Charlene Ashendorf, a graduate of the first class of Leadership Tomorrow (LT) in 1998, served in nearly every capacity possible to advance LT’s mission. As LT’s biggest fan and tireless ambassador, her roles have included board member, LT class liaison and chair, volunteering her time to organize everything from workshops and scholarships to nominations and class selections. In fact, Charlene believes in LT so whole-heartedly that she insisted on her fiancé participating before she accepted his marriage proposal!
As a class participant, each workshop experience resonated with Charlene in immeasurable ways, but volunteering to plan workshops most influenced her next steps after graduating from LT. Grateful for the opportunity to develop LT workshops that illuminate the minds and hearts of others, she coordinated exceptional presenters, balanced workshops, and opportunities to build relationships with participants, community leaders and partners. The meaningful connections and lifelong friendships that Charlene built through LT led to even more ways to give of her time and talent.
During her nonprofit management career, LT helped Charlene cultivate many partnerships with businesses, other nonprofits and community organizations. In her retirement, Charlene has served on many boards, assisted with organizing major community events and shared her expertise in countless ways. She currently serves as Chair of the City of Costa Mesa’s Cultural Arts Committee and on the city’s Parks, Arts & Community Services commission as Liaison to seniors and the Senior Center. She also holds a leadership role for P.E.O. International, a 150-year-old philanthropic educational organization that provides financial support to women and owns a private women’s college in Nevada, Missouri.
