Kansas City, Mo. — Sherwood Autism Center is proud to celebrate Lesleigh Cetinguc on her selection to the Centurions Leadership Program, a two-year civic leadership initiative of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.
Since 1976, the Centurions Leadership Program has served as a training ground for emerging Kansas City leaders. The program prepares a representative cross-section of the community’s future leaders for their role in shaping the future of the greater Kansas City region.
Participants spend two years exploring the opportunities, challenges, resources, and civic needs of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The program includes monthly educational task forces, peer mentoring, standing committees, community service, and a legacy project designed to mobilize volunteers around a major improvement effort for a local nonprofit.
Cetinguc’s selection reflects both her leadership potential and Sherwood Autism Center’s ongoing commitment to developing leaders who can help build a more inclusive and supportive community for neurodivergent individuals and their families.
“At Sherwood Autism Center, we believe developing leaders is one of the best investments we can make,” said Kia Walsh, executive director of Sherwood Autism Center and a Kansas City Centurion. “I have no doubt Lesleigh will make the most of this opportunity, and I can’t wait to see the relationships, perspective, and growth that come from this experience. Congratulations, Lesleigh. We are so proud of you and excited to cheer you on every step of the way.”
The Centurions Leadership Program is designed to acquaint members with current community issues, connect them with other outstanding current and future leaders, promote greater awareness of community resources, explore diverse segments of the city, and offer avenues for deeper civic involvement.
For Sherwood Autism Center, Cetinguc’s participation in the program represents an opportunity to strengthen relationships across the region while continuing to elevate conversations around neurodiversity, accessibility, education, employment, and meaningful community inclusion.
Sherwood’s work extends beyond direct services. Through its programs, partnerships, and community education efforts, the organization works to help students, adults, families, schools, employers, and civic organizations better understand what supportive environments can look like for neurodivergent individuals.
Cetinguc joins a close-knit network of Centurions participants and alumni committed to strengthening Kansas City through service, leadership, and civic engagement.
About Sherwood Autism Center
Sherwood Autism Center educates, equips, and empowers children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities to promote independence in family and community life. Through specialized education, adult day services, supported employment, and community partnerships, Sherwood works to create meaningful opportunities for neurodivergent individuals across the Kansas City region.
About the Centurions Leadership Program
The Centurions Leadership Program of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is a two-year civic leadership initiative that prepares emerging leaders for their role in shaping the future of greater Kansas City. The program connects participants with community issues, resources, service opportunities, and a network of current and future leaders committed to the region’s growth and success.