IVC Albany to co-host webinar on leadership

Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) is offering a webinar on “The Heart of Leadership: Love, Courage and Vulnerability” on March 13 led by Father David McCallum, SJ, founder and executive director for Discerning Leadership Program.

Kathleen Burgess, regional director of IVC Albany, said the workshop is geared toward all who seek to lead a better world, rather than the corporate or autocratic definition of leadership. 

“I think this will apply to a wide audience. It’s not about leading an organization, it’s about leading a better world and ‘how can I do that in my life?’ ” Burgess said.

“They don't have to be a candidate for Ignatian; what we’re trying to do is put the ‘human-ness’ back in that leadership position,” Linda Zimmerman, regional director of IVC Syracuse added. 

The 90-minute webinar starts at 10 a.m., on Saturday, March 13, via Zoom, and the registration donation is $25 per person. Participants can expect contemplative prayer, leadership presentation, individual reflection and a question-and-answer segment at the end, with an interactive component through Zoom’s chat feature. All registered participants will receive an edited version of the workshop as well as selected materials. 

“This is really aligned with Father David’s mission - he’s executive director of the Discerning Leadership program - and this is a program that helps religious and also laity in terms of their own discernment leadership style, which really allows them to get some tools,” Burgess said, “I feel like we’re really privileged to have him speak.”

Now based in Rome, McCallum previously worked as vice president of Mission Integration at Le Moyne College in Syracuse. As a fellow Jesuit and Le Moyne alumnus, he helped to bring the partnership between IVC and Le Moyne into fruition. 

“I have found coming away from Father David's work that I always feel refreshed, inspired and energized, so this is not like taking a class. This will really be a way to have opportunity, to have insights, share strengths and struggles, and also come away feeling reenergized,” Burgess said.

All proceeds will support the spiritual programs and basic operating costs of both the Albany and Syracuse branches of IVC.

For more information, contact: Kathleen Burgess ([email protected]) or Linda Zimmerman ([email protected]). To register, visit: https://ivcusa.org/heart-of-leadership/.