Celebration of Leadership Recap

It was a night to remember as we celebrated Lyles Carr and exceptional local leadership

It feels good to be back!

On Tuesday evening, LGW members, sponsors, and friends gathered for the Celebration of Leadership, where we honored Lyles Carr (’87) with the 2021 Leader of the Years Award for his extraordinary impact on the region. It was also a chance to recognize the cross-sector changemakers that come together to make positive change in our region. It was a night for everyone who makes Leadership Greater Washington what it is, and we couldn’t think of a better way to cap off our 35th anniversary year.

For many, the evening went by too fast, so here are  a few things to make the memories last a little longer:

• Our photographer captured some great shots of the night, and you can view them here – the password is LGW21
• To view a recording of the program, please visit our YouTube page
• The crowd loved Lyles’ acceptance speech, especially the poem he paraphrased from Edgar A. Guest, which you will find at the end of this post
• If you didn't make it to the celebration, or you just forgot to bring the program home with you, it can also be viewed here

We were also excited to announce – to Lyles’ surprise! – the new Lyles Carr Signature Program Scholarship Fund, intended to provide tuition assistance to non-profit leaders and to ensure that Lyles’s generous spirit is embodied in the Signature Program for years to come. Visit our donate page if you would like to contribute.

What an incredible night, and what an incredible way to honor Lyles and all the other leaders who make up a diverse network of innovative problem solvers in our region. We encourage you to keep this energy alive all year by continuing to connect and collaborate with your LGW colleagues. Check out our upcoming events, and we hope to see you soon!

Is anybody happier because

you passed their way?

Does anyone remember that you

spoke to them today?

Can you say tonight, in parting

with the day that’s slipping fast,

That you helped a single person

of the many that you passed?

Is a single heart rejoicing over

what you did or said?

Does the one whose hopes

were fading now with courage

look ahead?

Did you leave a trail of kindness,

or a scar of discontent?

As you close your eyes

in slumber,

Do you think that God will say,

“You have earned one

more tomorrow

by the work you did today?”