AFRICAN-AMERICAN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (AALP)
Take the Stage - It's Your Time to Lead!
Demographic shifts and a slow economy continue to exert significant pressure on organizations of all kinds. Coupled with our region’s difficulty in attracting and retaining new talent, particularly of color, it is imperative that we create a pipeline of diverse leaders by investing in our workforce today. We believe that focused leadership development will equip more and more African-American professionals to step forward and express their full, unique capacity for innovation and impact.
Read about AALP in The Business Journal
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The African-American Leadership Program (AALP) supports leadership transformation - change that evolves authentically from the inside out. AALP is a nine-month program using active learning, coaching, and networking to strengthen the leadership growth of Black professionals in private, public, and nonprofit organizations.
This program blends leadership acumen with essential management practice in the context of culture, change, relationships and results.
More than 55 people from an array of businesses, professions and organizations have participated in AALP since 2008. About 60% of participants have come from non-profit organizations, and 40% from for-profit businesses.
In its first three years, the program attracted more than 88 prominent community leaders as guest speakers, 10 funders, and more than 15 evening session sponsors. The Business Journal published two feature articles about AALP.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
BENEFIT
This program unleashes the talent of African-American professionals for personal, organizational, and community gain.
- Personal – AALP leverages each participant’s unique capabilities to enhance performance and boost career advancement.
- Organizational – AALP strengthens and retains a diverse talent base for Milwaukee organizations.
- Community – AALP builds a network of skilled leaders who cross the boundaries of geography and industry to help our community flourish.
PARTICIPATE
The program fee includes 360-degree feedback, coaching, retreat lodging, facilitation, materials, and meals. Rates are $1,995-$3,295 based on annual revenue.
This program is open to African American professionals who work in Metro Milwaukee organizations: private, public and nonprofit. Participants should have a minimum of five years of professional employment, have potential for advancement and hold a position with some influence, which would include at least one of the following: decision-making, program/department management, or supervisory responsibilities.
Applications are accepted until the program reaches capacity. Applicants must complete an online form and a telephone interview. One half of the program fee is due October 23, 2011, the first day of the program. Full payment is due March 1, 2012.
DATES
- Opening Retreat: Oct. 23-24
- Day Sessions: Nov. 14, Dec. 19, Jan. 23, Feb. 20, March 19, April 16, May 21
- Evening Sessions: Nov. 7, Dec. 5, Jan. 9, Feb. 6, March 5, April 2, May 7
- Closing Retreat: June 3-4
- Final Celebration: June 21
APPLICATION
To register, download the AALP Application Form or register online.
Questions? Call Genyne Edwards, program coordinator, at (414) 801-6167, or aalp@stritch.edu
WHY AALP?
Why an African-American focused program? AALP builds the capacity of African-American leaders by providing opportunities for them to examine their personal leadership within the context of who they are as African-Americans in a changing society. While broad-based leadership programs provide leadership skills, our targeted program deepens the exploration by looking at the impact of race, power and influence while examining participants’ key strengths and growing their leadership ability. AALP permits a level of honesty and trust that is often more difficult to attain in traditional programs. By linking cultural/ethnic experience with leadership practices and skills, we are able to build their confidence, competence, and capacity as leaders which can be demonstrated in their work and personal lives.
Read these stories of transformation to learn why successful professionals chose AALP to sharpen their leadership skills:
Syneathia LaGrant
Manager, Senior Leader Development
Johnson Controls
When you have reached a point in your career where it's not another degree that is needed, but something more personal, AALP is right on time. It is not just another course on leadership; it is a journey of your own leadership potential. This program proves that young Black professionals are in Milwaukee and making huge contributions in government, corporate, and non-profit. AALP fostered the drive in me to take on new challenges and stretch myself for success.
Jessica Lemmie
Marketing Material Compliance Specialist
Northwestern Mutual
I was looking to move into more leadership positions at work and decided that a program like AALP could help prepare me. Aside from learning about leadership theory and techniques I wasn’t sure what I would learn, but I came away with much more than I expected. I came away with a better understanding and insight of myself and how I work with others as well as a new network of professionals.
ReDonna Rodgers
President
Center for Teaching Entrepreneurship
I learned, through AALP program, the confidence to communicate and exercise my influence, strengths and intentions, personally and for my business in working with youth. That confidence allowed me to take on leadership roles of president or chair for groups that I once would not take on, but now I am the new president of the Black Women's Network, Co-Chair of the Friends of the Dr. Martin L. King Community Center and VP of Professional Dimensions Special Programs.
Joaquin Altoro
Assistant Vice-President, Community Lending
Associated Bank
I decided to participate in AALP at this point in my career because I wanted to grow and understand if I have what it takes to be a leader. I thought I knew how to define leadership however, AALP helped to further define my leadership focus.