Leadership program gathers young conservatives for training in Orlando

Young conservatives from across the country gathered in Orlando, Florida, for a leadership development conference to equip the next generation with political, cultural and business leadership…

Young conservatives from across the country gathered in Orlando, Florida, for a leadership development conference to equip the next generation with political, cultural and business leadership skills.

The event was hosted by Forge Leadership Network, co-founded by Justin Powell and Adam Josefczyk.

Among the attendees were Herzog Foundation “ambassadors,” recently graduated students spending one year traveling the country and making valuable connections with Christian and conservative thought leaders for the foundation, which publishes the Lion.

As part of the Forge network, the ambassadors are participating in Forge’s Mentorship Academy, which began in September and will culminate in May when the current cohort reconvenes in D.C.

Throughout the year, participants in the Academy come together through online discussions, conference calls, and two in-person gatherings to connect, learn, and discern.

The winter meeting in Orlando was one such formative gathering where students are invited to engage in in-depth training and community.  

“The key benefit for the students of the Forge Academy is a support system that encourages, inspires and reassures each member,” said Dr. Monty Lobb, executive director of the Christian Business Partnership, and instructor for the Academy’s Civil Society project. The goal of the project is for students to study and engage with the principles and practices of a civil society through the lens of a Christian worldview. 

Lobb praised students’ “desire to serve God through the talents and passions God has given them. What an honor and sacred moment it is for me to receive that communication from the heart.”  

“I’m truly grateful for the time spent in Orlando with fellow Forge Academy members” Herzog Foundation Ambassador Esther Rea said. “I left feeling inspired, encouraged, and motivated by the stories shared by my peers, the insightful speakers we heard from, and the valuable advice we received.”