When Anna Larriu first walked into Leadership Springfield’s Academy Class as a high school student, she didn’t know it was the start of a journey that would span her life and career. Years later, as a working professional and parent, she returned for Access Class. Most recently, she graduated from our Signature Class, making her Leadership Springfield’s first graduate of all three core programs. Today, Anna is a Regional Marketing Senior Associate at Forvis Mazars and serves on Leadership Springfield’s Board of Directors.
We asked Anna to reflect on what each program gave her at each stage of her life, and why investing in leaders matters for Springfield’s future. Here’s her story, in her own words.
Academy Class 19
Looking back on the Academy program as a high schooler, what did it give you that you still carry with you today?
Academy gave me an early appreciation for the community I grew up in and showed me that leadership isn’t tied to a title or a certain stage of life. Looking back, I don’t think I fully realized at the time how much that experience would stay with me. It planted a seed to stay involved, give back, and pay attention to the people and organizations working behind the scenes to make Springfield a better place.
Access Class 18
Where were you in your life and career when you participated in the Access Class, and what did the class help you see or do differently?
By the time I went through Access, I was established in my career and raising my family in the same community where I grew up. I thought I knew Springfield pretty well, but Access quickly showed me how much I still had to learn. It opened my eyes to organizations that are truly the heartbeat of our community, as well as some of the challenges we still need to address, and it made me want to be more intentional about where and how I could help.
Signature Class 49
How did the Signature Class build on your earlier experiences, and what did it add at this stage of your career?
The Signature Class felt like the natural next step in a journey that started years ago with Academy. Academy introduced me to community leadership, Access reintroduced Springfield to me as an adult, and Signature allowed me to dig even deeper into the opportunities and challenges facing our community. At this stage of my career, it also challenged me to think beyond simply being involved and to consider where my strengths, relationships, and experiences can help me make a meaningful difference.
Looking Ahead
What does Leadership Springfield mean to you now, and why does investing in leaders matter for Springfield’s future?
Leadership Springfield has become a full-circle experience for me. Springfield is home, and I want it to continue being a place where my kids will someday want to build lives and families of their own. Investing in leaders matters because strong communities don’t happen by accident. They require people who understand their community, care about its challenges, build relationships across differences, and are willing to step up and help. Leadership Springfield creates those connections and gives people the tools and perspective to turn caring about Springfield into action. Leadership Springfield will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’m honored to serve on the Board of Directors.
Anna’s story is what leadership development looks like over a lifetime. Her journey from Academy student to Signature graduate to board member is exactly what Leadership Springfield hopes for every participant. We can’t wait to see how she, and the leaders who come after her, continue to shape Springfield’s future!
