The Panasci Local Leadership Initiative is a competitive leadership development program offered by Syracuse University's Martin J. Whitman School of Management in collaboration with Leadership Greater Syracuse (LGS). Made possible through the generous support of Whitman alumnus and local business leader David Panasci '80, the program was launched in Fall 2023 to cultivate the next generation of Central New York's leaders.

The goal of this initiative is to help connect students to local business leaders in the greater CNY area, allowing those to grow their network, contribute to community building, all while enhancing leadership skills and abilities. Completing this program will help students get a head start on their careers here in CNY and completion of the full program will fulfill the undergraduate community service requirement.

Students will need to apply and be accepted over the summer as the program will start during the fall semester.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Whitman students in their Junior or Senior Year
• Masters-level students, including Full-Time MBA and Full-Time M.S. candidates
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Completion of a written application demonstrating leadership potential and self-awareness
• Commitment to full program participation

The program spans the fall and spring semesters, bringing students together for eight Friday sessions that blend experiential learning, community exploration, and professional development. Sessions cover a range of topics including regional leadership, economic development, diversity equity and inclusion, discovering and impacting local businesses, how to lead and serve, and envisioning the future of Syracuse.

Central New York is at an exciting inflection point. With major economic developments like the arrival of Micron, a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, and a deeply connected business community, Syracuse offers students a compelling place to launch and grow their careers. The Panasci Local Leadership Initiative is designed to make that case — and make those connections.

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Have questions? 

Email: Roshawn Kershaw rjkersha@syr.edu