The Leadership Triangle 2018 Regional Program graduates at their celebration on Tuesday, May 1, include WRAL-TV’s Ken Smith (3rd from left), DBBC’s Nick Bavin (back right) & ATC’s Fernanda Araujo (right).
Three CBC’ers recently joined the growing list of employees who have earned diplomas from Leadership Triangle. ATC Event & Conference Services Coordinator Fernanda Araujo, DBBC Director of Corporate Partnerships Nick Bavin, and WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Ken Smith completed the 2018 Regional Program and became Goodmon Fellows on Tuesday, May 1. The graduation ceremony took place at the PNC Triangle Club at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham.
The trio spent the past three months touring various locations and learning about key social issues in the Triangle. They shared some of their favorite classes with Capcom.
“This is definitely the hardest question because every class was so unique and incredibly informative,” said Araujo. “I loved the day we spent in Hillsborough and at Celebrity Dairy Farm where we also got to play with baby goats. But I think my favorite class was at Healing Transitions where we really got to see the work that, not only Raleigh, but the Triangle is doing to support the homeless and underserved individuals with addiction.”
Smith also enjoyed the farm but had a different favorite.
“I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to a Chatham County Farm but my favorite session was our trip to Hillsborough,” he said. “I couldn’t believe how much of North Carolina’s history is linked to this small Orange County community. Walking around Hillsborough, particularly in the morning, was a reminder of small town America, where everyone knows each other.”
ATC’s Fernanda Araujo receives her Goodmon Fellow diploma from ATC’s Michael Goodmon (left) & Corp’s Jim Goodmon, the current and former Chairs of the Leadership Triangle Board, on Tuesday, May 1, 2018.
Bavin most enjoyed the day spent in another Triangle town.
“All of them had an impact on me but the stand out class was in Chapel Hill when Anita Brown spoke to us. It was a powerful and insightful session.”
The three CBC’ers followed in the footsteps of their colleagues, inspired by what they had heard about the Regional Leadership Program.
“Leadership Triangle was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” said Smith. “I wanted to do LT because I’d seen how much Debra Morgan enjoyed it. Also, I knew it was an opportunity to learn more about the Triangle, having been the emcee for the Gala the last three or four years.”
Both Araujo and Bavin south to learn more about the community around them.
“I was/am very interested in learning about our region’s issues and how I could make a difference, and the program gave me all the tools I needed to start the journey,” said Araujo.
Bavin participated because he wanted “to understand the complexities and issues of the region and how can I become more involved in my community.”
DBBC’s Nick Bavin (center) receives his Goodmon Fellow diploma from ATC’s Michael Goodmon (left) & Corp’s Jim Goodmon, the current and former Chairs of the Leadership Triangle Board, on Tuesday, May 1, 2018.
All three concluded the program motivated.
“It renewed in me a passion for living in the Triangle and re-ignited a desire to do more to make our region one of the best places to live and work,” said Smith.
Bavin said that his biggest takeaway would be, “so many things….but perhaps the people I’ve met and learning what an amazing region we live in but with such complex issues we still face. And how I can personally impact them.”
Araujo left with a sense of the work to be done in the Triangle.
She said she took away, “that we have a lot of work to do to assist our region in enhancing the quality of life of our community residents by understanding and leading projects to better affordable housing, transit, rapid growth and social economic issues.”
All three CBC’ers would recommend this Leadership Triangle program to others without hesitation.
“Absolutely!” said Araujo. “It was an eye-opening and empowering experience, personally and professionally, that I believe everyone could benefit from.”
WRAL-TV’s Ken Smith receives his Goodmon Fellow diploma from ATC’s Michael Goodmon (left) & Corp’s Jim Goodmon, the current and former Chairs of the Leadership Triangle Board, on Tuesday, May 1, 2018.
Smith agreed, “I would highly recommend Leadership Triangle to my colleagues. It’s transforming, engaging and you’ll gain life-long friends. Our Leadership Triangle group bonded almost immediately. I miss them already.”
Bavin also gave the Regional Program a ringing endorsement.
“Yes, yes, yes,” he said when asked if he would suggest others take part. “We are better people with more knowledge.”
Leadership Triangle will soon be accepting applications for its upcoming fall program, Transforming Leaders. This personal leadership program supports participants in working towards individual goals while developing leadership skills. Find out more HERE.
Thanks to ATC’s Valerie Ward, WRAL-TV’s Ken Smith, DBBC’s Nick Bavin & Leadership Triangle for these capcom photos.
