MCBDD celebrates graduates of 2025 Leadership Academy

The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) on Monday recognized the newest graduates of its 2025 Leadership Academy, celebrating six months of training and community involvement.

The Leadership Academy, launched three years ago, gives people with developmental differences the chance to build leadership skills and prepare for meaningful roles in their communities. Participants ages 18 and older study topics such as communication, problem-solving, time management, interviewing, and nonprofit board service. They also attend a Medina County Commissioners meeting, take part in a civic project, and learn from local leaders.

“When we started our Leadership Academy program three years ago, we knew there were individuals with developmental differences who had the drive and passion to get more involved in their community,” said Nicole Richter, MCBDD training and compliance specialist. “The goal was to provide them with the skills, support and training they needed to take on local leadership roles.”

Richter and Molly Usner, MCBDD community resource and advocacy coordinator, have guided the program’s growth since its launch.

This year’s class included four participants: Shannon Harris, Alida Leidy, Nick Ryder and Kevin Winchester. Each was chosen based on the strength of their application and their advocacy experience.

“We have watched this class learn new skills and grow as future leaders,” Richter said. “Each of them came into this class with the drive and passion for giving back, and what they learned in the past six months has only elevated the skills and knowledge they already possessed. We are confident that each of these individuals will contribute to bettering their communities.”