A ripple effect: Leadership experience creates lasting impact among Black professionals

The ELDE Class of 2023 smiles in a group photo on the stairs in Dively

When Churyl Croone first learned about Weatherhead School of Management’s new Executive Leadership Development Experience (ELDE)—which aims to grow the leadership capabilities of participants, especially Black professionals—she knew she had to be involved. 

During her time in the , which began in February and will come to a close later this month, Croone, senior director of business development and industry engagement at Case School of Engineering, said she’s felt a wide range of emotions.

“Typically when you are in mid-management [or] senior-level management, you look around the room and you are the only [Black or brown person] or one of [the only ones],” she explained. “To look at a room and see lawyers, doctors, [vice presidents], senior directors—it’s just so wonderful and reaffirming that we’re not the only ones in these spaces.”