Gwynedd's Historic Partnership with GCLI

We are delighted to share with you that our Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (GMAHS) Leadership Department has been awarded a three-year, $75,000 grant from BLBB Charitable. This generous grant will play a crucial role in developing essential skills of our students and preparing them to become capable, confident, resilient leaders of the future. 

This BLBB grant will directly support our groundbreaking partnership with the Gardner Carney Leadership Lab (gcLi). The gcLi program is designed to empower faculty as exceptional mentors, guiding our students on journeys of self-discovery and leadership. The gcLi method combines brain science, social and emotional intelligence, leadership studies, cultural competency, and developmental psychology. 

In a rapidly evolving world that demands adaptability and resilience, Gwynedd Mercy will become the first all-girls school in the country where all faculty and staff will learn, practice, and teach the gcLi leadership style. In fact, professional development training is already underway, and throughout this academic year will continue to immerse faculty and staff in the experience, with the ultimate goal of certifying all GMAHS educators and staff in the gcLi program.

gcLi training with faculty and staff began in the Spring and picked back up with during August Professional Development days. 

Research has consistently shown that skills such as grit and resilience are not only as equally important as academic achievement, but also form the foundation of genuine intellectual and personal growth. These pivotal initiatives create a supportive environment that empowers our students to step beyond their comfort zones, embrace challenges as opportunities for personal and professional development, and explore new horizons. We believe that by equipping our faculty, staff, and students with such critical tools for effective leadership, Gwynedd Mercy will stand out as a beacon of excellence in education. 

Development of our Leadership Department was born from our five-year strategic plan which launched in 2018. Under the guidance of our Director of Leadership Initiatives, Jennifer Cervone Guarnaccia ‘93, P’22, ‘25 – who herself is a gcLi Scholar – is structured to champion ethical leadership, develop leadership competencies, inspire change agents, encourage career exploration, promote diversity, develop global competency, and combat unconscious gender bias.

Now beginning its sixth year, department continues to thrive and expands professional development offerings for faculty, hosting an annual community speaker series, with this year’s guest presenter focused on women in STEM  professions. We are pleased to report that we have already facilitated internships and externships for more than 100 students in diverse workplaces and professions – spanning innovation, nonprofit work, entrepreneurship, law, health sciences, politics, and more. 

L to r: Jenn Guarnaccia, gcLi Scholar and GMAHS director of Leadership Initiatives, Dr. Heidi Kasevich, director of gcLi Leadership Academy, Jeremy Lacasse, gcLi executive director

We extend our deep gratitude to BLBB Charitable for their support in making our vision a reality. Together, we hold the power to create a brighter future for our students and ignite a generation of exceptional and compassionate leaders.

Thank you all for your unwavering support and commitment to the growth and success of Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School.