Written by: Katie Ray, University of Pikeville, Magazine Editor

The third BRIGHT session began in Richmond at Baptist Health, where we were welcomed with the reminder “you get to be here, not have to be here.” That simple statement set the tone for the visit. As we toured the hospital, we were asked to consider its mission, evidence of collaboration, future plans, community value, and ideas we might take home to our own regions. Highlights included the cardiac lab, its “time is muscle” approach to lifesaving interventions, and the hospital’s work teaching CPR in the community. We learned about its behavioral health services and the generosity-funded cancer center.

From there, we traveled to Enrich, where Project Director Adam Herald described their vision for empowering change. Enrich connects people to educational, workforce, and social support, making it easier for families to build stability. Founders Dan and India Kirstein shared how their One-Stop Resource and Referral Hub bridges community needs and builds futures. Their passion for removing barriers gave our class practical ideas to replicate back home. The afternoon concluded with a drive to Berea to check in at the historic Boone Tavern Hotel. We ended the day with a class panel and famous Papa Leno’s pizza, a lively evening of conversation that stretched long after the plates were cleared.

The next morning began with a robust discussion on local government. Madison County Attorney Jennie Haymond introduced a panel of leaders, many of them Leadership Kentucky alumni. We heard about the Kentucky Association of Counties’ work supporting elected officials in all 120 counties, the Kentucky League of Cities’ representation of 408 incorporated cities, and the importance of civic engagement. Panelists emphasized that you cannot lead others without first leading yourself. Magistrate Tom Botkin encouraged us to “surround yourself with the brightest minds like those in this current class.” Councilman Steve Caudill urged everyone to stand together, vote together, and “get plugged in” with the community to move cities forward. Across the panel, a theme emerged: communication is key, finding mutual ground, compromise, and staying humble and accessible to constituents.

Next, we welcomed Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, another BRIGHT alum, who spoke about the importance of trust, building confidence in others, and showing people you care. His six leadership lessons resonated deeply with us all: discipline outweighs motivation because motivation fades while discipline sustains, learn to love the work as success and failure both come and go, push worry aside because anxiety will cripple you, you can’t control your circumstances but you can control your attitude and reaction, communication fixes nearly every problem, and there is no growth in comfort.

Building on that energy, we moved into one of the session’s most impactful topics, “Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health and Psychiatric Education for Young Leaders,” led by Dr. Lauren Cargill of Baptist Health Richmond. She challenged us to examine our assumptions about mental health and shared practical ways leaders can support young people in crisis. Her presentation underscored how stigma can prevent people from getting help and how even small changes in language or policy can make a difference. Classmates asked thoughtful questions about integrating mental health education into schools, workplaces, and civic groups.

We then broke into Area Development District (ADD) groups to discuss regional issues and brainstorm ideas to address them. The conversations surfaced common challenges and creative solutions, giving us a more profound sense of our shared goals across the state. This exercise also helped classmates see the network of support that exists across Kentucky and how we might collaborate beyond our own counties.

The day continued with the Business Etiquette Luncheon led by Product Manager at Anthology, Corbin Tourism and Convention Commissioner, and BRIGHT alum Dr. Summer Jackson. The luncheon combined practical instruction with humor and real-world stories. Summer walked us through everything from proper introductions to handling tricky situations at the table. She showed us that etiquette is not about rigid rules but about making others comfortable and confident. Many of us realized we had been unsure about small details such as which bread plate to use or how to navigate networking at a meal.

After the luncheon, Karen Butcher helped us examine the fears that hold us back from having difficult conversations, including hurting feelings, rejection, past experiences, and mental or emotional stress, and how to reframe them. After a walk around town, the day closed with a tour of the Berea College Student Craft Center, where we saw extraordinary items created by student artisans, including tables for Boone Tavern, finely crafted instruments, and the iconic Berea brooms. It was a powerful reminder of how tradition, skill, and creativity fuel a community’s identity, especially in Appalachia.

Breakfast on the final day featured a presentation from University of Pikeville’s Dr. Amanda Jo Slone on the history, culture, identity, and perception of Appalachia. She asked us to reflect on how Appalachian stereotypes have influenced our own leadership perspectives and opportunities. The discussion was both thoughtful and personal as classmates shared stories about pride, heritage, and the power of narrative. Leadership Kentucky Board Member Elmer Whitaker stood up to remind us that we sometimes risk losing our culture if we don’t own it. “Don’t let the world shame us,” he said.

Joseph Little, another BRIGHT alum, then shared his journey and the impact the BRIGHT program had on his life. He charged us to “be the someone” who gives encouragement, access, and guidance to others. Karen revisited the ADD issues, prompting us to think through how we can solve problems ourselves or inspire those in positions to do so. After writing thank-you notes to BRIGHT sponsors, the session wrapped up with a delicious lunch and reception alongside the Leadership Kentucky Board of Directors.

From Richmond to Berea, the session left us inspired, connected, and ready to bring new ideas and renewed purpose back to our communities. We learned that leadership is as much about listening as it is about speaking and as much about courage as it is about collaboration. We left inspired and excited for the next stop in London and Corbin.