African American Leadership Program

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 70 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 100 prominent community leaders as guest speakers, 10 funders, and more than 15 evening session sponsors.

Program Components

  • Executive coaching with Master Certified Coach Saundra Brown
  • 360 degree feedback using a unique online tool that captures perceptions of colleagues, supervisors, and others for a comprehensive assessment of strengths and areas of growth.
  • Day-long learning sessions that cover topics from forming a personal mission statement, to effective communication, building a personal brand and team building.
  • Evening networking sessions with prominent African American leaders currently active in the Milwaukee area.
  • Community leadership projects synthesize learning and connect participants to the larger African American community to create positive change.

Benefits

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 21, 2012, the first day of the program. Full payment is due March 4, 2013.

Applications

To register, download the AALP Application Form.

Questions? Call Tammy Belton-Davis, Program Coordinator, at (414) 339-7604, or at tammy@athenacommunicationsllc.com. 

Why AALP?

Read these stories of transformation to learn why successful professionals chose AALP to sharpen their leadership skills:

"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."

- Syneathia LaGrant Manager, Senior Leader Development, Johnson Controls

"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."

- Jessica Lemmie, Marketing Material Compliance Specialist, Northwestern Mutual

"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."

- Joaquin Altoro, Assistant Vice-President, Community Lending Associated Bank