Truly Inspiring: ELC Speakers Reflect on Students’ Passion, Determination and Appetite for Ethical Leadership

Monti Mercer answers a question posed by moderator Frances Cox while Robin Milton listens.

“Truly inspiring” … “impactful and empowering” … these are just some of the words guest speakers used to describe their experience engaging with a talented and enthusiastic group of 15 high school students at our recent fall edition of Five-Star Character: The George C. Marshall Ethical Leadership Conference (ELC).

This unique and enriching educational experience led by ELC Program Director Pete Janhunen is flourishing thanks in no small part to a host of experienced leaders who generously give their time to share hard-earned wisdom with the next generation.

“They always say ‘yes,’” Janhunen reports. “When I reach out to invite these professionals to spend some time with our students, they only ask where and when we need them!”

To offer a fresh perspective on the ELC experience, we asked panelists and speakers who participated in our most recent ELC – Benjamin “BJ” Armstrong, Marshall Historian Rachael Yarnell Thompson, Marshall Center Board Members Frances Cox and Robin Milton, and Monti Mercer – to offer their thoughts on the program and students:

Monti Mercer jokes with the audience while Frances Cox and Robin Milton chuckle.

Benjamin “BJ” Armstrong, Captain, USN, PhD

Admiral Jay Johnson Professor of Leadership and Ethics at the U.S. Naval Academy

“The students were engaged and showed a real appetite to learn about leadership. The questions they asked after my talk were intelligent and wide ranging based on the ideas I shared. The Five Star Leadership Conference is a brilliant program, with a well-designed program of mixed learning methods educating our nation’s next generation of leaders at every level, from local to national. If you're in the NOVA area and have high school students in your life, I highly recommend giving the program a look!”

Rachel Yarnell Thompson

Marshall Historian and author of “Marshall—A Statesman Shaped in the Crucible of War”

“For high schoolers learning about our United States history, Marshall serves as an excellent example of responsible citizenship. Although he wielded considerable power, especially in World War II, he was never tempted to abuse it. He understood that the nation’s military is subject to the authority of an elected civilian representing the people’s collective will but always within constitutional limits.”

Monti Mercer

Community Relations Manager at the Howard Hughes Medical Center

“U.S. Representative Jennifer Wexton (VA-10) wrote that the Marshall Center’s ethical leadership programs help ensure that ‘the lessons and values of this remarkable time in history

[World War II] are carried on through the next generation of young leaders,’ and she is right.”

“I was genuinely impressed by the thoughtful questions and responses from the students during the two sessions I participated in. Their passion and determination to become intentional thought leaders in a world that often overlooks unethical behavior was truly inspiring.”

Frances Cox

Principal at The Fratelli Group and Vice-Chairman of the George C. Marshall International Center Board

“We don’t just talk about ethical leadership at the George C. Marshall International Center. We put it into action with our Five-Star Character program. Working directly with these future leaders always reminds me why taking action today is so important to our shared tomorrow.”

Robin Milton

Vice President of the Strategic Marketing Communications team at LMI and member of the George C. Marshall International Center Board

“This was such an impactful and empowering event! I am grateful for the amazing opportunity to participate and engage with such an inspiring group of young people.”

Thank you for all who support this program, from our donors to those who spend time with attendees. We could not do it without you!

Registrations are now open for our winter 2024 (February 9 & 10) session – we encourage you to share this application for this special opportunity with your networks!