Equipping Young Leaders

Each year, the Young Professionals of Wichita (YPW) accepts 25 talented and dynamic young professionals into their Leadership Academy class. The participants engage in six weekly sessions with interactive exercises, issue exploration, self-assessment and in-depth conversations with Wichita’s top community and business leaders. The program educates YPs on their personal styles, values and strengths so they can grow as leaders, motivate others and impact change in their organizations and communities. We encourage you to nominate a YP in your organization or community to be a part of the 2016 Leadership Academy class by October 30. Please submit your nominations by clicking here. 2015 Leadership Academy Class   What’s Leadership Academy like? Check out the experiences from past participants below: “I was proud to start my journey with the 2015 Young Professionals of Wichita Leadership Academy program. I was excited to be given the opportunity to hone and gain new leadership skills as well as network with my peers from many different business industries. The Leadership Academy exposed me to industry experts and seasoned business leaders. Each week there was a workshop that unlocked different approaches to leadership. I walked away from each workshop with a pearl of wisdom that I currently utilize in both my personal and professional life. The workshop I most enjoyed was Leadership Basics. Brian Black, Senior Manager of Corporate Public Affairs & Global Diversity at Spirit AeroSystems, shared a concept called P.I.E. (Performance, Image, and Exposure). Understanding the importance of one’s image and how to obtain exposure in your organization or business was really helpful. This is a concept I share all the time with the students I mentor, friends, and family members. Throughout the Academy I was exposed to facilitators who were candid in sharing their experiences and gave real and quality advice. I felt as though each facilitator cared about the message they were giving. This leadership program is truly tailored for the young professional and I look forward to nominating other YPs for the program.”

Danielle Johnson Program Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion, Wichita State University

  “It was great to be able to attend the academy with people from different backgrounds, places, and career fields. Attending the Leadership Academy afforded me the opportunity to meet people in our city that I would have probably not met outside of this occasion. Wichita, maybe contrary to popular belief, is full of diversity in people from various backgrounds, places, careers and walks of life. The YPW Leadership Academy brought all of these together in one place. Likewise, I was able to sit under TED talk-like teachings from speakers, experts, business-owners and entrepreneurs and glean an array of wisdom and insight. I eat this stuff up. I took copious amounts of notes in every session and left wanting to hear more and learn more when the experience came to a close. I was encouraged, built up, educated and inspired to action. Since the Academy, I have joined the YPW as a young professional. In addition, I signed up the church I pastor – The Source Church Wichita – as a member of the Chamber of Commerce. The YPW Leadership Academy was a springboard into the life and culture of Wichita’s leadership and professional environment. Through the Academy, I’ve gained not only knowledge and an onramp into participation, but also rewarding connections and friendships. I highly recommend the YPW Leadership Academy to any young professional who has even an inkling of desire for involvement in our city. If I could attend again, I would!”

Jason Villanueva Pastor, The Source Church Wichita