We believe that Greater Akron can only be a thriving community when every voice is welcomed, heard, valued, and treated with respect.
Applications are Open for Leadership Akron Signature Program – Class 43
The Leadership Akron Signature Program is a 10-month program for our region’s top leaders across sectors who are interested in broadening their community impact. Each day-long experience is designed by Leadership Akron alumni who have expertise in the field of interest for that day. In addition to each month’s day-long seminar, short site visits to unique locations provide a deeper understanding of the topic at hand. The program not only engages and informs the top leaders of our community’s companies and organizations, it creates meaningful bonds with other like-minded individuals of diverse backgrounds.
Applications are open until March 1, 2026.
Explore Our Programs at Upcoming Open Houses!
Join us at our upcoming Open Houses to:
Discover how Leadership Akron cultivates transformative leadership by immersing participants in experiences that foster deep connections, inspire action, and equip leaders with the insights needed to drive meaningful, lasting change in Greater Akron.
Learn details about our programs from our staff members who facilitate them, recent participants, and alumni.
Meet both current program participants and others who, like yourself, are planning to apply for the 2026-27 year.
Signature Class 43
Open House
When: 02/09/2026 05:00 PM - 06:30 PM ET
Where: United Way Community Room (37 N High St., Akron, OH 44308)
Cost: Free
Diversity on Board Class 11
Open House
When: 02/26/2026 05:00 PM - 06:30 PM ET
Where: United Way Community Room (37 N High St., Akron, OH 44308)
Cost: Free
Join Us
New Executive Leader Reception 2026
Honoring our community’s newest top decision-makers and leaders
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
The University of Akron - Jean Hower Taber Student Union Ballroom
VIP Cocktail Hour 4:30 PM
Program 5:30-8:00 PM
Leadership on Main is a monthly conversation with Akron's prominent change-makers. This unique platform lets today's leaders share their successes and lessons, inspiring tomorrow's community leaders.
Join us each month, as our guest speakers reveal their leadership journeys, sharing the strategies and experiences that have shaped them. Discover what's worked, what hasn't, and how they achieved success.
Sponsored by:
Join the team empowering leaders to strengthen Greater Akron.
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Development Director
Leadership Akron is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and results-driven Development Director to lead all fundraising and revenue‐generation efforts in support of our mission and annual operating budget of approximately $1.2 million. This role is accountable for designing and executing a comprehensive development strategy that grows and sustains philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and community partners.
The LeaderSHOPAkron is open.
Good looks for great leaders.
Leadership Akron Welcomes New Classes
NEXT Class 14
Leadership Akron proudly announces the members of NEXT Class 14, a group of seasoned leaders stepping into new chapters of service and community connection.
Designed for individuals approaching, experiencing, or mastering retirement, the NEXT program provides an opportunity to expand their experience and define their next season of impact in Greater Akron. Throughout the program, participants will immerse themselves in Greater Akron’s unique story, its people, its challenges, and its possibilities.
Diversity on Board Class 10
Now in its tenth year, Leadership Akron’s Diversity on Board program is advancing a new class of 22 changemakers ready to lead with purpose in Greater Akron.
This milestone class continues the program’s mission to develop diverse talent for board service through a dynamic blend of leadership development, coaching, education, and hands-on experience. As with every class, these individuals are stepping into a relational journey designed not just to inform, but to transform – both themselves and the communities they serve.
Signature Class 42
Leadership Akron proudly announces the members of Signature Class 42, a dynamic group of leaders who will embark on a deeply immersive experience designed to awaken purpose, expand perspective, and ignite lifelong connection.
As Leadership Akron’s flagship program, the Signature experience isn’t a class in the traditional sense, it’s a curated journey into the heart of Greater Akron. Over the next ten months, the 44 participants will step into Greater Akron’s most vital institutions, confront pressing community issues, and engage in transformative conversations that challenge, stretch, and connect.
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Expand your vision.
Leadership Akron's mission is to inspire, strengthen and empower leaders. Together, let’s unlock the potential throughout our community and create inclusive workplaces, organizations, and neighborhoods.
DEVELOP MY LEADERSHIP
From the high school junior through the early-career professional, Leadership Akron has a program for you!
EXPAND MY LEADERSHIP
No two leadership journeys are the same. We invite you to explore our variety of programs designed to hone your leadership skills and connect you even deeper with our community.
REIMAGINE MY LEADERSHIP
Good leaders never stop learning. They continue to learn and make new connections in our vibrant community. We encourage you to consider a Leadership Akron program designed to maximize your leadership talents even well beyond your career.