Leaders Lab of Greater Charlottesville
The Leaders Lab of Greater Charlottesville is a 9-month program for current and emerging leaders to build leadership skills and practice collaborative community problem-solving.
Applications for the second cohort, September 2023 to May 2024, will open in April.
2022-2023 Timeline:
September 9 – Session 1: Welcome and Introduction
October 15 – Session 2: Cultural Competence & Collaboration
November 4 – Session 3: Centering Values & Building Consensus
December 9 – Session 4: Decision-Making & Facilitation
January 13, 2023 – Session 5: Leadership & Civic Engagement
February 10 – Session 6: Conflict Resolution & Negotiation
March 10 – Session 7: Asset-Based Community Leadership
April 14 – Capstone & Reflection
May 12 – Talkback & Graduation
Leaders Lab partners in collaboration: Center for Nonprofit Excellence, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Institute for Engagement and Negotiation at UVA.
Exceptional skills-building and deep collaboration for a stronger community
Leaders Lab participants take part in a cohort that values:
✓ A collective diversity of community knowledge, experience & expertise
✓ A collaborative mindset to improve the practice of leadership in our community
✓ Humility and deep listening skills
✓ A spirit of excellence with a strong work ethic to leverage assets to address community challenges
At the end of this program, individuals will:
✓ Apply learning to complete their individual leadership plans
✓ Offer a nuanced perspective and understanding of at least seven community issues
✓ Demonstrate understanding of community problem-solving and skills development through practice
✓ Access a new network of community-minded leaders that supports individual growth/development AND collaborative action towards a more broadly thriving community.
Each session will include three primary program elements:
✓ Leadership Development – Building a competency model: leadership, management, self-management, analytics, relationships, etc.
✓ Community Knowledge-Building – Community case studies focusing on challenges such as homelessness, food and health equity, municipal comprehensive planning, etc.
✓ Community Problem-Solving – Actively honing leadership skills such as collaborative governance, consensus-building, effective facilitation, multi-party negotiation, innovation, conflict resolution, etc
For questions or more information, contact Ann Marie Hohenberger, annmarie.hohenberger@cvillechamber.com or call 434.295.3141.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply for Leaders Lab?
Everyone has an opportunity to lead in some form – in our personal lives, on the job and in our community. We encourage you to apply if you live in the Greater Charlottesville area and want to deepen your leadership skills, practice collaborative problem solving, and put new skills to work immediately to build a stronger community.
In order to offer the broadest possible perspective and richest participant experience, Leaders Lab plans to enroll a cohort that reflects our entire community in terms of geography, industry, race, gender, age and more.
What will I gain by participating in Leaders Lab?
As a program participant, you’ll learn best practices in conflict resolution, multi-party negotiations, cultural competence, meeting facilitation, and many more skills. You’ll create a leadership development dashboard to track your personal progress.
You will also have a chance to build relationships with other motivated leaders and emerging leaders. Program graduates become part of a “network of doers” in our region, with ongoing collaboration encouraged.
What will the sessions be like?
Leaders Lab meets for one full day each month of the 9-month program. Each session includes elements of leadership development, community knowledge-building, and community problem-solving. We will hear from local experts and engage directly with local issues. Be prepared to think, discuss, and learn a lot! Lunch will be provided during each session.
How much does it cost?
Program tuition is $2,900.
What if I can’t afford the tuition?
First, check with your employer. Many employers are willing to cover all or part of the tuition through employee continuing education/training programs, or discretionary spending.
If your tuition is not fully funded by your employer and you are unable to shoulder the full tuition on your own, PLEASE APPLY ANYWAY!
Leaders Lab is committed to providing a sliding scale for all selected applicants who cannot pay the full tuition. Applicants will be selected without regard to ability to pay. We will work with individuals to determine the appropriate tuition amount based on need.
When does the program start, and how long does it last?
Sessions are monthly on Fridays, approximately 8:30 am-5 pm for 9 months. 2022-23 session dates are: September 9, October 14, November 4, and December 9, 2022; January 13, February 10, March 10, April 14 and May 12 (graduation), 2023.
Where will the program take place?
Leaders Lab sessions will be held at a variety of locations in the Charlottesville region.
Will transportation be provided?
Participants will need their own transportation to and from the sessions. If you do not have transportation, please let us know so that we can explore solutions.
Will there be a virtual option for this program?
All Leaders Lab sessions will take place in person only.
Are there any additional costs or fees?
The program tuition is all-inclusive. There will not be any additional costs to participate.
Can Leaders Lab provide documentation of my participation to my supervisor?
Absolutely! Please let us know what kind of documentation is required, and we will be happy to provide it.
Can I earn professional development credits?
This depends on the accreditation program for which you wish to earn credits. Check with your program administrator about the requirements for earning credit, and we will gladly provide appropriate documentation.
I’m a Leadership Charlottesville graduate. Can I participate in Leaders Lab?
Yes, Leadership Charlottesville graduates are encouraged to apply! Leaders Lab builds on the popular community engagement curriculum of Leadership Charlottesville. The new elements of focused leadership skills development will benefit anyone who previously participated in LC.
How will applicants be selected for the cohort?
A selection team will carefully review applications. We will craft the cohort based on individual excellence and enthusiasm as well as overall diversity in terms of geography, industry, race, gender, age and more.
When will I find out if I’m selected?
Applicants for our 2023-24 cohort will likely be notified by the end of July. Dates to be announced.
How do I apply?
Online applications will open in April for the 2023-24 cohort. Application due date to be announced. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.
For questions or more information, contact Ann Marie Hohenberger, annmarie.hohenberger@cvillechamber.com or call 434.295.3141.