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Berea College

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Jointly hosted by the Brushy Fork Leadership Institute and the <a href="https://www.berea.edu/appalachian-fund">Berea College Appalachian Fund</a>, the 2025 Leadership Gathering is a regional event devoted to celebrating service-driven leadership, strengthening organizations, and empowering thriving communities across Central Appalachia.

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Formerly known as the Leadership Summit, this annual gathering brings together leaders, practitioners, and community builders of all experience levels. Whether you’re an executive leader of a nonprofit or a grassroots volunteer just stepping into leadership, you’ll find opportunities to connect, grow, and lead with purpose.

Rooted in the values of service and collaboration, the Leadership Gathering features energizing sessions, interactive workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities. Together, we’ll foster powerful conversations, discover practical tools, and strengthen the collective impact of leadership in the region.

<strong>Come connect. Come learn. Come grow.</strong>

<em>We are still hard at work developing this year’s Gathering, so stay tuned for updates—including details on registration, presenters, and session topics. Be sure to <a href="https://linktr.ee/brushyforkleadershipinstitute" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>follow us on social media and sign up for our mailing list</strong></a> to stay in the loop!</em>

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Future-Ready Nonprofit Communications: Lessons from Leadership Tri-County

Dr. Jordyne Carmack 

Learn More

21st Century Community Economic Development for Appalachian Communities

Peter Hille

Cultivating Community Leadership through Practical Tools and Proven Strategies

Stacy Henderson, Jenny Totten, & Amanda Workman Scott

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<em><a href="https://www.berea.edu/brushy-fork-institute/2025-leadership-gathering/session-descriptions">Click here to learn more about this year's sessions and presenters.</a></em>

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<div data-type="core"><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-110531 alignnone aligncenter" src="https://bereafaust.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Dark-Green-and-Gray-Gradient-Meditation-Workshop-Webinar-Keynote-Presentation-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="486" height="274" srcset="https://bereafaust.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Dark-Green-and-Gray-Gradient-Meditation-Workshop-Webinar-Keynote-Presentation-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bereafaust.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Dark-Green-and-Gray-Gradient-Meditation-Workshop-Webinar-Keynote-Presentation-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bereafaust.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Dark-Green-and-Gray-Gradient-Meditation-Workshop-Webinar-Keynote-Presentation-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bereafaust.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Dark-Green-and-Gray-Gradient-Meditation-Workshop-Webinar-Keynote-Presentation-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bereafaust.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Dark-Green-and-Gray-Gradient-Meditation-Workshop-Webinar-Keynote-Presentation.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 486px) 100vw, 486px" />Discover how to supercharge your grant prospecting with AI. Led by grant expert Melissa Vermillion of Grant Ready Kentucky, this hands-on session introduces advanced techniques for using ChatGPT to identify, evaluate, and prioritize funding opportunities—no paid databases required. Learn how to craft effective prompts, analyze funder data, and integrate AI into your daily grantseeking workflow. Includes a downloadable prompt toolkit for continued use. <a data-internal-link="true" href="https://www.berea.edu/brushy-fork-institute/2025-leadership-gathering/session-descriptions/"><em>Learn more.</em></a></p>
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Early Bird

<p><strong>Panel Discussion 1: Leadership That Lasts – Lessons from Seasoned Leaders</strong></p>
<p>Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring seasoned leaders as they share the key lessons, challenges, and insights gained from years of experience. From building resilient teams to leading through change, our panelists will offer practical wisdom on navigating leadership with purpose, integrity, and adaptability. Whether you&#8217;re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide valuable takeaways to inspire and strengthen your leadership journey.</p>
<p><strong>Panel Discussion 2: The Future of Leadership – Lessons from Emerging Leaders</strong></p>
<p>Discover fresh perspectives in this dynamic panel discussion featuring new and emerging leaders who are reshaping what leadership looks like today. Hear how they navigate challenges, build inviting cultures, and lead with authenticity, agility, and innovation. Whether you&#8217;re a seasoned professional or an aspiring leader, this conversation offers valuable insights into the evolving nature of leadership and what the next generation is bringing to the table.</p>


Panels

<h5><strong>September 17</strong></h5>
<table width="713">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="88">12:00-1:00</td>
<td colspan="2" width="399">General Registration</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="88">1:00-1:45</td>
<td colspan="2" width="399">Opening Session</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="88">1:45-2:00</td>
<td colspan="2" width="399">Break</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="88">2:00-3:00</td>
<td width="302">Concurrent Workshop Sessions Block 1</td>
<td rowspan="4" width="97">Intensive Tracks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="88">3:00-3:20</td>
<td width="302">Networking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="88">3:20-4:30</td>
<td width="302">Panel #1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="88">4:30-5:00</td>
<td width="302">Networking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="88">5:00-6:00</td>
<td colspan="2" width="399">Break/Hotel Check-In</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="88">6:00-8:00</td>
<td colspan="2" width="399">Supper and Folk Dancing</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="88">8:00-9:00</td>
<td colspan="2" width="399">Networking on Your Own</td>
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<h5><strong>September 18</strong></h5>
<table width="719">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="101">7:00-8:00</td>
<td colspan="2" width="390">Optional group walk on the Stephenson Trail</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="101">7:45-8:30</td>
<td colspan="2" width="390">Breakfast</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="101">8:30-9:20</td>
<td colspan="2" width="390">Whole group session</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="101">9:20-9:40</td>
<td colspan="2" width="390">Networking</td>
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<tr>
<td width="101">9:40-10:40</td>
<td width="306">Concurrent Workshop Sessions Block 2</td>
<td rowspan="3" width="84">Intensive Tracks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="101">10:40-11:00</td>
<td width="306">Networking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="101">11:00-12:00</td>
<td width="306">Panel #2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="101">12:00-1:00</td>
<td colspan="2" width="390">Lunch &amp; Networking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="101">1:15-2:15</td>
<td width="306">Concurrent Workshop Sessions Block 3</td>
<td rowspan="3" width="84">Intensive Tracks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="101">2:15-2:35</td>
<td width="306">Networking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="101">2:35-3:35</td>
<td width="306">Concurrent Workshop Sessions Block 4</td>
</tr>
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<td width="101">3:55-4:30</td>
<td colspan="2" width="390">Closing session</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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Schedule

<p>Visit <a href="https://visitberea.com/staying/">https://visitberea.com/staying/</a> to view local lodging options.</p>


Lodging

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<h2 id="h-gps-location" class="font-sans text-3xl font-bold text-label-light-primary md:text-4xl lg:text-5xl">GPS Location</h2>
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<p class="prose-lg lg:prose-xl"><strong>The Berea College address is <a href="https://g.co/kgs/bRwbv9G">101 Chestnut St, Berea, KY 40403</a></strong>.</p>
<p class="prose-lg lg:prose-xl">Berea is located where Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region meets the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, just 42 miles south of Lexington, KY, off Interstate 75.</p>
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<h2 id="h-traveling-by-car" class="font-sans text-3xl font-bold text-label-light-primary md:text-4xl lg:text-5xl">Traveling by Car</h2>
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<p class="prose-lg lg:prose-xl">The driving time from Louisville, KY, Knoxville, TN, or Cincinnati, OH is slightly more than two hours.</p>
<p class="prose-lg lg:prose-xl"><strong>If traveling north on I-75</strong>, take exit 76 and turn right to proceed east on KY-21. Proceed approximately one mile until you reach campus.</p>
<p class="prose-lg lg:prose-xl"><strong>If traveling south on I-75</strong>, take exit 77 and turn left to proceed southeastward on KY-595. At the second traffic light turn right on Walnut Meadow Pike (KY-595) and continue past the Kentucky Artisan Center for approximately two miles until you reach campus.</p>
<h2>Maps</h2>
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<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/66c33d9d39bb448a9961429e82bf1846">Interactive Campus Map</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" data-internal-link="true" href="https://www.berea.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024_Campus-Map-with-Key_vertical_v5-1.pdf">PDF Campus Map</a></span></p>
<h2>Parking</h2>
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<p>The Berea College Campus Maps above indicate designated visitor parking areas. Participants staying overnight at Boone Tavern Hotel may park in the Boone Tavern Visitor’s Lot. If you are NOT staying overnight at Boone Tavern, please park in the <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/5cZMhpLg5eHGyxjG6">Visitor Lot East</a>, <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/m8iiwcqpPJ9t1mbu8">Visitor Lot South</a>, or <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/MNce4fMhFkjAoDYg7">Visitor Lot North</a>. Do not block emergency response areas or reserved parking spaces. To contact Campus Public Safety, please dial 859-985-3333. Please report all medical emergencies to 911.</p>
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Campus Map/Parking

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Questions? Contact us at <a href="mailto:brushyfork@berea.edu">brushyfork@berea.edu</a> or 859-985-3858.

Celebrating service, growing leaders, and strengthening communities across Central Appalachia.

2025 Leadership Gathering

Rooted in Service, Rising to Lead

Featured Tracks

Dr. Jordyne Carmack

Peter Hille

Stacy Henderson, Jenny Totten, & Amanda Workman Scott

Learn More