Written by: Dawson Barnett, Bluegrass Care Navigators

The BRIGHT Kentucky Class of 2024 began the third session in London, Kentucky, at the beautiful Heart of Grace Farm. We kicked off by hearing from Beth Silvers, co-host of the Pantsuit Politics podcast, which has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and was named one of Apple's Best Shows of 2021. Beth talked with the group about mastering difficult conversations.

From there, the BRIGHT class traveled to CHI-Saint Joseph Health in London, where we received a warm welcome from John C. Yanes, MBA, M.H.Sc., FACHE, CPPS, President of Saint Joseph Berea, Saint Joseph London, and Saint Joseph Mount Sterling. We enjoyed a reception with the Leadership Kentucky Board of Directors, an incredible opportunity to network and mingle with some of the brightest minds in the Bluegrass.

Dinner was served with a side of friendly competition at Local Honey, where Tommy Druen, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Speaker, Kentucky House of Representatives and LKY alum, hosted Kentucky Trivia. The class threw down in a fun and lively trivia battle that brought out our competitive sides.

The next morning, our class visited the Walmart Distribution Center in London, Kentucky, a truly eye-opening experience. The facility is responsible for stocking Walmart stores across Kentucky and Tennessee. Witnessing the logistics behind how countless products flow through the center each day was impressive.

Later, we ventured to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, where Park Director and BRIGHT Alumni Maggy Monhollen welcomed us. Maggy provided a wealth of knowledge about the park and its unique offerings. Our class enjoyed taking in the scenic views of Cumberland Falls. While at the park, we heard from several speakers, including Karen Butcher, BRIGHT Program Coordinator; Gene Detherage, Jr., Economic Development Specialist with Bluegrass Area Development District and BRIGHT Alum; and Becca Bray, Partner and Executive Director of RRJ Solutions, another BRIGHT Alumni. They shared their insights on one of the Commonwealth's biggest challenges; addiction and recovery.

Our next stop was White Flag Ministry, where we were greeted by Jeremiah Banks, Associate Pastor of Spiritual Formation at First Baptist Church of Corbin and BRIGHT Alumni, joined by Becca Bray. They shared inspiring stories about the ministry's work in supporting individuals facing food insecurity, homelessness, and addiction recovery, providing a lifeline for those in desperate need of help and guidance.

After a brief walk, we arrived at the Corbin Library, where we were cheerfully welcomed by Suzie Razmus, Mayor of Corbin. Suzie expressed her excitement about having the BRIGHT class in Corbin. We were then treated to a presentation by Kellene Turner, a talented fine artist, muralist and BRIGHT Alumni. She shared her journey as an artist, along with stunning images of murals she has painted across Kentucky throughout her over 30-year career as an artist.

Before wrapping up, we participated in a "How to Serve on a Board" panel moderated by Daniel Carmack, Realtor with Sallie Davidson Realty, BRIGHT Alumni, and Leadership Kentucky Board Member. Panelists included Elmer Whitaker, President & CEO of Whitaker Bank Inc., Leadership Kentucky Board and Executive Committee Member, and Leadership Kentucky Alumni; Leadership Kentucky President and Alumni Janice Way; Summer Jackson, Product Manager at Anthology and BRIGHT Alumni; Tori Brock, City Clerk of Corbin and BRIGHT Alumni; and Wesley Ray Tipton, BS, JD, of Tipton & Tipton Law Firm. This was an invaluable panel for the BRIGHT class, as many of our peers are currently serving on boards, with the majority preparing to take that next step.

The BRIGHT class continued with a scenic walk-through downtown Corbin to Wrigley Tap Room & Eatery. Chef, owner, and farmer Kristin Smith welcomed us with fantastic appetizers, setting the tone for a wonderful evening of fellowship. After dinner, we headed across the street to the Night Market, where live music, artists, and vendors filled the pavilion, providing the BRIGHT class with an enjoyable evening and a great way to end the second day of the session.

Our third day began with an engaging session back at CHI Saint Joseph Health London, where we played "The Not So Fun Game of Chutes and Ladders," guided by Kandice Whitehouse, Director of Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention, City of Georgetown, and Michele Carlisle, Executive Director, AMEN House Inc. The game illuminated the tough realities many face regarding homelessness and affordable housing, issues that are pressing worldwide.

Next, Dr. Jordyne Carmack, Owner & CEO of AuthentiLEAD and ELEVATE Alumni, delivered a fantastic session on investing in yourself, complete with a dynamic personal branding workshop.

As we wrapped up the third session, we enjoyed some exciting announcements from classmates and a sneak peek into what awaits us in Pikeville, Kentucky, for our next session.