White Rose Leadership Institute Officially Opens at Marketview Arts with Ribbon Cutting
With a ribbon snip and a round of applause, the White Rose Leadership Institute officially joined Marketview Arts today, marking a new chapter for community impact in York.
Leaders from York College of Pennsylvania, the White Rose Leadership Institute (WRLI), and York City and County gathered to celebrate the opening of WRLI’s new home in downtown York. The ribbon-cutting ceremony highlighted the growing partnership between York College and WRLI, underscoring the commitment of both organizations to strengthening the community.
WRLI now occupies the space formerly known as The Shop inside Marketview Arts, a York College-owned hub for creativity, innovation, and civic engagement. The move expands WRLI’s visibility, provides space for hosting trainings, and creates new opportunities to connect with community partners while continuing its mission of supporting York County’s nonprofit sector.
“This move is about more than a building,” said Lisa Barshinger, Executive Director of WRLI. “It’s about being connected to the energy, creativity, and spirit of this community. We are so excited for the opportunities that will come from being right here in the center of it all.”
Dr. Thomas Burns, President of York College, emphasized how the partnership strengthens both organizations’ work. “At York College, we are committed educators and citizens interested in helping shape and strengthen the organizations that form the backbone of our community. Nonprofit organizations are vital to York County—they lift up our neighbors, protect our most vulnerable, and spark innovation that improves quality of life for all of us. Through WRLI’s presence here at Marketview Arts, we will be able to accelerate the work of linking the College’s academic resources and talent pipeline with the energy, ideas, and leadership development that nonprofits need to address complex challenges.”
Joyce Santiago, Chair of the WRLI Board, called the moment a milestone for collaboration: “This beautiful space of Marketview Arts, in partnership with York College, represents growth, collaboration, and deeper impact in our community. We look forward to all the meaningful connections and opportunities that will be created here.”
The significance of the partnership also resonated at the county level. Julie Wheeler, York County President Commissioner, noted: “Through the leadership of York College, and its Center for Community Engagement, Marketview Arts has served as a true community hub for arts and culture. And it now also serves as a home for one of York County’s leading philanthropic organizations. This is exactly the kind of strategic partnership that helps to build and strengthen communities. When like-minded organizations work together, the potential to do even more good in our community, and for our community, only grows exponentially.”
The White Rose Leadership Institute is best known for leading initiatives that drive lasting local change, including Give Local York, the county’s largest day of giving. Signature programs like the York Federal Fellows further exemplify its commitment to developing nonprofit capacity, fostering philanthropy, and cultivating the next generation of community leaders.
With WRLI officially rooted in Marketview Arts, both organizations are poised to deepen their impact and continue shaping a stronger, more connected York.
