Our Vision & Mission
The Global Leadership Summit is an annual 2-day leadership event, frequently described by guest attendees as a firehose of fresh, actionable leadership content. Telecast LIVE in HD from Chicago, and boasting 33 years of success, it has grown from 2000 global leaders to more than 400,000 leaders worldwide with over 400 premier sites in North America and another 1500 overseas.
Sponsored by the Global Leadership Network (GLN), its aim is to enrich communities through cutting-edge leadership trends and actionable leadership skills.
Each year a carefully curated world-class faculty representing business, government, education, faith and entertainment sectors, takes to the stage to inspire and equip audience members to increase their leadership influence. Prior faculty have included previous United States presidents and cabinet members, NY Times best-selling authors, Harvard researchers, CEOs, pastors, educators, artists, musicians, and more.
Attracting an audience that represents various industries, including marketplace, non-profit, healthcare, education, government, ministry and corrections, the GLS has become a unique platform, unlike any other, bringing people together to not only empower better leadership within the organizations they represent, but in a growing number of cases around the world, it has also become a catalyst for organic local movements initiating systemic, city-wide change. Inspiring leaders who range in age from youth to seasoned adults, what started as a single event back in 1992, has grown to attract hundreds of thousands of people each year.
Our Story
Introducing Lisa Hill DiFusco, a remarkable woman who, ten years ago, embarked on a journey to foster leadership within her local community. With boundless passion and unwavering dedication, she initiated hosting The Global Leadership Summit in Rochester that has since become a beacon of inspiration and empowerment. Lisa's nurturing spirit and warm embrace have created a space where aspiring leaders can find their voice, cultivate their strengths, and soar to new heights. Through her selfless efforts, she has ignited a flame of possibility in the hearts of countless individuals, leaving an enduring legacy of hope and transformation.
About The LightHeart Institute:
The LightHeart Institute is dedicated to awakening passion and igniting client's natural ability to succeed and thrive. By posing the question, "What if...you could achieve your dreams...?" the Institute invites clients on a courageous journey of hope, opportunity, creativity and achievement.
Thanks to our 2025 Volunteers
Glenn Balch, Promotion
Sabrina Barton, Operations
Dave Bassett, Signage, Technical Support
Kevin Clifford, ChiefConnect
Frank Crombe, Treasurer, Promotion
Mark Dulaney, Promotion, Registration Support
David Finger, Technical Director
Jim Johnson, Promotion
Joy Lecesse, Leadership Coach
Emilie Schertzer, Event Volunteer
Gabby Schertzer, Event Volunteer
Sophie Schertzer, Event Volunteer
Stacey Steinmiller, Leadership Coach
Claire Spears, Promotion - Youth, Website Design
Karin Spears, Website Support, Promotion
Jim Stone, Head Leadership Coach, Promotion
Maureen Stone, Leadership Coach
Rehnuma Karim, Local Events Leader
Adita Kulkarni, Chief Registrar
David Mammano, Emcee
Fr. Michael Mayer, Promotion
Cintia Orsi, Leadership Coach
Kyle Palmer, Sponsorships
David Powe, Promotion, Partnerships Lead
Tammy Richards, Sponsorships, Flower Coordinator
Emily Scalzo, Graphic Design
Makayla Wright, Social Media, Photography,
Nermine Zakhary, Leadership Coach, Sponsorships