Michelle Rudon Chosen as an Inspiring Leader

Michelle Rudon

Nine dynamic presentations were featured in the 2018 Leadercast. The inspirational speakers are from different walks of life, but overcame challenges that have proven that a leader is not a post or a title, but who you are and what you do. Baseball Hall of Fame’s Jim Torey spoke about working with victims of domestic violence, having witnessed it at home. Meanwhile Engineer, Physician and NASA Astronaut Doctor Mae Jemison, spoke of achieving her goal of being the first woman of color to travel into space. Perez Martinez says that locally, a leader worth following is chosen annually. This year’s pick is Michelle Rudon of ‘A Thousand Smiles for Cleyon’ for her work in helping children afflicted with cancer.

Theresita Perez Martinez

Theresita Perez Martinez, Chief Implementation Consultant, Chamberlain Consulting

“There are certain behaviors and values that Leadercast asks for; that includes being brave, going beyond yourself, having vision, believing in culture, in simplicity; creativity and insight. The values include having integrity, being authentic, putting people first; having excellence and discipline. And when we are talking about these, it’s one thing to do this in your workplace, but it’s another thing—and you will notice from the leader that we are following—to do it outside. A lot of these leaders, they invest not only of their time, but finances to help those less fortunate or in area where they see need. So that’s what we are looking for. So we always ask, if you know someone who emulates these, send in their nomination and we can have them ready for Leadercast 2019.”

Dara Robinson was the first to be awarded for his feeding program and in the second year, Pedro Perez was recognized for her sewing and farming program for young people.