Aligning Passion and Excellence at Homeward Bound, Inc.

February 26, 2026

At Homeward Bound, Inc., leadership is not defined by titles. Instead, it is defined by presence, purpose, and the courage to dream bigger for the people we serve.

The 2026 Leadership Academy Conference (LAC) brought together HBI leaders, partners, and inspiring voices under this year’s theme, Aligning Passion and Excellence. Throughout the day, attendees engaged in powerful keynotes, hands-on breakout sessions, meaningful conversation, and thoughtful reflection on what it truly means to lead with heart and intention.

Events like LAC only happen because of strong collaboration. Our staff worked incredibly hard to coordinate a day that inspired growth, connection, and shared learning across the organization.

“We See You”: The Power of Presence

We were honored to welcome Dr. Leah Gordon of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota as a keynote speaker. Her session, Why Caring Breaks Us and How to Care Without Losing Ourselves, spoke directly to the leaders in the room, especially those who carry significant responsibility behind the scenes.

Two of our Operations Administrators, Nicole and Kaila, shared:

“Listening to Dr. Gordon felt like she was talking directly to each OA that sat in the room. When she said ‘we see you,’ that key message stuck with our OA leaders because their role has many responsibilities. Their efforts and impact at the behind-the-scenes level is never about recognition, but we see that leadership cohort as silent superheroes.”

Dr. Gordon emphasized that one skill will always outshine resumes and credentials: the presence you bring every single day.

Leadership at HBI is relational. It requires a genuine desire to be present, to grow, and to build meaningful relationships. That intentional presence fuels excellence in our homes, our programs, and our teams.

Data-Driven Leadership in Action

The conference began with sessions focused on strengthening operational excellence across our organization.

First, Vice President of Operations Grant Haley and Operations Specialist Harley Hentges led a session on workforce excellence and staff support. Their discussion focused on how strong systems help teams deliver consistent, high-quality care.

Later in the morning, leaders participated in a program track focused on Recreation and Program Outcomes. During this session, participants explored how clear goals and measurable outcomes can strengthen programming for individuals with a variety of abilities.

When passion aligns with measurable impact, excellence becomes sustainable.

Grant Haley reinforced this idea with a guiding principle that resonates across HBI:

“If it impacts safety, we own it.”

This statement reflects a culture of accountability. At Homeward Bound, safety, quality, dignity, and opportunity are not responsibilities for a single department. Instead, they belong to all of us.

Nursing Leadership: Balance and Humanity

Our nursing team also participated in a dedicated breakout session on Medical Leadership, led by Dr. Nkeiru Adoga, DNP APRN of International Nursing Concepts.

During the session, nurses engaged in thoughtful conversation about leadership in healthcare settings. They explored the balance required in caregiving roles and discussed ways to remain present while supporting others.

Nurse Case Manager Maureen shared a reflection that stayed with her throughout the day:

“A quiet mind brings you to the present.”

In this field, nursing work can feel both heavy and deeply meaningful. Caregivers must constantly balance supporting others while remembering their own humanity.

However, when nurses take time to care for themselves, they show up more fully for their teams and residents. That balance helps sustain the passion and energy required to deliver excellent care.

Building a Culture of Excellence

Later in the afternoon, Grant Haley led a discussion on the Six Pillars of Excellence. This session highlighted the leadership standards that guide our work across the organization.

These pillars reinforce the values that shape our culture each day: accountability, safety, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Earlier in the day, Serena Emerfoll, Vice President of Human Resources, introduced the concept of becoming a learning organization. Her session emphasized the importance of growth, reflection, and shared knowledge across teams.

Together, these discussions reinforced an important truth. Strong leadership does not stay static. Instead, it evolves through learning, collaboration, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of the people we serve.

Closing the Day with Perspective

The conference concluded with a closing keynote from Will Steger, founder of the Steger Center for Innovation and Leadership.

During his remarks, he encouraged leaders to remain thoughtful, grounded, and present in their work. In demanding service roles, the ability to pause, reflect, and reconnect with purpose is essential.

Throughout the day, speakers and sessions reinforced a common message. Leadership is not defined by titles or authority. Instead, it grows through intention, accountability, and the relationships we build every day.