“You get an experience of learning about leadership by working on a community project, connecting with a mentor, and collaborating with phenomenal people,” recent graduate Marilyn Alvarenga said, reflecting on her experience in Leadership Anchorage.
“The alumni that have gone through this program are involved locals making changes all across Alaska. As an individual in my mid-20s, I have a hard time getting out of my ‘bubble’ and I thank Leadership Anchorage for exposing me to a wide range of people that I would have most likely never run into. I would recommend Leadership Anchorage to everyone I know because it is extremely special and different than any other program in Alaska.”
Leadership Anchorage (LA), Alaska Humanities Forum’s leadership development program, has been connecting and building the capacity of local leaders since its founding in 1997. The program has graduated almost 400 alumni who are now serving as leaders at all levels and in every sector of the state.
Each year, 18-20 leaders, representing a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, sectors, and interests, are selected to form a cohort that works together through a series of ten rigorous sessions, from October through May.
Throughout the program, participants: - learn about the current issues and challenges facing our community; - develop the ability to effectively communicate, manage projects, and think adaptively; - network with established leaders through individual mentorships and group presentations; - and work in small teams, partnering with local organizations on community impact projects that tackle real, immediate needs within the Anchorage community.
The current cohort, LA22, graduated May 14, 2019 at an event at the Anchorage Museum. Celebrating Leadership in Alaska, honored the current LA class, and it also provided a chance for leaders across Anchorage to connect; Mayor Ethan Berkowitz offered the opening remarks, and keynote speaker Dr. Shirley Holloway spoke to the demands of leadership now, and into the future.
