BRIGHT

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES

After spending several months last summer with BRIGHT Leadership Kentucky, I can tell you this: leadership looks like people from every walk of life coming together to learn, grow, and invest in their communities and in one another.

Last summer, I joined a group of young professionals from across eastern Kentucky for what would become one of the most meaningful experiences of my adult life. When our class first met in July, there was a little nervous energy in the room, the kind that comes with stepping into something unfamiliar. But those nerves did not last long. 

Almost immediately, we began building friendships that I believe will last a lifetime—no matter where life takes us or how many mountains lie between us.

Of course, the BRIGHT program is about professional development. But it is also about so much more than that. It is about learning to listen well, speak honestly, and lead humbly. 

We heard from individuals in long-term recovery who now work to help others battling addiction. We explored what makes rural economies function and how area development districts are stepping in to support that growth. We shared our personal stories not just to be heard but to help each other gain new perspectives.

More than anything, we learned that leadership is not about a title. It is about commitment, about the choice to leave your place better than you found it.

One of the things that stood out to me the most was how BRIGHT created space for every voice at the table, even for those who did not initially see themselves as leaders. 

It is a program that encourages you to be yourself, to embrace the discomfort that comes with growth, and to learn in a way that never feels forced. And yes, we had some fun (a lot of fun).

Here is my challenge to you: if you are a young professional in eastern Kentucky with a heart for your community, apply for BRIGHT. You will not regret it. Be part of the next BEST CLASS EVER, though the Class of 2024 will be tricky to beat. 

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