Leadership Evolution Project

Congratulations to the 2026 Leadership Evolution Project Cohort.

MEET THE CLASS.

Leadership Evolution Project

Are you looking for solutions to engage your team, enhance efficiency, and cultivate purpose across your organization, all while leaving a lasting legacy? Formerly known as the 10 New Leaders Project, Dame Leadership presents the Leadership Evolution Project—a transformative initiative designed to empower emerging leaders and drive organizational growth.

Program Info 2026 Schedule

What Is the Leadership Evolution Project?

Originally known as the 10 New Leaders Project, Dame Leadership started this initiative over 7 years ago to give back and help the next generation become better leaders and make a positive impact on their world. People don’t quit jobs, they quit bad leaders. Through the Leadership Evolution Project, we seek to put more great leaders into the world who are aligned with their purpose and hungry improve. The new leaders in the program will receive several vital resources:

Program Schedule

Program Schedule

  • 04/3/26 – Applications Are Live and Open For All To Submit
  • 06/1/26 – Application Deadline
  • 06/24/26 – Winners are Announced
  • 07/22/26 – Kick-off Meet & Greet at Dame Leadership Training Center
  • 8/18/26 – First Peer Group Meeting at Dame Leadership Training Center
  • 9/8/26 – Second Peer Group Meeting at Dame Leadership Training Center
  • 9/29/26 – Evolution Leadership Conference at Penn Harris Hotel and Conference Center in Camp Hill, PA
  • Two coaching sessions will be scheduled with your coach at a time that works for both calendars

2026 Leadership Evolution Project Class

Renee Kolacek
Melanie Lelek
Megan McAvoy
KJ Myers
Dragan Dodik
Denise Maldonado
Cynthia Queen
Aubrey Drum
Andrew Smith
Amber Kovack

Renee Kolacek

Director of Human Resources, YWCA Greater Harrisburg

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Melanie Lelek

Purchasing Manager, West Shore Home

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Megan McAvoy

HR Shared Services Manager, West Shore Home

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KJ Myers

Director of Marketing and Operations , Kegel's Produce

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Dragan Dodik

Real Estate Manager, DD Development

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Denise Maldonado

Community Engagement Specialist II Supervisor, Dasher Services Inc.

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Cynthia Queen

Director of Market Development and Association Services, PMI

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Aubrey Drum

Plant Continuous Improvement Trainer, MI Windows and Doors

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Andrew Smith

Manager, Brand & Marketing, AAA Central Penn

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Amber Kovack

Manager of Agency Support , Penn National Insurance

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Special thank you to our judges!

Bob Wood, FocusCFO
John Morefield, The High Center
Jim Altman, The Huntington National Bank

Questions? We would be happy to help.

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