2AVM6781_webAfter nine months of learning, building relationships and enhancing community engagement skills, Port of Vancouver USA Community Relations Specialist Julie Rawls and 30 other local leaders graduated from Leadership Clark County (LCC) on June 4.

The port has been supporting LCC since its inception, and over the years, more than 15 port employees have graduated from the program.

Each LCC class runs September through May and combines site tours, lectures, presentations and group discussions. As part of the experience, the class is divided into teams and paired with a community organization to complete a project that benefits the organization and the community, all while helping LCC students hone their communications and leadership skills.

Julie and her team worked with local non-profit West Van for Youth to create awareness around underage drinking. The team helped design a shopping bag, which will be used at west Vancouver alcohol retailers.

LCC was founded in 1993 to develop effective community leaders to serve in Clark County. The program challenges students to increase their knowledge about Clark County, enhance their leadership skills and deepen their community engagement.

Newly instated LCC Executive Director Angel Escobedo provided an overview of the program and expressed his enthusiasm during the port’s Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, June 9.

“I’m excited about the work we’re doing in Clark County,” said Escobedo. “When local leaders…(have) a shared purpose and a plan, true and lasting change can take hold and transform communities.”

Escobedo also announced that LCC had accepted port Administrative Supervisor Betsy Rogers into its 2015-2016 class.

Congratulations, Julie and Betsy!