There is no surer way to make an impact than to learn from leaders who already have, say members of the Odette MBA Class of 2015.

The business students applied that lesson Friday in recognizing some leaders in Windsor-Essex during a “Celebration with Community Champions” at the Odette School of Business.

“Odette MBAs are focused on learning how to become the most significant and impactful leaders we can be,” said Mia Segal, vice-president of communications for the Odette MBA Society. “We have studied individuals who have made significant contributions to the Windsor-Essex community in order to facilitate this learning.”

Among the featured leaders were:

• Teresa Piruzza, Ontario Minister of Children and Youth Services;
• Ilias Kiritsis, president of the Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation;
• Norm Marcoux and Darryl Dufresne, founders of Advanced Machining Services;
• Michelle Prince, founder of Lifetime Wellness Centre;
• Gary Kalaci, founder of Alexa Translations;
• Chantal Vallée, head coach of Lancer women’s basketball;
• Fabio Costante, founder of Our West End;
• Chris Ryan, operations manager of Walkerville Brewery.

The students spent a semester researching and interviewing the leaders.

Segal said the process taught them about the skills, abilities and attitudes necessary to become a passionate leader who makes a difference in the lives of those around them.

“These champions are very worthy of celebration,” Segal said. “Each has forged their own leadership path and made Windsor and Essex County a stronger and more vibrant community. They inspire leadership in others by giving back.”