Forty-nine individuals representing local private, public and nonprofit sectors are graduating from the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute’s 2015 Community Leadership Program, the organization announced. Participants took part in a nine-month course designed to raise awareness of the needs and challenges that affect the region, as well as to build leadership skills to help them become better community stewards. As part of their class projects, participants worked with Beacon of Life, Youth Emergency Shelter and Services, Central Iowa Shelter and Services, and Community Youth Concepts to help each organization fulfill a need. The graduates will be honored at a luncheon today. A full list of 2015 graduates can be found here.