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Leadership Institute

Empowerment and Skill Development

YLNI’s Leadership Institute empowers young professionals to forge meaningful connections within their community while honing essential career skills. Through interactive sessions, group activities, and personal reflection, participants develop expertise in areas such as effective communication, board stewardship, and workplace diversity. This comprehensive program spans four months, including a kick-off event, six all-day sessions, and a celebratory graduation.

Benefits

  • Become an active member of YLNI. Following graduation, you will receive a complimentary 1-year YLNI membership.
  • Develop practical, real-world leadership skills
  • Learn from a diverse group of community leaders
  • Network with young professionals in a variety of fields
  • Complimentary to Leadership Fort Wayne
  • Join the YLNI Leadership Institute alumni network! (Since 2006, 500 local leaders have completed the Leadership Institute program.)
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Tuition Cost

  • $750 for non-YLNI members
  • $600 for current YLNI members
  • Employers of emerging leaders should consider sponsoring their participation

Who Should Apply?

  • Members and non-members of YLNI
  • Emerging leaders and professionals
  • Potential leaders in corporate, nonprofit, education, and healthcare
  • Community volunteers
  • We have found those ageS 24-40 typically apply, but we encourage all who consider themselves a young leader to apply

Application Details

  • Applications open in December each year
  • Session dates will occur between February to May
  • Class size is limited; we do ask for authentic and well-thought-out responses, as well as current resume or CV, current headshot, and letter of recommendation
  • Connect with us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to see when applications open up
  • Submit your application when the submission period opens!

2024 Class Schedule

Details (topics, location, parking, etc.) for each day will be shared with the class in advance of the program once the cohort is selected.

Six all-day sessions will be held at various meeting spaces in the Fort Wayne area weekdays between 8:00AM-5:00PM.

  • Kickoff - Thursday, February 22, 2024
  • Session 1 - Friday, February 23, 2024
  • Session 2 - Friday, March 8, 2024
  • Session 3 - Thursday, March 21, 2024
  • Session 4 - Friday, April 12, 2024
  • Session 5 - Friday, April 19, 2024
  • Session 6 - Friday, May 3, 2024
  • Graduation - Thursday, May 9, 2024
Contact Us

For more information or to answer any questions you may have, reach out to us!