SHADY HILLS, FL --- Since 2022, more than 80 Pasco County Clerk’s Office teammates graduated from the Leadership Development Program (LDP). It’s a 40 hour program geared towards educating participants how to be better leaders in the workplace and better leaders in their personal lives. On April 1st, 12 teammates from our Dade City and New Port Richey offices graduated. Teammates labeled their class the “Legacy Builders” and named Kayla Castro their representative. Kayla works as an administrative assistant at the Clerk’s Office.
“We discovered the balance between constructive and destructive conflict,” said Castro. “How fostering a healthy debate can strengthen our teams rather than divide them.”
The program is made possible through a unique partnership with Saint Leo University’s Alternative Pathways Program. The university sends a facilitator to the Clerk’s Office, where students attend class.
Mary Owens is Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Black Diamond Associates and teaches the class. She believes the lessons learned in LDP pave the way for brighter personal and professional lives for these teammates.
“It doesn’t matter if you’ve got (direct) reports or not, some of the people that you are going to see potential in may report to you. Some might be a peer. Some might be someone in a department over here that you see do amazing things,” said Owens. “Your job is to harness the potential in the people you see out there.”
Clerk Nikki Alvarez-Sowles addressed the graduates at the ceremony. “Leadership is now about holding a position or a title,” said Clerk Alvarez-Sowles. “It is about leading with integrity. Fostering collaboration, and empowering those around you to achieve their fullest potential.”
The Clerk added that leadership is a journey, not a destination. “You do not need to be the smartest person in the room, and you do not need to know all the answers,” said Clerk Alvarez-Sowles. “Leadership is a continuing process of learning and growing. Embrace the challenges you encounter as opportunities to deepen your understanding and refine your skills.”
Florida West Coast Credit Union provided the funding for refreshments at the graduation ceremony, and the Event Center at the Concourse provided the venue.