Ben LaBlanc and Lady Alyssa Lead with Passion at Shrine Leadership Conference
Leadership in the Shrine is built through service, example, and the willingness to keep showing up for others. Last weekend in Tampa, Florida, Past Potentate Ben LaBlanc and Lady Alyssa did exactly that.
Arabia is proud to celebrate Ben and Alyssa for being chosen to present at the Shriners International-Kosair for Kids Advanced Leadership Conference, where they shared their experience, perspective, and heart with fellow Shrine leaders. Their presentation, centered on “the seasons of life and service,” reflected a truth many in the fraternity know well: leadership changes as life changes, but service remains a steady calling.
Their work did not stop in Tampa. This weekend, Ben and Alyssa are back again for Oriental Guide School, continuing their commitment to helping build strong leaders and a bright future for our fraternity.
Their message honored the seasons of service
The phrase “the seasons of life and service” carries real weight in a fraternity built on long-term commitment. Every member moves through different stages. Some seasons are full of energy, travel, and hands-on work. Others call for mentoring, listening, and steady support from behind the scenes.
Ben and Alyssa brought that idea to the conference with the kind of insight that comes from living it. As Past Potentate and Lady, they understand that leadership is not limited to one year, one office, or one title. It continues through the relationships formed, the guidance offered, and the example set for the next group of leaders.
That message matters because leadership in the Shrine is not a solo effort. A strong temple depends on people who know when to lead from the front, when to support others, and when to help prepare the next person for the work ahead.
For Arabia, seeing Ben and Alyssa share that message on a wider stage is a proud moment. It shows that the values practiced at home can help strengthen leaders across the fraternity.
Being chosen to present is a meaningful honor
The Shriners International-Kosair for Kids Advanced Leadership Conference brings together leaders who care deeply about the future of the fraternity and its mission. Being selected to present at that level is a meaningful recognition.
It speaks to trust. It also speaks to experience.
Ben and Alyssa were not simply attending. They were invited to contribute. They were asked to share what they have learned through years of service, leadership, and support for the Shrine. That kind of opportunity reflects the respect they have earned and the value of their perspective.
Their role also reflects well on Arabia. When members of Arabia represent the temple in spaces like this, they carry more than their own stories. They carry the spirit of the members, families, volunteers, and leaders who continue to give their time and talent to the fraternity.
Arabia is proud because Ben and Alyssa represented that spirit with passion and care.
Their leadership continues through Oriental Guide School
After a full weekend in Tampa, Ben and Alyssa returned to the work again this weekend at Oriental Guide School. That detail says a great deal about their commitment.
Leadership development takes consistency. It asks people to keep learning, keep teaching, and keep supporting others even after the spotlight moves elsewhere. By taking part in Oriental Guide School, Ben and Alyssa continue to invest in the future leaders who will help guide the fraternity in the years ahead.
Oriental Guide School plays an important role in that journey. It helps prepare leaders for the responsibilities in front of them. It also gives experienced leaders a chance to share lessons that can only come from service.
Those lessons might include how to build trust, how to communicate clearly, how to support members through difficult seasons, and how to keep the mission at the center of every decision. They may also include something just as important: how to lead with humility.
Ben and Alyssa’s continued presence in leadership education shows that they believe in more than holding a role. They believe in preparing others to serve well.
Strong leadership strengthens the whole fraternity
A fraternity grows stronger when its leaders invest in people. Programs, events, and traditions all matter, but the heart of the work remains personal. Members remember who encouraged them. They remember who answered questions, who modeled service, and who helped them see where they could contribute.
That is why leadership development is so important. It helps preserve the best parts of the fraternity while preparing for the needs of the future.
Ben and Alyssa’s example points to several qualities that matter in Shrine leadership:
Commitment
They continue to show up for leadership education and service.
Experience
They bring lessons learned through real responsibility and long-term involvement.
Passion
Their message reflects genuine care for the fraternity and its future.
Mentorship
Their work helps guide others as they prepare to serve.
These qualities do not appear overnight. They are built through years of participation, relationships, and service. They are also passed forward when leaders take the time to teach and encourage others.
Arabia celebrates their continued service
Moments like this deserve to be recognized. Ben LaBlanc and Lady Alyssa have given their time, energy, and hearts to the Shrine, and their selection to present at the leadership conference is a proud milestone.
Their message in Tampa reminded leaders that service has seasons, and each season has purpose. Their continued work at Oriental Guide School shows that their commitment remains active and forward-looking.
Arabia thanks both Ben and Alyssa for their continued passion, commitment, and leadership. Their example reflects the best of what it means to serve, to guide, and to help build a stronger future for the fraternity.
Ben and Alyssa, you make Arabia proud.
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