Lessons from Leadership Cape
Leadership Cape is a program designed to build stronger ties between professionals and the community in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. We sat down with our Account Director, Meagan Carver, to hear about her experience in the program, what she learned and how it’s shaping her perspective on leadership.
Q: What made you want to participate in Leadership Cape?
A: I wanted to broaden my understanding of the community and learn new leadership skills. More than that, I was curious about how different industries lead in their respective sectors: how they approach challenges, how they innovate and how all that impacts the community at large.
Q: Which parts of the program stood out most to you?
A: Honestly, each session was informative and eye-opening. We explored everything from city parks to manufacturing, education, policy and more. It was inspiring to better understand how much our manufactures contribute to Cape’s growth and innovation. But the day that really stuck with me was Protecting Cape Day.
That morning, we were with the fire department, climbing a ladder truck, picking up the jaws of life, spraying a hose, even practicing CPR. In the afternoon, we role played real scenarios with the police department. That day, coupled with the ride-along I did with each department, was an eye-opening experience that gave me a deeper appreciation for the work they do and how important it is for us, as community members, to support them.
Q: Did you encounter any personal challenges you pushed through during the program?
A: Networking. It’s always been a little daunting for me, but I love the idea of getting to know and learn from my peers. Through Leadership Cape, I really challenged myself to step out of my comfort zone. That’s something I want to carry forward.
Q: You mentioned a group project. What did that involve?
A: At our first class meeting, we completed an assessment to identify our strongest leadership qualities. From there, we were placed in groups that complemented each other’s strengths. Each group selected a nonprofit partner and worked on solving a real challenge it was facing.
Our group chose to work with the Cape Girardeau Public Library’s nonprofit arm, The Friends of the Cape Girardeau Library Foundation. We helped it identify new fundraising strategies and came up with ideas for growing the foundation’s membership, engaging current members and improving messaging and outreach.
For me, it was energizing! I enjoyed it so much that I’ve offered to continue supporting the foundation beyond the program.
Q: How do you see Leadership Cape shaping your leadership moving forward?
A: The program just wrapped, so I’m still processing all the ways it influenced me. But I’m walking away with new connections and perspectives, and a commitment to staying involved. Leadership Cape showed me it often starts with a simple step — putting yourself out there and showing up for your community.