Celebrating Leadership, Inspiring Change: Berrien County’s First Community Leadership Academy Graduates
When neighbors come together to learn, listen, and lead, a community’s future begins to shift. Over the past several months, a group of Benton Harbor residents has been doing just that—meeting after work, asking hard questions, and building the skills needed to act on the issues that matter most to them.
On Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM community members, partners, and families are invited to gather at the Corewell Center for Wellness for an evening of celebration and connection as Be Healthy Berrien and Corewell Health marks a major milestone: the graduation of the inaugural Community Leadership Academy cohort.
The Community Leadership Academy is designed to develop everyday leaders and strengthen collaboration across neighborhoods in Berrien County. This first cohort of twelve participants transformed their learning into action through a Community Improvement Project (CIP) that raises awareness and education around youth gun violence—working toward a shared vision of a safer, healthier Benton Harbor where young people can thrive.
The event offers a chance to celebrate these resident leaders, learn from their journey, and see firsthand how community-driven solutions take shape.
Celebration Highlights
Graduation & Awards Ceremony
Participants will receive Certificates of Completion in recognition of their leadership journey.Community Leaders & Partners
Local leaders and organizations will be on hand to connect, support, and build ongoing community capacity.Cohort Presentation
Graduates share their story, what they learned, how they grew, and the vision behind their Community Improvement Project.Interactive Stations
Hands-on exhibits that walk attendees through the project’s process, root causes, and next steps for community impact.
Voices from the Academy
“This experience gave me the tools and skills to make a real difference. We’re not just talking about change; we’re creating it together,” said Cori Burton, Community Leadership Academy participant.
“The Community Leadership Academy is more than a program; it’s an investment in people. These graduates are helping shape the future of Benton Harbor,” said Dr. LaToya Mason, steering committee member, and Dean of Health Sciences at Lake Michigan College.
Why This Matters
Funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund through a grant to United Way of Southwest Michigan, the Community Leadership Academy ensures that change starts from within the community by equipping residents with the tools, skills, and connections to lead solutions for community well-being.
The momentum continues. With a planned 2026 launch in the cities of Niles and Buchanan, the Community Leadership Academy is laying the groundwork to expand this resident-led model across Berrien County.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Corewell Center for Wellness, 133 W. Main Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
This event is free and open to the public. Media, community members, families, and partners are encouraged to attend and celebrate the power of local leadership.
About Be Healthy Berrien
Be Healthy Berrien, launched in 2010, is a countywide initiative improving community health through policy, systems, and environmental changes. It works to expand access to nutritious food and promote active living across Berrien County. The steering committee includes the Berrien County Health Department, Corewell Health, the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, and the YMCA of Greater Michiana, with United Way of Southwest Michigan serving as the anchor agency and fiduciary. Learn more at BeHealthyBerrien.org.
About United Way of Southwest Michigan
United Way of Southwest Michigan works to create & sustain a united community where everyone contributes, belongs and thrives. We harness resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners to address our community's most pressing challenges and make lasting change. Join us in giving, advocating, and volunteering by visiting uwsm.org.
About Corewell Health ™
People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our legacy of outstanding outcomes, innovation, strong community partnerships, philanthropy, and transparency. Corewell Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides health care and coverage with an exceptional team of 65,000+ dedicated people—including more than 12,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 15,500 nurses providing care and services in 21 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations and several post-acute facilities—and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving more than 1.3 million members. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness. For more information, visit corewellhealth.org.
