Community Leadership Development Program

This program is dedicated to fostering leadership and driving positive change within the communities that make up Niagara. We aim to empower individuals who are deeply invested in their community’s well-being, possess a nuanced understanding of its strengths and weaknesses, and are committed to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Niagara.

$3,150.00 Plus HST per person
Program Dates to be Announced
Over 49 Hours In Person

The Program

Since its inception in 2007, the Community Leadership Development Program has been our flagship initiative.

This program is designed to equip emerging leaders from diverse sectors—public, private, and non-profit—with the skills and vision necessary to excel in leading themselves, others, and the community at large. From November to June, participants delve into the critical issues facing our communities in Niagara, engaging with the region’s most dynamic leaders and honing their leadership abilities through interactive sessions and collaborative community projects. 

Learning Days

All learning days are in person from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated.

The program comprises of seven learning days, providing participants with an immersive and experiential journey that not only inspires leadership but also fosters community cohesion. Don’t miss out on the enriching experiences offered by this year’s program.

Topic/Lesson

2025 Program Date

Day 1

Exploring Leadership for Today’s Changing World

November 7th, 2025

Day 2

Leadership Principles for Collaboration

December 5th, 2025

Day 3

Influencing Community Systems

January 23rd, 2026

Day 4

Non-Profits and Governance

March 27th, 2026

Day 5

Mindfulness, Mindset, & Emotionally Effective Leadership

April 17th, 2026

Day 6

Exploring Topics in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

May 8th, 2026

Day 7

Showcasing and Celebrating Our Leadership Niagara Journey

June 12th, 2026

Makeup Day

If required, if any day is cancelled for any reason.

May 29th, 2026

Program Details

Community Projects

Team projects are selected from initiatives identified as necessary by local service agencies and organizations. They provide opportunities to utilize individual leadership skills, creativity, group dynamics and philanthropy to create visible and tangible outcomes.

Closing & Graduation

The final day allows you to synthesize the knowledge, skills, attitudes, activities, and experiences you have been exposed to over the program. As a result, you will graduate ready and empowered to assume an active role in your community, business, and personal life as a Leadership Niagara Alumni.

Program Benefits

Increased capabilities to be effective change leaders.

An increased understanding of Niagara’s communities, peoples, and sectors.

A deeper network of community leaders and influencers.

Organizational leaders and champions of community-facing business initiatives.

Increased engagement in Niagara initiatives.

Past Speakers

Participants engage in a learning journey that our Program Advisory Committee carefully develops based on a framework of leadership competencies. These competencies are beneficial to community leaders as well as the program principles of exemplary leadership which are based on the book by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner the Leadership Challenge.

Leadership Niagara headshot Jessica Potts
Jessica Potts
Facilitator, Trainer, Strategist
Leadership Niagara headshot Holly Catalfamo
Holly Catalfamo
Senior Director of Global Engagement, Niagara College
Leadership Niagara headshot Shane Malcom
Shane Malcom
Tetra Map Facilitator
Leadership Niagara headshot Michelle Chambers
Michelle Chambers
Chambers & Associates
Leadership Niagara headshot Allison Braithwaite
Allison Braithwaite
Leadership Niagara headshot Michelle Ross
Michelle Ross
PAC Boardmember
Leadership Niagara headshot Dr. Andrew Rutledge
Dr. Andrew Rutledge
Crucial Conversations
Leadership Niagara headshot Jeffery Sinclair
Jeffery Sinclair
Niagara Region
Leadership Niagara headshot Caitlin Armstrong
Caitlin Armstrong
PAC Boardmember

Numerous Scholarships are Available

Leadership Niagara, in collaboration with our community partners, is honoured to offer bursaries, scholarships, and grants to individuals aspiring to participate in our Community Leadership Development Program.

Program Curriculum

Leadership Niagara curriculum framework

Curriculum Framework

Our learning days focus on developing the skills outlined in our Competency Framework and focus on the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership framework developed by James Kouzes and Barry Posner through their book The Leadership Challenge.

Leadership Niagara competency framework

Competency Framework

The epitome of a community leader embodies the following traits as a part of their identity. The Program Advisory Committee consistently reviews the content that is presented and ensures it meets this framework.

Program Requirements

Acceptance into the program requires adherence to specific commitments:

Engagement in project work, approximately five hours per month, subject to variation based on individual and team needs.

Participation in all Learning Days is required to graduate; situations do exist, and extenuating circumstances will be evaluated on a one-on-one basis.

Attendance at the Graduation Event in June.

Become a Sponsor

Leadership Niagara has openings for Corporate Sponsors for the 2025-26 program year.

We ask that you consider this opportunity to support Leadership Niagara so we can continue to offer the participants of the Community Leadership Development Program the necessary tools and resources to succeed during their 9-month participation. Numerous sponsorship opportunities are available to your company. If you have been a sponsor in the past, thank you for your support, and we hope that you consider a sponsorship again this year. If you are new, we invite you to join us on this journey of leadership and learning.

Our Sponsors

Leadership Niagara sponsor logo Niagara Community Foundation
Scholarship Sponsor
Leadership Niagara sponsor logo Women in Niagara
Bursary Sponsor
Leadership Niagara sponsor logo Next Niagara
Scholarship Sponsor
Leadership Niagara sponsor logo Civiconnect
Scholarship Sponsor
Leadership Niagara sponsor logo Ontario
Grant Sponsor
Become a Sponsor