Applications Now Open for the 2026 Leadership Institute

As Vice President of Leadership Development for YLNI—and as a proud 2023 graduate of the Leadership Institute—I can say with confidence that this program does more than strengthen skills. It changes how emerging leaders show up for their teams, their organizations, and their community.

When I joined the Leadership Institute, I expected professional development. What I didn’t expect was how deeply it would challenge me to understand my own leadership strengths, confront blind spots, and build durable connections with peers who were navigating many of the same pressures and ambitions. That experience is exactly why I’ve committed myself to supporting the Leadership Institute through my role on the YLNI Board of Directors since 2024.

The Leadership Institute is designed for young professionals who aren’t content to sit still. Over the course of four months, participants engage in a structured, intensive journey that includes a kickoff event, eight full-day workshops, and a final graduation celebration. Every component is intentional—each session builds on the last, pushing participants to think critically, collaborate across sectors, and translate theory into real-world impact.

Participants dive into essential topics such as:

• Effective communication and the discipline required to practice it consistently

• Board governance and stewardship, giving future leaders the confidence to step into critical community roles

• Leadership strengths, explored through practical tools and honest reflection

• Workplace dynamics, including how to navigate conflict and influence culture

• Equity, inclusion, and belonging, not as buzzwords, but as core leadership competencies

What makes the Leadership Institute stand out is its mix of structure and personal discovery. It doesn’t hand you a script—it equips you to build your own. The conversations are candid, the activities are hands-on, and the relationships formed often outlast the program itself.

For anyone weighing whether the investment is worth it, I’ll be direct: if you’re serious about becoming a stronger leader—one who leads with clarity, humility, and purpose—the Leadership Institute will meet you where you are and push you further than you expect.

Applications for the 2026 Leadership Institute cohort are now open, and early interest is already high. You can explore details on program benefits, cost, and the full schedule—and submit your application—at: www.ylni.org/leadership-development/leadership-institute

I hope you’ll consider joining us. It’s an opportunity to grow, to connect, and to shape the future of Northeast Indiana. And if my own experience is any indication, it’s a decision you won’t regret. 

— Claire Wilson
Vice President of Leadership Development, YLNI
2023 Leadership Institute Graduate