I am incredibly honored and grateful to have been part of the Belleville CEO program. This unique experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow both personally and professionally. I’ve become a more confident, mindful individual—willing to face discomfort and come out stronger.

Before this program, I struggled with public speaking and felt nervous addressing large groups. Now, thanks to opportunities like the Local Pitch Competition, I can speak with far more confidence, even under pressure. There’s always room to grow, but I’ve made real progress.

Professionally, CEO gave me essential skills that I’ll carry throughout my career. The mentorship program and business visits helped me interact with professionals with greater ease and professionalism. My mentor played a huge role in sharpening my networking skills and offering guidance I’ll always value.

One of my biggest areas of growth was communication. It wasn’t a strength of mine at first, but during our class business project, I improved significantly. I worked on both the trivia logistics and marketing teams, collaborating with people who all brought something unique to the table. That experience taught me the power of listening, adapting, and leading as a team.

Our Timeless Trivia event showed me how crucial collaboration is to success. Everyone’s contributions mattered, and I learned how to lead while also valuing different perspectives.

The Belleville CEO program has truly been a transformative experience. It gave me knowledge, relationships, and life skills I’ll carry forever. Without a doubt, it’s the most meaningful class I’ve ever taken. I’m thankful for the people I’ve met, the places I’ve been, and the countless opportunities this program gave me. The impact of CEO will stay with me for years to come.