Ethical Leadership in Action: Students Engage with Marshall’s Legacy
Twelve bright high school students from Loudoun County — joined by a peer from St. Alban’s School in Washington, D.C. — took part in the Marshall Center’s two-day Ethical Leadership Conference (ELC) on September 5 and 6. The program, rooted in General George C. Marshall’s enduring values of unwavering integrity, selfless service and visionary leadership, challenged students to explore how ethical leadership can shape their lives and communities.
The conference opened Friday with remarks from Randall Schriver, Chairman Of the Board at the Institute for Indo-Pacific Security and a former Naval intelligence officer. Drawing on his military and international business experience, Schriver encouraged students to reflect on the importance of principled decision-making in complex environments. Marshall Center historian Rachel Thompson provided an introduction to General Marshall’s remarkable legacy of service and transformational global leadership.
On Saturday, students learned and applied the lessons of Marshall-style leadership by working in groups to design organizations addressing real-world issues: stopping bullying, reducing invasive species and integrating Marshall’s leadership principles into K–12 education.
Lena Andrews fields questions from students.
The program included a dynamic panel discussion featuring Lena Andrews, author of Valiant Women: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II, and Bradley Carlson, CEO of Military Non-Profit Consulting. Moderated by Frances Cox of the Fratelli Group, the conversation highlighted how ethical leadership translates from theory into practice. Students engaged with insightful questions, drawing connections between the panelists’ diverse experiences and their own developing leadership journeys.
L to R, Lena Andrews, Bradley Carlson and Frances Cox
“Once again, we were incredibly impressed by the intellect, energy and passion of our student attendees,” said Ethical Leadership Program Director Pete Janhunen. “They are eager to tackle challenges in their own lives and future careers, while carrying forward the lessons taught by George Marshall. I can’t wait for our next session and the opportunity to work with more leaders of tomorrow.”
The Marshall Center thanks the Loudoun County VFW Post 1177 for generously hosting Saturday’s session.
📅 Looking ahead: A special one-day Ethical Leadership Conference will take place on Tuesday, November 4 — a Loudoun County student holiday. Spread the word and register today!