New College Institute Employees Shine in Leadership Development Programs
- BTW21
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
MARTINSVILLE, VA — May 16, 2025 — New College Institute (NCI) is celebrating the professional growth of two of its esteemed team members, Latoshua LeGrant, Chief Information Officer, and Trevor Martin, Workforce Training Instructor, who have both been selected for prestigious leadership programs aimed at enhancing their skills and leadership impact.
Latoshua LeGrant has been accepted into the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (VRLI), an esteemed program focused on developing responsible and innovative leaders from rural communities across the state.
The VRLI is designed to equip leaders with the tools they need to build stronger, more vibrant rural communities by addressing local challenges and fostering civic engagement.
The program encourages participants to work on Community Impact Projects — hands-on initiatives that leverage their leadership training to drive positive change in their communities.
The 2025 VRLI program kicked off earlier this month in Danville, South Boston, and Halifax and will continue with sessions across Southwest Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley, and the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck.
These immersive sessions offer participants an in-depth look at the successes and challenges of local communities, while providing leadership development training.
LeGrant expressed her excitement about this new opportunity: “I’m thankful for this unique opportunity to explore and learn from the success to date in our small communities, expand leadership skills, and serve as a catalyst for continued growth in rural Virginia,” she said.
LeGrant joins a distinguished group of alumni from NCI who have benefited from the program, including Joe Sumner, Executive Director, and Olivia Garrett, Chief Advancement Officer, both of whom have completed VRLI in the past.
Sumner, who is a proud VRLI alumnus, highlighted the importance of investing in rural leaders: “I’m especially excited to now support Latoshua as she begins her own journey through VRLI — it’s a full-circle moment that speaks to the power of investing in people and rural places.”
In addition to LeGrant’s achievement, Trevor Martin, Workforce Training Instructor at NCI, has successfully completed the 2024 Leadership M-HC program, organized by the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce. This project-driven program aims to enhance participants’ leadership skills, foster an appreciation for team diversity, and strengthen connections to the broader community.
The Leadership M-HC program consists of seven sessions, offering participants a chance to network with peers, engage with local leaders, and develop strategies to support the growth and success of Martinsville-Henry County.
As part of the program, Martin had the opportunity to collaborate on local initiatives, network with influential figures, and hone his leadership skills.
“It gave me a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in our community and helped me grow both professionally and personally,” Martin said. “Connecting with local leaders and fellow participants inspired me to think more strategically about how I can contribute to meaningful progress in Martinsville-Henry County. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited to apply what I’ve learned in my role moving forward.”
These recent accomplishments highlight NCI’s continued commitment to fostering professional development and leadership within its team.
Joe Sumner, Executive Director at NCI, expressed his pride in both LeGrant and Martin: “We are incredibly proud of Latoshua and Trevor for their achievements.
Their hard work and passion for growth are inspiring, and we look forward to the positive impact they will continue to make across our organization.”
Through these initiatives, NCI is ensuring that its workforce is prepared for future challenges while contributing to the development of stronger, more resilient communities.
For more information on the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute, visit https://www.cfrv.org/vrli.
For more information on the 2024 Leadership M-HC Program, visit https://www.martinsville.com.