To help produce future center leaders, Harris County Department of Education’s (HCDE) Head Start division recently completed its first-ever Rising Star Leadership Academy.

The graduation ceremony held June 18 at Maggiano’s Little Italy, honored Lorna Patterson, Amber Soileau, Jeanette Barnhart, Donette Sawyer and Zenita Sanders. The group successfully completed the nine-month program, creating a strong leadership pipeline within Head Start.

“It has been a privilege to watch them grow both personally and professionally, and I’m truly excited to see the leadership they are already bringing to their roles and how they will continue to rise and make an impact on our Head Start program in the future,” Senior Director Venetia Peacock said.

Designed to cultivate leadership skills, managerial knowledge and organizational vision, the program covered a range of topics and featured a variety of speakers who are leaders within HCDE, Head Start and in the community. Topics included building relationships, developing people, effective communication and accountability.

Participants credit the program for strengthening their leadership skills and giving them a space to grow.