About Us
Building Community Since 1984
Since its 1984 founding with the purpose to connect leaders to advance our community, Leadership Akron has served over 1,500 graduates, many of whom remain involved as community leaders. Our program audiences range from high school juniors through retired individuals. While our programs all ultimately lead to stronger community leadership, they range from the one-day Insight Akron program to give leaders new to the area a running start in the community through our 10-month Signature program aimed at mid-career leaders. We also offer Diversity on Board, designed to advance racial/ethnic minority representation on nonprofit and public boards. The Leadership Akron Alumni Association serves as an ongoing hub for leaders to connect and collaborate. Our graduates share a common commitment to serving community: They work together to create a greater Akron. It is nearly impossible to find a community board or effort in Akron in which Leadership Akron graduates are not involved.
Leadership Akron offers 10+ immersive learning experiences for leaders. Tailored to career and stage of life, they offer a flexible progression, becoming a vast resource and an ongoing source of inspiration. The program’s diverse connections empower participants to expand their vision in terms of community, discovery and personal development.
Signature
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. An unparalleled opportunity for leaders to see beyond their own spheres to the broader interests of community. Participants develop a working knowledge of our community across sectors, and learn to appreciate the diverse perspectives of their classmates. 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.
Diversity on Board
Diversity on Board provides leadership development, education and board matching services to advance racial/ethnic minority representation on nonprofit and public boards. Over the course of the 9-month program, participants gain valuable knowledge on all aspects of board governance and leadership, receive personalized coaching from established leaders within the nonprofit and public sectors, and engage in board shadowing, community service and networking opportunities with many of the leading organizations throughout Summit County.
NEXT
Leadership Akron NEXT is a 2-month program designed for community-driven individuals who are approaching, experiencing or mastering retirement. NEXT offers the opportunity for experienced leaders to define their next chapter of community involvement and impact, while engaging with other like-minded individuals.
Please use the Programs menu item for a complete listing of Leadership Akron programs.