Women’s Foundation of Arkansas CEO Anna Beth Gorman is one of 60 scholars who will form the Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) ninth class. For nearly a decade, PLS has catalyzed a diverse network of leaders brought together to collaborate and create meaningful change in the United States and around the world as they learn about leadership through the lens of the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Lyndon B. Johnson and their administrations. The 2024 program kicked off on Jan. 24 in Washington, D.C.
After a rigorous application and review process, scholars were chosen based on their leadership growth potential and the strength of their personal leadership projects aimed at improving civic engagement or social good by addressing a problem or need in their community, the country or the world.
“I am deeply honored to be selected for the ninth class of the Presidential Leadership Scholar program,” Gorman said. “Learning from the exemplary leadership of Presidents George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Lyndon B. Johnson is a unique opportunity. I know the experiences afforded to me through this program will shape my commitment to driving financial empowerment for girls and women across Arkansas. This transformative experience will bolster my efforts to amplify the impact of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, fostering positive change and advancing opportunities for women in our state.”
During the six-month program, Gorman will develop her initiative focused on building the nonprofit sector advocacy capacity so more voices of Arkansas, and their challenges and struggles are represented at the legislative level.
Throughout the program, scholars will travel to each participating presidential center to learn from key former administration officials, business and civic leaders, and leading academics. They will study and put into practice varying approaches to leadership and exchange ideas to help strengthen their impact in the communities they serve.
Scholars have consistently reported remarkable growth in skills, responsibilities and opportunities for impact since the program began in 2015. For example, 91% of scholars said their confidence in how they lead social change has improved as a result of the PLS program.
To learn more about Gorman, click here.
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