Presenters included Gary Weber, superintendent of Warren County School District; Erin Sveda of LionsGate Wealth Management; and Angela Bigelow, assistant director of the Warren Forest Higher education Council. Each speaker offered their perspectives on leadership and integrity as well as interactive exercises to help students understand the importance of ethical leadership.

Weber began the session by defining ethics and integrity, guiding students through a series of ethical dilemmas. In each scenario, students identified ways to respond ethically, examining how these decisions reflect their values. Weber also encouraged each participant to consider a personal goal by challenging them to find a way to demonstrate ethics and integrity over the coming week.

Sveda followed with a discussion on various career opportunities within the financial sector and highlighted how ethics and integrity are fundamental to success in these roles. She presented students with ethical dilemmas in financial settings, encouraging them to discern ethical versus unethical actions in each case.

Bigelow led an activity where students selected a personal trait that resonated with them. They discussed how these traits relate to ethical leadership and why they’re essential for integrity. Participant CJ Archer chose “authenticity” as his guiding trait, sharing the importance of staying true to oneself and recognizing each person’s unique strengths.

Photos submitted to the Times Observer Erin Sveda of LionsGate Wealth Management speaks to members of the Warren Forest Higher Education Council’s Youth Leadership Program recently.

The Youth Leadership Program is a pilot initiative by Hi-Ed designed for middle school students to develop core leadership skills through interactive sessions and practical experiences. Topics include ethics, communication, public speaking, civic responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving. With only 15 slots available, the program is aimed at building foundational leadership abilities that students can carry forward in their education and future careers. The program will open next year to a new group of students. For more information on the Youth Leadership Program, visit Hi-Ed’s Facebook page or website for updates on next year’s application process.

The next meeting is scheduled for January, where participants will tour the Struthers Library Theater.