonprofit leaders connected to our class service projects. My small group will be partnering with the Community Free Dental Clinic to help refresh one of their spaces, and I’m eager to get started on that work.
Human Services Day reminded me how easy it is to stay in our own bubbles and how important it is to step outside them. I’m grateful for the chance to experience these realities firsthand, and I look forward to building relationships and finding ways to serve alongside my classmates as we continue our journey through Connect.
