Three university staff members — Karalyn Abdo, Richelle Radomski, and Genny Brockel — graduated Oct. 22 as members of the Leadership Cattaraugus Class of 2025.

Over the past 10 months, participants explored key aspects of life and leadership in Cattaraugus County through themed program days on topics such as government services, health and human services, education, agriculture and land use, manufacturing, economic development, tourism, arts and culture and the justice system.

The cohort gained hands-on experience through a variety of activities, including CPR and Narcan training, visits to local farms and schools, and tours of regional businesses and community organizations such as Great Lakes Cheese, Napoleon Engineering Services, Turbo Machining, the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department.

Participants also learned about innovative educational programs at local schools, public health resources offered to residents, and efforts by area organizations to strengthen community connections. For example, the cohort visited Salamanca Central School District to learn about how the curriculum has been adapted to increase graduation rates while also incorporating Seneca culture.

Through these experiences, Abdo, Radomski and Brockel developed new leadership skills and a deeper understanding of the people, services and industries that help Cattaraugus County thrive. Abdo is assistant director of Student Accounts, Radomski is associate director of Financial Aid and Brockel is the associate registrar.