Building North Idaho’s Next Generation of Leaders
Last week marked an exciting milestone for the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce as we officially launched NEXT GEN Coeur d’Alene, a new leadership development and mentorship program designed to engage and empower young professionals ages 23–35.
Our kickoff event on January 15 was incredible! We brought together 40 program participants alongside an extraordinary group of senior business leaders who volunteered to serve as mentors. In a powerful reflection of our business community’s enthusiasm, 43 experienced leaders signed up to mentor—outnumbering participants in this inaugural six-month pilot.
The kickoff event was intentionally designed to set the foundation for meaningful connection. Mentors and mentees met for the first time, expectations were established for the mentorship journey ahead, and participants engaged in facilitated networking exercises that encouraged authentic conversation and relationship-building across generations.
“This program fills a critical gap in our community,” said Mike Baker, CEO of Heritage Health, Chamber board member and NEXT GEN Committee Advisor. “We talk a lot about workforce and leadership pipelines, and NEXT GEN is exactly the kind of intentional investment that helps ensure our future leaders are prepared, connected, and committed to this place.”
Jennifer Smock, co-owner and managing broker at Windermere Coeur d’Alene Realty, also a Chamber Executive Committee member and NEXT GEN committee advisor, echoed that sentiment. “What excites me most is the mutual learning happening here,” she said. “This isn’t just about seasoned leaders giving advice—it’s about listening, sharing perspective, and building trust across generations. That’s how strong communities are built.”
At the heart of NEXT GEN Coeur d’Alene is a simple but powerful truth: young professionals want to be engaged. They care deeply about community, connection, and purpose—but often don’t know where to start or how to plug in.
Sydni Parker, owner of SJP Properties, chair of the NEXT GEN Committee, and a participant in the program, shared why this initiative matters so deeply to her. “So many young professionals are looking for ways to be involved beyond their day-to-day work,” Parker said. “We want mentorship, we want community, and we want to contribute—but those pathways aren’t always clear. NEXT GEN creates a bridge, helping us feel seen, supported, and invited into leadership.”
In addition to mentorship, NEXT GEN Coeur d’Alene includes a robust leadership development component. Each month, participants attend a MasterClass focused on real-world skills—topics selected collaboratively by both senior business leaders and young professionals. These sessions are designed to be practical, relevant, and immediately applicable.
I had the privilege of teaching our first MasterClass, People First: The Art of Connection, which focused on networking and relationship-building. The energy in the room was remarkable. Participants leaned in, asked thoughtful questions, practiced new skills, and showed genuine curiosity about how to build meaningful connections in our community.
What stood out most was this: young professionals want to engage. They simply need guidance, access, and permission. Programs like NEXT GEN help demystify leadership, service, and civic involvement—and in doing so, strengthen the entire community.
This program would not exist without the passion and leadership of our incredible NEXT GEN Committee, originally sparked by our wonderful, college intern Emily Forslof, now studying at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. I am deeply grateful to Emily, her mentor, Sydni Parker and Program Advisor Marita Diffenbaugh, Director of Innovation at XLabs at North Idaho College, whose vision and dedication helped turn this dream into reality. Lastly, this program would not be possible without the generous support of STCU, who is our title sponsor of the program
Young professionals are noticeably underrepresented in many of our chambers, civic organizations, and service groups. Through NEXT GEN Coeur d’Alene, we hope not only to build a stronger leadership pipeline, but also to share what we learn with fellow organizations across our region—so together, we can better reach, welcome, and engage the next generation of leaders our community needs.
Our mission is our members. Join us and together, we will continue to develop a region where businesses thrive, talent grows, and families feel proud to call this place home.
