Lead - Nonprofit

02/19/2026

Thankful Thursday - We’re kicking off our first round of sponsor shoutouts today.

Your support directly fuels the work happening in classrooms, community spaces, and public systems across our region. Because of you, students are gaining tools to manage stress, challenge self-doubt, and set meaningful goals.

Swipe to read a handwritten note from one of our students. This is the impact behind your investment.

More gratitude coming in the weeks ahead, but today, we’re celebrating you.

02/18/2026

In 2025 , participants showed:

✨ 80% growth in understanding the importance of core values
✨ 89% growth in learning how to set SMART goals
✨ 37% growth in managing uncertainty

When young people understand what matters to them, know how to set a goal, and have tools to handle setbacks their progress sticks.

That’s what practical skill-building looks like.

02/16/2026

💕❤️This Valentine’s Day, let your heart guide how you show up for yourself, your team, and your community.

02/12/2026

Some leaders make an impact in board rooms. Others make an impact in people’s lives. Stacey does both.

We are beyond proud to celebrate our board member, Stacey Gannon, on receiving the ATHENA Leadership Award. This recognition reflects what we already know, Stacey leads with integrity, courage, and a genuine commitment to lifting others up.

At Lead, we see firsthand how she shows up: asking thoughtful questions, championing our mission, and advocating for opportunities that help others grow in confidence and leadership. Her influence reaches far beyond titles and it shows up in the way she mentors, supports, and strengthens our community.

Stacey, thank you for the steady leadership and heart you bring to the community and all the organizations that are better because you are part of them. This honor is so well deserved.

ATHENA Leadership Award

As part of this year’s celebration, we’re proud to present the ATHENA Leadership Award, sponsored by Huntington Bank, and to honor Stacey Gannon as this year’s recipient.

Since its inception in 1982, the ATHENA Leadership Award has been presented more than 8,000 times worldwide, recognizing individuals who demonstrate professional excellence, community impact, and a commitment to mentoring and supporting others — particularly women in leadership. Stacey exemplifies these values through her leadership, service, and dedication to strengthening our community.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Stacey Gannon on this prestigious and well-deserved honor!

⏰ Registration Closing Soon — Less Than One Week Left!
Online pre-registration for the Annual Meeting of the Midland Business Alliance will close on Wednesday, February 11.

🎉 MBA Annual Meeting
📅 February 12, 2026
📍 Great Hall Banquet and Convention Center

This year, we’re inviting you to dress in your best formal attire for a classy celebration — with themed colors of black, gold, and glitter — as we honor the leaders shaping Midland’s future.

🔗 Register now before pre-registration closes:https://business.mbami.org/events/details/2026-mba-annual-meeting-15430

02/03/2026

Love who you are becoming, not just who you already are.

Self-love isn’t standing still… it’s cheering for yourself while you grow, letting progress count more than perfection, and being proud of every version of you along the way.

01/29/2026

So grateful for longtime supporters like Logan Richetti and Modern Realty - Midland. Their ongoing commitment means more access, more tools, and more confidence-building opportunities for our community. Thank you for believing in this work.

01/27/2026

We’re proud to partner with Gladwin County MDHHS to provide Lead to many families. Lead supports personal growth and helps individuals build skills to move forward in a positive way. We appreciate the opportunity to offer this service.
Link in comments to learn more!

01/21/2026

Big things are ahead for Lead and we’re excited to share what’s next!

As we prepare to roll out our 2026–2028 Strategic Plan, we are prioritizing program impact and long-term sustainability by deepening partnerships, leveraging technology through the Lead Within platform, and strengthening the systems that support youth and families across Michigan.

Under the continued leadership of Executive Director Kelsey Snyder, Lead is well-positioned for this next phase of growth. Kelsey will continue to lead day-to-day operations, strategy implementation, and sustainability efforts. Alongside her, Missy Reed, now serving as Director of Programs and Engagement, brings a deep commitment to improving lives and advocating for individuals and communities.

With immense gratitude, on March 31, 2026, our Founder Lisa Tarkington will transition from a staff leadership role into serving on Lead’s Board of Directors, having grown Lead from a small community initiative into a statewide organization and developed the curriculum that continues to guide our programs today.

We are very thankful for our board, partners, and community members who support our work.

Read the full announcement and our 2026–2028 Strategic Plan in the link in the comments.

01/15/2026

Huge thank you to Coonan's Irish Hub for hosting Lead’s Community Night last night and helping us raise over $2,200 for our programs!

To Kim, the incredible staff, and everyone who came out to eat, connect, and support... THANK YOU. Nights like this remind us how powerful community support can be. Your generosity directly helps us continue providing tools that build confidence, resilience, and real-world skills for youth and families across our region.

We’re grateful for partners who believe in showing up and giving back.

01/13/2026

Join Lead on Wednesday, January 14 from 4–9 p.m. at Coonan's Irish Hub. Stop in for dinner or a quick visit, meet our team, and hear how Lead is working with schools, Department of Health and Human Services, and community partners to support youth and families across Michigan.

01/06/2026

As the year wraps up, this is a simple way to look back without judging yourself.

Take a minute and reflect on the last year:

🟢Start doing: One thing you want to try or lean into next year

🔴 Stop doing: One thing you’re ready to leave behind

🔵 Keep doing: One thing that helped you make it through

You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just noticing where you’ve been is a good place to start.