Name: Glenda Bernhardt
Leadership Charlotte (LC) Class: 43
Title/Company: Chief Executive Officer, Freedom School Partners
Hometown: Huntington, West Virginia
Education: Ohio Wesleyan University (undergrad); University of Michigan (grad school)
Current personal or leadership goals: Lead Freedom School Partners with integrity, passion and empathy, while modeling both commitment to our mission and the children and families we serve AND to balance and dedication to family, self-care and wellness.
1. If you could describe your Leadership Charlotte experience in three words or phrases what would they be? informative, engaging, enlightening
2. What advice that you would you give to current Leadership Charlotte participants? Make the most of the time you have with your classmates and get to know them. These individuals will become fast friends, they will help to deepen the learning you experience each program day and they will help to ensure that your Leadership Charlotte experiences extends well beyond the program year.
3. What program day stands out in your memory and why? Justice Day really stands out to me because I experienced things that day that I have never had the chance to experience before (and likely never would have without Leadership Charlotte). It was fascinating to learn about some of the specific departments within CMPD and to better understand how officers are trained for a variety of scenarios they may encounter while in the field.
4. Favorite way to spend a weekend in Charlotte: I love to get outside any time I can and I enjoy exploring Charlotte’s greenways, as well as different neighborhoods. I like to review recommendations curated by local media outlets and check out some of the unique experiences our city has to offer.
5. Favorite nonprofit or community organization in Charlotte and why:
Well…this one is obvious😊. Freedom School Partners! I feel honored and lucky to lead this incredible nonprofit organization working to provide access to high quality summer learning and enrichment opportunities to children who most need it in our community.
6. What are you doing in the community these days? Currently, I am co-chairing a new community initiative of the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte called Outshine Hate, which seeks to combat rising antisemitism here in Charlotte and throughout the United States. In addition, I serve on the Board of Directors of the Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community and I’m a new member of the Leadership Charlotte Alumni Events Committee. Later this month, I will begin participating in the American Leadership Forum (Class 21).