April 17, 2025

From Potential to Purpose: How COUNTRY Financial® Helped Shape the Multicultural Leadership Program  

Since its inception in 2009, the Multicultural Leadership Institute has been transforming Central Illinois—one leader at a time. Through its flagship Multicultural Leadership Program (MCLP), the nonprofit organization has graduated nearly 500 individuals and partnered with over 60 nonprofits to drive lasting community impact. Among those leaders are more than 50 employees from COUNTRY and Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB), a powerful testament to the program’s alignment with the IFB mission and the COUNTRY Value of Inclusion.

Each year, MCLP selects 25 to 30 participants based on their leadership potential, dedication to self-improvement, and commitment to making a positive difference. Over nine months, these individuals embark on a transformative journey—one that blends leadership training with hands-on community projects, deep self-reflection, and intentional engagements that challenge assumptions and expand their understanding of others.

This year, the Class of 2025 includes five COUNTRY and IFB team members:

• Gabriel Leitner, Senior Claims Representative
• José Correa, Maintenance Supervisor
• Lynsey Rutherford, Client Services & Billing Contact Supervisor
• Thaw Myat, Senior Securities Operations Associate
• Katie Zelechowski, IFB Business Intelligence Analyst

For participants like Jose Correa, the program was much more than professional development. “Joining MCLP has been an exciting experience,” he said. “I gained valuable lessons that helped guide me through multiple projects with my team. My COUNTRY team—Krista Ridder, Jeremy Morris, Brett Werner-Powell, and Carl Bridges—were amazing supporters. They believed in me and checked in throughout the journey. It’s hard to put into words what COUNTRY has done for me. MCLP helped me realize how blessed I am to work with such an amazing team.”

Building a leadership legacy

Correa is just one of dozens of COUNTRY and IFB employees who have benefited from MCLP since its founding. That legacy of engagement started with former COUNTRY Executive Vice President Deanna Frautschi, who, along with initial Executive Director Sonya Mau (also a COUNTRY retiree), saw the immense potential in creating a leadership program that centered around servant leadership and cross-cultural connection. Their vision laid the foundation for an experience that continues to resonate with employees, communities, and the organizations they serve.

MCLP’s approach is personal. Rather than teaching a one-size-fits-all leadership formula, it guides individuals to build a framework rooted in who they are, encouraging them to grow into the most authentic, impactful version of themselves.

Simran Sandhu of IFB shared, “I went into MCLP expecting a fairly traditional leadership program, and it was anything but. Most programs provide you with a framework that you’re expected to apply as is. What makes MCLP so unique is that the framework is you. Through mentoring, curriculum, and community projects, you learn how to manage yourself, trust your instincts, and lead with courage and appreciation for diverse perspectives. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.”

The lasting influence of MCLP is seen not only in its graduates’ professional growth but also in how they show up in their communities. From board service and committee leadership to driving nonprofit partnerships, alumni are out making a difference—and they’re bringing others along with them.

The COUNTRY and IFB commitment to MCLP continues strong today, demonstrated by the many employees who serve as participants, mentors, volunteers, and board members. At the recent MCLP graduation ceremony on April 12, COUNTRY proudly hosted a table to celebrate the newest alumni, encouraging continued involvement, and support for this life-changing initiative.

José Correa was recognized as the Co-class President and as the commencement speaker. Additionally, Simran Sandhu received the Alumni Community Leadership Award.

Ready to be part of something greater?

Applications for the MCLP Class of 2026 are now open. If you’re looking to grow as a leader and make meaningful change—personally and professionally—this could be your moment. MCLP now offers hybrid participation from the Central Illinois, Dallas, and Atlanta metro areas.

Let MCLP help you uncover the leader within.

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