Lead the Ville is a structured educational program intended for Estherville area citizens 18 and over, who have an interest in the Estherville community and its leaders, institutions, decision making processes, and /or specific leadership opportunities.
During the program, which is spaced over ten months and nine sessions, participants will build a leadership network among current and emerging leaders, learn about community issues, and become familiar with the rewards of serving one's community. Additionally, participants will learn and practice leadership skills for use in their professional and community service roles.
Purpose
- Engage participants by providing an opportunity for participants to network and expand business contacts and friendships to help each participant and the community grow and prosper
- Educate participants in new leadership skills through training and applied experience
- Empower participants to assume leadership roles in the community
- Increase knowledge of government agencies, institutions and businesses that encompass the Estherville community through tours, seminars, discussions, presentations, and interviews
Participants
Lead the Ville will select up to 10 area people who live or work in Estherville, and who:
- Have demonstrated a sincere commitment to and interest in the Estherville area.
- Have a demonstrated desire in furthering their leadership skills.
- Have the time available to participate in Lead the Ville and have the complete support of the company or organization she/he represents. (To successfully complete the program, full attendance at all sessions is required.)
- Represent a cross-section of the county population groups, including business, agriculture, clergy, community and service organizations, education, government, labor, professions, and other groupings, including ethnicity, gender, age and community experience.
Tuition
Chamber Members: $500 // General Public: $600.
If selected for the program, tuition is due by August 1, 2025. No refunds are available once the program has started. Two scholarships of $250 are available through the Estherville Ambassadors.
Application Period
The application will be available beginning Monday, May 5 until Monday, June 30. All applications must be received by 5pm on Monday, June 30, 2025 to be considered for acceptance to the program. Submit program applications and scholarship applications by email to echamberdirector@gmail.com or by mail/in-person to 620 1st Ave S, Estherville IA 51334.
Commitment
To successfully complete Lead the Ville, participants are expected to attend all sessions in their entirety during the 2025-2026 leadership program. Sessions will begin at 8:30 am and will conclude at 4:00 pm on the second Wednesday of each month.
Program dates:
- Wednesday, August 13
- Wednesday, September 10
- Wednesday, October 8
- Wednesday, November 12
- Wednesday, January 14
- Wednesday, February 11
- Wednesday, March 11
- Wednesday, April 8
- Wednesday, May 13 – Graduation Ceremony
APPLICATION OPEN FROM May 5, 2025 TO June 30, 2025.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE.
EMAIL APPLICATIONS TO ECHAMBERDIRECTOR@GMAIL.COM OR MAIL/BRING TO 620 1ST AVE S, ESTHERVILLE IA 51334
Lead the Ville Class of 2025
2025 Class Graduates:
Martin Bergstrom - Avera Holy Family Hospital
Brooke Henricksen - Jacobsen Westergaard and Associates
Maranda Kazmerzak - The City of Estherville
Krista Masters - Williams and Company P.C.
Parker Oleson - Pro Fitness & Performance
Alyssa Petersen - Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation
Kristia Pollock - Edward Jones
Kelsey Shatto - Avera Holy Family Hospital
Melanie Summers Bauler - Emmet County Attorney
Holly Von Ehwegen - Bank Plus
“Completing Lead the Ville represents more than just a graduation—it reflects the meaningful relationships we’ve built and the valuable knowledge we’ve gained. Over the course of several weeks, we had the opportunity to connect with one another, engage deeply with our community, and grow personally and professionally. Lead the Ville is an outstanding program, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of our community and making a lasting impact.” - Brooke Henricksen, Jacobson Westergard and Associates, Class of 2025
"Firstly, I want to say that it was WAY more fun than I ever imagined that it would be. It’s more than just a “Wednesday Away” from work. It is a time where we can put everything else to the side and really learn what makes the city work - from all aspects.
Throughout the sessions we learned A TON! Starting with how the city works, from everything underground to everything on the top, we covered it all! It gave me a whole new appreciation for the people and systems that keep things running smoothly. But beyond that, what made Lead the Ville special was the connections - it brought people from all walks of life who genuinely care about making this place better. It challenged me to think bigger, step outside of my comfort zone, and really look at how I can show up as a better leader in our community. I am truly grateful to have been a part of it!" - Parker Oleson, PRO Fitness & Performance, Class of 2025
LEAD THE VILLE CLASS OF 2024
2024 Class Graduates:
Amy Adams - Estherville Lutheran Church
Jessica Beaver - KILR
Jason Bendixen - Sun City and Jacobson Westergard
Jessica Byriel - Avera Holy Family Hospital
Leland Carpenter - Daybreak Foods Inc
Ashley Foley - Emmet County Conservation
Ashley Henson - Avera Holy Family Hospital
Katelyn Herzberg - Emmet County ISU Extension
Emily Mullaly - Iowa Lakes Community College
Ursula Nath - Avera Holy Family Hospital
Devin Sliger - City of Estherville
TESTIMONIALS
"Lead The Ville was an amazing, fun, and definitely worthwhile experience for me. It helped me to not only understand the different businesses and organizations in our community, but also to have an even better appreciation of where we live." - Jessica Beaver, KILR, Class of 2024
“My experience with the Lead the Ville leadership course in Estherville, Iowa, surpassed all expectations. This program doesn’t just teach leadership skills; it immerses you in the fabric of Estherville’s community and businesses, providing invaluable insights and fostering deep connections.
Throughout the course, Lead the Ville’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences was palpable, creating an engaging and enriching learning environment. From dissecting Estherville’s economic intricacies to exploring effective leadership strategies, the program offers a comprehensive curriculum that equips participants with the tools and knowledge to excel in professional and community settings alike.
What truly distinguishes Lead the Ville is its emphasis on practical application. Through hands-on experiences and interactive sessions, participants not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also cultivate the confidence and skills to enact real change as leaders within Estherville and beyond.
I wholeheartedly recommend Lead the Ville to anyone seeking to hone their leadership abilities while simultaneously making impactful contributions to their local community. This program transcends mere leadership; it embodies empowerment, connection, and the catalyst for positive change. Thank you, Lead the Ville, for an exceptional experience!”
-Ashley Henson, Avera Holy Family Radiology Manager, Class of 2024
"I wholeheartedly recommend the Lead the Ville program to anyone who lives or works in Estherville. Having recently moved to Estherville, I wanted to learn more about the community and am always interested in improving my leadership skills, so it seemed like a good fit.
This program surpassed anything I could have imagined, leading to significant personal growth and a deeper understanding than I ever knew was possible of the businesses, local government, and community organizations within Estherville.
What really distinguishes this leadership program from others is the focus on building relationships between classmates and connections within the community. Through this experience, I've met lifelong friends, started becoming an active community member, and can't wait to see what comes next.
I am incredibly grateful to be part of the inaugural Lead the Ville group. Thank you, Lexie and Susan, and the many community members who helped make this program so wonderful."
-Emily Mullaly-Iowa Lakes Community College and Celestial Discs, Class of 2024
"The Lead the Ville program is an amazing experience for community members. I was encouraged to apply as I was brand new to the Estherville area, and I am so glad I did. This program dives deep into the backbone of Estherville as you get to experience behind-the-scenes tours, meet other members of the community, learn about volunteer opportunities, and see what keeps Estherville a thriving community.
While this was a great opportunity to visit hidden gems within the community, it was also a place to establish and build connections with others that participated in the program. For 9 months, I was able to work with a handful of other people in the program who were from different businesses in Estherville. It was a joy getting to know each and every one of them. I felt that the connection we created and having class time to learn more about ourselves, and each other's strengths, built a sturdy foundation for us to take back to our current job positions, as well as into the community.
I encourage others to apply for the Lead the Ville program and see the many windows of opportunity the program has to offer for you, your employer, and the community. Estherville is truly a place to be appreciated." - Katelyn Herzberg, Emmet County ISU Extension County Youth Coordinator, Class of 2024
