Community Leadership Academy Launches First Cohort: Local Leaders Begin Their Journey to Build a Healthier Berrien County
On September 17, the Community Leadership Academy officially launched its inaugural cohort at the Corewell Health Center for Wellness in Benton Harbor. The dynamic 10-week pilot program brings together passionate residents from across the Benton Harbor area to embark on a transformative journey of learning, collaboration, and action. Participants will engage in workshops, community-building activities, and leadership development sessions designed to empower them as changemakers in their neighborhoods.
Led by Be Healthy Berrien, a collaborative initiative of United Way of Southwest Michigan in partnership with Corewell Health, the Academy is designed to equip everyday residents with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to lead change in their neighborhoods. Participants include parents, young adults, and educators, all united by a shared commitment to improving community health and well-being.
“The Academy is more than a training program—it’s a launchpad for civic engagement, neighborhood transformation, and long-term wellness,” said Dawn Marie Smith, Director of Be Healthy Berrien. “We’re investing in residents who live the realities of our community every day. Their leadership is key to building a healthier, more connected Berrien County.”
From Awareness to Action
The Academy’s first session introduced key concepts that shape neighborhood health and inspired participants to explore their role in driving change. Topics included:
Environmental and social health influences
Neighborhood design and walkability
Local food systems and nutrition access
Community improvement project planning
Strategies for engaging decision-makers
Participant Reflections:
The first session of the Academy sparked enthusiasm and a sense of purpose among participants. One shared, “Well, I feel empowered in this first session! I didn’t really know what to expect, but I know I’m among some amazing people.” Another added, “I’m so thankful for everyone involved—everyone has a genuine desire to see a better Benton Harbor!”
Ashley Hines, Program Facilitator, emphasized the Academy’s grassroots approach:
“Community transformation starts at the neighborhood level, fueled by everyday people looking to make a difference. The Academy bridges the gap between their ideas and aspirations, and the education and resources needed to ultimately serve as changemakers.”
Emily Vilmure, Supervisor of Community Programs at Corewell Health, added:
“When residents are empowered to lead change in their own communities, we see health outcomes improve.. The Academy helps build the leadership and momentum needed to create healthier systems and stronger neighborhoods. It’s a true investment in our community’s social capital.”
A Model for County-Wide Community Health
The Community Leadership Academy pilot is made possible through funding from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, awarded to United Way of Southwest Michigan. Through a curriculum-based, community health organizing approach, participants assess their neighborhoods, prioritize needs, and implement Community Improvement Projects. Graduates are equipped to make healthy behavior changes, enhance their environments, and lead policy, systems, and environmental changes that support long-term wellness.
Follow the Journey
To see photos and updates from the Academy, visit behealthyberrien.org or follow Be Healthy Berrien on social media. A future cohort will be announced in 2026.
About Be Healthy Berrien
Be Healthy Berrien, launched in 2010, is a countywide initiative focused on improving community health through policy, systems, and environmental changes. The initiative works to expand access to nutritious food and promote active living across Berrien County. It is guided by a steering committee that includes the Berrien County Health Department, Corewell Health, Equilibrium Fitness, the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, and the YMCA of Greater Michiana. United Way of Southwest Michigan serves 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.
