Meet Deanna Werklund of the werklund foundation
Tell us about yourself and your organization.
I am a Director for the Werklund Foundation which was founded in 2006 by David Werklund. Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth by supporting educational programs that assist them in achieving their highest potential as they grow to become self-sufficient, successful, productive members of our communities. The Werklund Foundation has been working in partnership with Rapport Leadership International in striving to realize the Foundation’s vision of providing students and teachers with a powerful leadership development program, which we have called the Youth Leadership Program Initiative. The Youth Leadership Program Initiative supports a proactive approach to advancing positive social, emotional and ethical development among our youth.
How did you and your organization get introduced to Rapport Leadership International?
My father and brother introduced me to Rapport Leadership International. They both had an amazing experience. Their experience sparked a curiosity that made me want to attend Rapport training.
How many Rapport graduates does your organization have?
Currently, everyone within our Foundation and our Werklund Group has had Rapport training and all of the directors and officers are Master Graduates.
Tell us about your Rapport experience?
The first Rapport class that I took was Leadership Breakthrough One in October 2005. I was intimidated at first because my father, David, and brother Mark, had already taken Leadership Breakthrough One and were going around projecting their voices. Also, when my brother returned from his Leadership Breakthrough One training it was Father’s Day so we were all together as a family and Mark projected “for he’s a jolly good fellow” to our Dad. That's something he would have NEVER done before. It was a life changing experience that was an inspiration for the mission of the Werklund Foundation. I ended up winning the sword at our graduation ceremony on the last day.
How has Rapport impacted you personally?
Prior to taking Rapport, I went through the motions of life. My experiences had caused me to build layers of walls to protect myself from other people and the world. My life was a life of self-preservation - which meant being disconnected from my life. Since Rapport, I now live my life every day with enthusiasm and passion. The walls have come down and I am an active participant, which is exciting.
How has Rapport impacted your business?
The mission of the Werklund Foundation was inspired by my personal experience at Rapport. My experience was powerful, and I saw a potential solution for social problems and issues that affect youth in our communities including my own daughter. I heard Rapport graduates say, “If only I had received training like this at a young age…” We found our mission: to dramatically change the lives of youth as Rapport had changed our lives.
What is the most surprising benefit you or your organization received from Rapport Training?
A surprising benefit that I gained from Rapport Training was a deeper understanding of my children. I could now determine what type of learner they were, and see why we had problems communicating at times. I also believed that I was an outgoing, confident person, only to realize that was only the case because I had created a safe and comfortable environment around myself.
How do you keep Rapport alive in your organization?
The philosophies of Rapport are essentially integrated into our mission at the Werklund Foundation. Each day, we are working towards improving the lives of children and youth in our communities by creating an environment where leadership, passion and enthusiasm can thrive and be supported.
What class had the greatest impact on you and why?
I have experienced Leadership Breakthrough One, Leadership Breakthrough Two and Power Communication. I was impacted by processes from all three classes and I believe it was the combination of all three that really sent me out into the world with such real confidence and true happiness.
When you face a challenge in your organization, what tools from the training do you call on first?
Holding myself accountable.
