Last month our Leadership Osceola Class of 2025 concluded their program days with a full-day session dedicated to Visioning & Civics, gaining valuable insights into the people and processes that help keep Osceola County running. This session marked their final biweekly program day of the twelve they have participated in since February. The next step for them will be their graduation luncheon at Disney on August.

Visining & Civics Day began at Kissimmee Utility Authority, where participants learned how the utility powers a growing community through reliable electric service, long-term planning, and community partnerships. They heard firsthand how public power plays a critical role in supporting development, public safety, and quality of life in the region.

In the afternoon, the group visited the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections Office, where they explored how local elections are organized, ballots are secured, and voter integrity is maintained. The visit provided a deeper understanding of the importance of civic participation and the logistics behind ensuring every vote counts.  

At the Osceola County Property Appraiser’s Office, participants learned how property values are assessed and how that information contributes to fair and equitable taxation across the county. Discussions focused on transparency, data accuracy, and the impact of growth on property assessments.

They concluded their visits at the Osceola County Tax Collector’s Office to understand the scope of services provided, from driver’s licenses and tag renewals to tax collection and community outreach. Staff shared how customer service and operational efficiency are prioritized to serve thousands of residents each year.  

The day concluded with a wrap-up session and final program debrief. As they reflected on their experiences, participants gained a broader understanding of local government, public service, and their roles as community leaders. A meaningful conclusion to an impactful journey.

Each of the Leadership Osceola program days consist of hands-on exploration of the organizations, services, programs, government entities, and leaders that keep the Osceola community running. Other program days include Criminal Justice Day, Environment Day, and Agribusiness Day.

On Social Services Day, the class explored human services and the Osceola County organizations working together to support some of our county's most vulnerable populations.  

The day began at the Osceola Council On Aging where the class members rolled up their sleeves to serve Osceola County's elderly and at-need residents by participating in its Meals on Wheels program, distributing food in the food pantry, and spending quality time with seniors in their memory care unit.

Next the class visited The Opportunity Center, Inc., an organization that provides compassionate, full-time care for adults with disabilities. The experience offered a first-hand look at how to serve with dignity, empathy, and commitment.  

The day concluded a Osceola County Housing and Community Services with a poverty simulation, designed to challenge perspectives and build empathy. Class members were assigned real-world roles such as a single parent, senior citizen, or unemployed adult, tasked with navigating a month's worth of challenges using limited resources. The simulation was made possible by local nonprofits, community partners, and LOC program alumni who stepped in to represent the services they provide in real life: banks, food pantries, healthcare providers, schools, law enforcement, housing services, and more. These role plays created an authentic and interactive experience that highlighted the complexity of poverty and the vital importance of a community support system.  

The day was a powerful reminder that leadership requires both compassion and action, and that strategic partnerships are essential to creating lasting solutions.

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If you would like to be a part of the Leadership Osceola Class of 2026, look out for the application this coming November at the following link:  www.theosceolachamber.com/leadership-osceola

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Check out the gallery below to see the Leadership Osceola Class of 2025 in action!

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