What is LEADERSHIP AMERICA?
Leadership America is one of the longest running national women's leadership program established in 1988 to recognize and bring together executive women who have achieved success in their professions, communities and beyond. Through advanced education, professional development and exclusive networking, participants establish a stronger leadership chain across disciplines and throughout the nation and the world.
Each year leading up to 2007, a select class of women participants have been identified to explore the most pressing issues facing America's private and public sectors over the course of the year. Three city sessions serve as backdrops against which the program examines timely issues of interest across a wide range of professional, geographic, and personal backgrounds. An interactive agenda is uniquely created to showcase best-in-class programs and projects, as well as address compelling challenges and successes to give participants a new leadership perspective and expose them to models that are important to personal and professional development. Through the program dialogue, debate, panel discussions and site visits, participants have been inspired by leaders from all industries to expand conventional boundaries, strengthen leadership abilities, and create positive change.
How is LEADERSHIP AMERICA influential today?
With the steady conversation and reality of a women leading the United States, Leadership America is asking the ultimate question, what is "THE NEXT BIG THING" in women's leadership? What do women need to break through the upper echelon of the top tier leadership positions, i.e. President of the United States?
Leadership America program is charting a new course in 2008 with the goal of defining what women leaders need to lead in the 21st century. A diverse group of women graduates from the nation's leading organizations supporting women’s advancement will be invited to participate in a comprehensive exploration of their leadership experiences and professional development at five regional Leader Summits.
Outcomes from the 2008 program will set the stage for innovative new program models for 2009 program participants and deliver much needed resources that will aid professional organizations in harnessing the power of their women leaders. Other program benefits that will be made available include an online assessment of effective professional development programs made available to Human Resource, Diversity and Training professionals that are at the forefront of today’s leader development discussion.
What is the "NEXT BIG THING"?
The NEXT BIG THING is the National Women Leaders Summit Series surveying executive level women from across the United States and their mentees to chart the next steps in women’s leadership programming. In addition to exploring opinions on current leadership development program content, the event attendees will also define what key competencies they think the next President of the United States will need to lead in the coming years. Through out the remainder of 2008, Leadership America will be traveling to Chicago, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles and Dallas, conducting interactive survey and group discussions. At the conclusion of the Summit Series, Leadership America build new leadership programming for the 20-year-old program and also share with all women’s leadership programs and women’s affinity groups.
How can I get involved?
There are many ways to become or stay involved with Leadership America. First, you can help by completing our Online Survey. You can also send your contact information to to receive all updates on next year's class and curriculum.
For Leadership America Alumnae, the best way to stay connected is first by updating your contact information with to ensure you are receiving all communication. Also, you can join our LinkedIn group and Facebook group, visit our blog or follow us on Twitter.
Who is sponsoring/partnering this initiative?
National Presenting Program Sponsor
This important initiative is made possible by the generous support of State Farm Insurance Companies®. Recognized as one of America's top corporate supporters of women's leadership and diversity, State Farm's senior executive team includes many highly accomplished women including Executive Vice Presidents Barbara Cowden and Deborah Traskell, State Farm Life CAO Susan Waring, and Vice President – Marketing Pamela K. El, who help lead and serve the company's 77 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada.
National Program Sponsors
AT&T and Omni Hotels
Collaborating Organizations
National African-American Women’s Leadership Institute, the National Hispana Leaders Institute, the Center for Asian Pacific American Women, Leadership Texas, Leadership Illinois and Leadership California.