Tournament of Roses Hosts Leadership Pasadena’s Military Veterans

Leadership Pasadena’s Community Leadership Course for Veterans got the royal treatment on Friday, July 12 as they examined the culture of civilian corporations and large organizations at the Tournament of Roses House.

Executives from six diverse organizations spoke to the veteran cohort about the real life differences between the military service culture and behaviors and those of civilian companies. They also shared the culture of each of their own companies to show the veterans how civilian companies are vastly different from each other and one needs to identify the company culture they will do best in as they navigate a civilian work life. The consistent message from all the speakers was to find out what you are passionate about doing and find a company that fits with your interests and values.

The veterans were given a docent-led tour of the Tournament House and were so amazed that they were seeing it in person! It was a thrill for each of them. The Tournament has a long-standing relationship with the military and it continues to find ways to support those who serve and have served our country with honor. Welcoming the Community Leadership Course for Veterans participants was another way they thank our service men and women.

“Introducing our veterans to the Tournament of Roses organization is vital to engaging them in the local community. The Tournament of Roses is such an important part of Pasadena’s historical identity it was imperative our participants got to experience the House and learn the history of the game, the House and the Foundation,” according to Leadership Pasadena’s Lisa Raggio. The corporate executive speakers were excited as well.

According to Christopher Lees, Director of Asset Protection for Youngs Market and US Air Force veteran who grew up in Pasadena but had never been to the Tournament House, “The idea that we were sitting in the T of R Wrigley Mansion having discussions with vets about transitioning and honing their leadership skills was very special!”

“The Tournament of Roses is a major community benefactor impacting thousands of area residents, especially children, through generous charitable giving and providing powerful community events, such as their new youth leadership workshop. Since our goal is to introduce our veterans to community service giants, we are so grateful we were able to hold our Business Culture and Organizational Savvy session at the Tournament House so they could realize all the organization does in addition to the Parade and the game,” Cindy Bengtson of Leadership Pasadena explained.

To cap the day, photographer Sonia Tapia of Sonia Tapia Photography volunteered her services and provided each veteran with 4 professional headshots and a glorious group photo on the Tournament House lawn which will be of tremendous help with their employment efforts.