To our alumni, donors, sponsors, volunteers, partners and friends,

There comes a time in every story when a chapter must end. It provides a natural pause or break in the narrative, allowing the reader to take a moment to reflect on what has just happened or anticipate what is about to happen. 

Leadership Waterloo Region’s story began in 2001 when a group of dedicated and passionate leaders identified a need to support up-and-coming leaders as they navigate their professional lives while imparting the knowledge they needed to become community leaders. Since that first Core Program Class of 2001, LWR has proudly graduated over 515 changemakers. These leaders have stepped up to sit on boards and committees, started new initiatives and some have chosen to serve in local government. 

In 2019, LWR re-launched the Core Program with renewed purpose and impact, to empower and equip participants with the leadership skills needed to address our community’s most pressing issues. We were just finding our footing when COVID hit, and unfortunately, much of the available funding was redirected to immediate needs. Combining this struggle with revenue lost due to our inability to gather in person for events, COVID hit LWR in ways we couldn’t have imagined.

With sustainable funding continuing to be an insurmountable issue, 2023 has found our organization at a crossroads. The Board has made the difficult decision to end this chapter of Leadership Waterloo Region. It is with deep sadness that we announce the closure of current operations for LWR effective June 30, 2023.  

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