When Elisabeth Henry, Chair of the Young Professionals Network and local changemaker, signed up for the Mesa County Leadership Program, she was hoping to gain a better understanding of the community she had come to call home. What she discovered instead was something far more profound: a renewed sense of purpose, connection, and responsibility as a leader.
“The program completely reshaped how I view leadership—not just as a position, but as a responsibility to connect, listen, and adapt,” she shared. “Real leadership is about collaboration—finding your role in the bigger picture and using your strengths to lift others up.”
Since 1992, the Mesa County Leadership Program has equipped over 600 business professionals like Elisabeth with the tools, experiences, and relationships needed to grow as civic-minded leaders. The 10-month program includes monthly, in-depth sessions that tackle everything from economic development and education to health care systems and local government operations. For many, it’s a transformational journey—not only of learning, but of becoming.
For Elisabeth, one of the most impactful experiences was the Color Code assessment, a leadership tool that uncovers your core motivations and how they influence the way you work with others. “It shifted the way I approach leadership—recognizing that not everyone is driven by the same things,” she said. “That awareness has been incredibly valuable, especially when working within diverse teams in our local community.”
Beyond skill development, the program fosters strong personal and professional bonds. “I built what I now call a personal board of advisors,” Elisabeth explained. “They’ve become a source of mentorship, support, and collaboration in so many areas of my life.”
Perhaps most striking was how the experience changed Elisabeth’s engagement with Mesa County itself. From policy to public service, her role as a community leader grew sharper and more intentional. After attending Legislative Days at the Capitol, she joined the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee, discovering a new passion for civic involvement and advocacy.
“A thriving business community isn’t just built by today’s leaders,” she added. “It’s shaped by the rising stars—many of whom were in this program—who bring fresh ideas, energy, and innovation to the table.”
To anyone considering applying, Elisabeth has a clear message: “If you’re someone who’s eager to grow and open to challenging your own mindset, this program is absolutely worth it. It’s an investment in yourself that truly pays off.”
As the Chamber continues its commitment to developing the next generation of business leaders, stories like Elisabeth’s remind us that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about showing up, leaning in, and being ready to shape the future of Mesa County together.