Leadership in Motion: 2025 Leadership Round Rock & Ascend Classes Off to a Strong Start

Leadership Round Rock: Exploring Round Rock from the Inside Out

The Leadership Round Rock Class of 2025 kicked off with an action-packed retreat and has spent the last few months exploring the people, places, and institutions that shape our community. During City History & Chamber Day, the class shared presentations on local landmarks, heard from past and present mayors, toured Emerson and Dell Diamond, and connected with Chamber Committee Chairs about ways to get involved. Community Involvement Day introduced the group to local, opening their eyes to resources many didn’t realize existed. On Higher Education Day, the class visited colleges and universities across the region to see how each one is preparing students with hands-on training and advanced facilities.

Ascend: Cultivating Rising Leaders

The Ascend Class of 2025 is off to a strong start. Designed to empower emerging community leaders, the program combines personal development with a deeper understanding of community leadership.

In February, the focus was on public speaking and presentation skills, with guest speaker Hollis Bone delivering a session full of practical insights. The group also began reading The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek, which led to thoughtful discussions around purpose and long-term leadership.

March focused on Serving on a Board, featuring nonprofit leaders who shared their experience and advice. With several participants already serving on boards, the session encouraged deeper conversations around effective leadership and governance.

In April, the class explored City Finance with insights from Susan Morgan, Kevin Klosterboer, and Brooks Bennett, who offered a detailed look at how city budgets are developed and aligned with strategic priorities. 

Outside of class, participants have launched a fundraising effort for the Chamber Foundation, applying their leadership skills to support the future of the Ascend program and strengthen their connection as a group. 

More to Come

Both programs are off to a fantastic start—and there’s so much more ahead. With hands-on experiences, community projects, and leadership development sessions still to come, the 2025 classes of Leadership Round Rock and Ascend are just getting started.

Stay tuned—we’re excited to see what they do next.

Interested in joining one of these leadership programs or know someone who might be? Applications open in September! Fill out our Early Interest Form, and we’ll send you a reminder when it’s time to apply.