Covid-19 has changed the way social interactions and celebrations are conducted, from class meet-ups to graduations. Fortunately, the Robert Mayer Leadership Academy Class of 2020 was able to celebrate their graduation while practicing social distancing. The 22 graduates gathered for the ceremony, held on June 17th at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach, where each student was assigned to an individual table to comply with safety guidelines. “It was really great to reconnect with all of my classmates. We’ve really formed lifelong friendships, not just in business, but in life,” expressed Leigh Ann Gilmore, Class Champion and RMLA class of 2020 graduate. Many guests and alumni were in attendance at the graduation ceremony, and featured keynote speaker Oliver Chi, City Manager. The annual nine-month Leadership Academy has provided young professionals with leadership development in Huntington Beach for more than fifteen years. “I really feel like it’s my job to bring out everybody’s strength and to create an opportunity to give back. This is really a forum and a way for people to give back to the community and use their strength in a way that maybe they didn’t even know that they had,” said Rachel Ramirez, Facilitator of the RMLA program since 2018. Congratulations to the class of 2020 graduates of Robert Mayer Leadership Academy!