Leading with Purpose: The Shared Mission That Connects Us All

Leadership isn’t about titles, policies, or reports. Leadership is about people.

That’s what brought more than 100 Eckerd Connects leaders together for its annual Leadership Retreat—to reconnect, reflect, and re-energize around a shared mission.

“At Eckerd Connects, we don’t just manage programs; we create opportunities for real change,” said Richard Semancik, Chief Operating Officer at Eckerd Connects. “When we invest in our people—our staff, our students, our job seekers—we create a ripple effect that strengthens entire communities. That’s the kind of leadership that lasts.”

While Eckerd Connects’ work spans 21 states and the District of Columbia, the impact it makes is deeply personal. It’s in the voice of a student walking across a Job Corps stage with a certification in hand, the determination of a single mother starting a career, or the resilience of a young person who has faced countless barriers yet refuses to give up.

“Investing in your leaders is not optional. Engage, develop, inspire, and empower. It can have a lasting effect,” said Ana C. Lewis, Vice President of Community-Build Operations. “Eckerd Connects got it right with this retreat.”

A Mosaic of Leadership

At this year’s retreat, Eckerd Connects introduced something new—a special, limited-edition mosaic version of its logo. More than just a design, the mosaic symbolizes unity, illustrating how each leader, each program, and each person we serve contributes to something meaningful.

“To lead with purpose takes courage and bravery to step into a world of unknowns, but purpose is constant,” shared Josh Kwasnicki, Director of Professional Development at Eckerd Connects, reflecting on the retreat’s theme.

Every leader in the room carried their own piece of the mosaic—their own role in shaping young lives. Whether working in Job Corps, Workforce Development, or Child & Family Services, each person plays an integral part in creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and inspiring change.

“Great leadership is about meeting people where they are, understanding their challenges, and providing the right tools to help them succeed,” said Thomas Rainey, Senior Vice President of Job Corps Operations. “In Job Corps, we don’t just offer education and training—we instill confidence, discipline, and a belief in what’s possible. When we invest in young people, we invest in the future of our workforce and our communities.”

Real Voices, Real Impact: The Power of Youth Perspective

As leaders, it’s easy to get caught up in strategy, execution, and problem-solving. But at the heart of everything Eckerd Connects does are the young people and families whose lives are changed by its purpose-driven, non-profit organization nucleus. That’s why one of the most important sessions of the retreat was a student panel, where six young men and women shared their journeys.

Alayah, once a struggling young mother, found her confidence and purpose through our workforce program. Today, she’s a Career Coach at an Eckerd Connects workforce office, guiding others toward the same stability she once sought. “Staff helped me set goals, recognize my skills, and gave me the confidence to speak my mind,” she shared.

Janalees, a Pinellas County Job Corps student, is on track to become a trauma nurse. She spoke about the life-changing support she received at Job Corps. “My instructor, Miss Samantha, helped me see myself for who I am. My dorm supervisor, Miss Mary, showed me motherly love and let me know I can be anyone I want to be.”

Lucan, a former foster youth, discovered a passion for cooking through Eckerd Connects’ Project Bridge program. Now, he’s working toward publishing his first book and launching a cookbook. “Eckerd Connects was there when I needed a helping hand. They showed me what dedication is.”

Hearing directly from those we serve is integral to inspiring leaders. These stories don’t just remind us why we do this work—they challenge us to do more.

Creating a National Youth Ambassador Program

As a result of this powerful discussion, Eckerd Connects will be launching a National Youth Ambassador Program to elevate the voices of young people and ensure they have seats at the table.

This program will select three youth representatives—one from Job Corps, Workforce Development, and Child & Family Services—who will:

• Attend and speak at national workforce and youth advocacy events
• Participate in podcasts and digital storytelling initiatives
• Engage with leadership and community partners
• Provide direct input on ways to improve Eckerd Connects’ programs

“True leadership means listening—really listening—to the people we serve,” said Trish Jones, Vice President of Strategic Communications and Outreach. “This new initiative will ensure that the voices of our youth, families, and job seekers are heard, valued, and reflected in our work moving forward.”

Building Stronger Leaders: Communication, Emotional Intelligence, and the Future of Eckerd Connects

Leadership is more than making decisions—it’s about how we communicate, how we navigate change, and how we inspire the next generation of leaders. Throughout the retreat, we explored four key areas of leadership:

• Communication Skills – How can we become better, clearer, and more intentional communicators to strengthen our teams?
• Emotional Intelligence – How do self-awareness and empathy shape how we lead, support staff, and drive performance?
• Change Management – In an ever-changing workforce landscape, how do we adapt, innovate, and ensure our teams are prepared for what’s ahead?
• Succession Planning – Leadership isn’t just about today—it’s about building for tomorrow. How do we identify and develop the next generation of leaders within Eckerd Connects?

“Great workforce programs don’t happen by accident—they’re built through intentional leadership,” said Jonathan Ziegler, Senior Vice President of Workforce Development. “Emotional intelligence, communication skills, and the ability to navigate change aren’t just concepts; they’re essential tools for leading teams, engaging partners, and creating pathways to success for those we serve. When we lead with purpose and adaptability, we don’t just meet today’s workforce needs—we shape the future.”

These conversations reinforced that leadership is not static. It requires constant growth, self-reflection, and adaptability.

“If we resist change, we risk stagnation. Be the leader that understands and owns the change,” shared Aaron Moon, a Workforce Development leader.

“Leadership is guiding and teaching while being humble enough to listen and learn,” said Tiffany Flack, Director at Kerr Lake Girl’s Academy. “We can learn from anyone, be they adults or children, if we just open our hearts and minds to it.”

Engage, Empower, and Elevate: The Eckerd Connects Way

Beyond the conversations and workshops, leaders also experienced the power of technology firsthand through the Eckerd Connects’ Engage App.

Designed to gamify skill-building and career readiness, the Engage App is part of a larger effort to equip young people with the digital tools they need for success.

“Technology is changing how we connect, learn, and grow—both in our personal lives and in workforce development,’ said Ryan Salzer, Vice President of Resource Development. “The Engage App is more than just a tool; it’s a way to meet young people where they are and create a more interactive, engaging learning experience. By integrating technology into our approach, we’re making workforce readiness more accessible, intuitive, and impactful.”

Attendees had the opportunity to download and proactively participate in the Engage App to connect and engage. By completing simple calendar or resource tasks, leaders earned points. The leader with the highest number of points at the conclusion of each day won prizes.

The Road Ahead: Leadership That Lasts

As the retreat came to a close, one thing was clear—this wasn’t just an event; it was a commitment.

A commitment to showing up as leaders, not just in boardrooms but in classrooms, workforce centers, and homes where families are rebuilding their lives.

“Ownership is key. Be the leader that understands and owns the change. We as leaders set the tone,” one leader shared.

This is the collective ‘why’ that binds Eckerd Connects’ leadership together. It’s not about us—It’s about the young people, families, and communities we serve.

“At Eckerd Connects, leadership is not about authority—it’s about impact,” said David Dennis, CEO of Eckerd Connects. “Our success is measured by the lives we transform, the hope we restore, and the opportunities we create. That’s why we lead—with purpose, with heart, and with unwavering commitment to those who need us most.”

And that’s what leadership with purpose looks like.