Darke County Youth Leadership Conference Invests in the Next Generation of Community Leaders

Darke County Economic Development (DCED) and The Light Foundation partnered to bring the inaugural Darke County Youth Leadership Conference to life, providing local high school juniors and seniors with an opportunity to develop leadership skills, build connections, and explore their potential as future leaders in Darke County.

Held at Chenoweth Trails, the one-day conference brought together 100 hand-selected students from all eight Darke County school districts. Centered on the theme “Leading with Honor: Lessons from the Frontlines,” the conference featured leadership presentations, interactive workshops, team-building challenges, and a student-led panel discussion designed to help participants discover their strengths and understand how they can make a positive impact in their schools, future workplaces, and communities.

The conference opened with an inspiring message from Vince Brantley, a retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major and President and Co-Owner of Veritas Culture. Drawing from his experiences in military service and business leadership, Brantley challenged students to consider what motivates them, what matters most to them, and how they can incorporate those values into their everyday lives. He encouraged students to look beyond simply setting goals and focus on the purpose behind their actions, emphasizing the importance of approaching each day with intention and finding opportunities to make a difference.

Students continued their leadership development through a variety of sessions that encouraged them to better understand themselves and how they interact with others. Olivia Schmitmeyer, Career Connections Coordinator with Darke County Economic Development, reminded students to refer to their YouScience results, helping them explore their natural strengths and career aptitudes. The session connected self-discovery with future career planning while highlighting how differences in communication can shape relationships and teamwork.

Todd Gross, President and CEO of Ngenio USA, shared the MPO Solution, a research-based approach to understanding individual behaviors and communication preferences. Students gained insight into how recognizing their own tendencies, as well as those of others, can lead to stronger relationships and more productive collaboration.

Students also had the opportunity to put their skills into practice during team-building activities led by The Light Foundation. Through interactive challenges, participants teamed up with students they might not otherwise have met, working together to solve problems, communicate effectively, and navigate friendly competition.

Lunch included a student-driven panel featuring Vince Brantley, Tabitha Sanders, Gaylen Blosser, and Steve Stebbins. In keeping with the theme, “Leading with Honor: Lessons from the Frontlines,” students guided the conversation by asking questions and learning from the panelists’ personal and professional experiences. The discussion offered practical perspectives on leadership, navigating challenges, and making decisions with integrity, giving students ideas they can carry forward as they grow into future leaders.

“Helping students recognize their strengths, build confidence, and see the opportunities available to them right here in Darke County is an important part of developing our future workforce and community leaders,” said Olivia Schmitmeyer, Career Connections Coordinator of Darke County Economic Development. “The Youth Leadership Conference gives students the opportunity to connect with local professionals, learn from others’ experiences, and begin to see how their own leadership can make a difference. We are excited to invest in these students and help them envision a future filled with opportunities in our community.”

“At The Light Foundation, we believe leadership isn't defined by a title or position, but by character, integrity, and the willingness to make a positive difference in the lives of others,” said Troy Eden, Chief Operating Officer of The Light Foundation. “These 100 students represent the future of Darke County, and our responsibility is to help them recognize their potential, develop the confidence to lead, and understand the importance of serving others.”

DCED and The Light Foundation extend their sincere appreciation to the sponsors whose generous support made the 2026 Darke County Youth Leadership Conference possible. Their investment helps provide local students with valuable opportunities to develop leadership skills, build connections, and prepare to make a difference in their communities.

This year’s conference was supported by the following sponsors:

·        Lead Sponsors: Darke County Economic Development – Partnering for Success and The Light Foundation

·        Gold Sponsors: JAFE Decorating and Brethren Retirement Community

·        Silver Sponsor: Midmark

·        Bronze Sponsor: Wayne HealthCare

·        Student Sponsor: Dave Knapp

DCED and The Light Foundation also extend a heartfelt thank you to the volunteers who generously shared their time and talents to help make the conference a success. Their involvement helped create an engaging and welcoming experience where students could learn, collaborate, and connect with others while exploring their leadership potential.

Together, the sponsors and volunteers demonstrate a strong commitment to investing in Darke County’s next generation of leaders and creating opportunities for young people to grow, succeed, and contribute to the future of their community.