Paralympian to Speak at Leadership Howard County Event

Leadership Howard County, which seeks to empower leaders to strengthen and transform the community, will continue the organization’s Thought Leadership Speaker Series with “Empowering Leaders: Life is Like a Marathon” held virtually on Wednesday, Feb. 9, at 10:30 a.m.

The event will feature one of the fastest women in the world Tatyana McFadden, a Paralympic and marathon champion and advocate for people with disabilities, who will share her inspirational approach to life. Born with spina bifida and paralyzed from the waist down, McFadden lived in a Russian orphanage until she was adopted at age 6, brought to the United States and raised in Howard County.

She competed in wheelchair racing from a young age and entered her first Paralympics at age 15. McFadden holds 17 Paralympic medals, including seven gold, has won 24 World Marathon Majors and has broken five world records in track and field. In addition, she has helped advance the rights of people with disabilities, leading to state and federal legislation that ensures students with disabilities have equal access to compete in interscholastic athletics.

The event costs $35 for Leadership Howard County members and $45 for nonmembers. To learn more and register, visit bit.ly/LHCfeb9.

Leadership Howard County provides innovative programs designed to empower and connect community leaders and keep them engaged in the critical issues facing Howard County and the region. Drawn from private businesses, nonprofits and the public sector, Leadership Howard County participants share a common interest in learning more about their community and a commitment to making a positive impact. (www.leadershiphc.org)