About the Center for Immersive Leadership

Our Story

We believe one of the greatest investments we can make in the future of our community is in cultivating passionate and purpose-driven leaders. We want to build a coalition of leaders – in every field and in every part of our community – who will dedicate themselves to creating better opportunities for all.

The Center for Immersive Leadership builds on the work of United Way of Summit & Medina and Heart to Heart Leadership, combining decades of experience developing new leaders, more than a century of service and partnership, and a deep understanding of our diverse community and its greatest needs.

Our Purpose

To develop inclusive leaders who achieve collective goals for transformational change with our communities.

Our Commitment To Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We cannot build a better future for our community unless we build it together.

United Way has worked for decades to create an environment that welcomes all cultures and backgrounds — all walks of life and ways of thinking. We spark conversations and forge connections that embrace every voice and point of view. We commit to building and sustaining a workplace that represents our community in all its richness and diversity. We fight systemic inequity and injustice through advocacy, through education and by mobilizing the caring power of our community to make neighborhoods and families stronger.

No matter who you are, we want your voice to be heard. We want to help you make a difference.

Our History

The Center for Immersive Leadership was established in 2024 following the merger of United Way of Summit & Medina and Heart to Heart Leadership.

United Way of Summit & Medina was established in 1918, and has served the local community for more than a century by partnering with local organizations and individuals to address Summit and Medina counties’ most pressing needs.

Heart to Heart Leadership was founded more than 30 years ago by Father Norman Douglas and Lawrence Vuillemin, Esq. Since then, it has partnered with organizations throughout the local community, helping to develop thousands of local leaders.

Heart to Heart Leadership and United Way of Summit & Medina have worked together closely for many years. Recognizing the inherent strengths of both organizations and the synergy between their missions, the boards of Heart to Heart and United Way decided to bring the organizations together to expand their reach and deepen their impact.

Invest Where it Matters

Help us in our mission to develop inclusive leaders in our community.