Leadership Development Program.

Project Description

Background

The Junior League of Atlanta Leadership Institute (JLALI), mission is to develop community leaders by providing training that addresses contemporary leadership challenges and aligns with the needs of participants. The program is integral to the JLA's broader goals of community improvement and empowerment. As the Program Manager, I led strategic planning, curriculum development, and stakeholder engagement, resulting in significant program growth and impact.

Problem

Nonprofit's often face limited budgets, which restrict their ability to invest in high-quality leadership development programs. This limitation can hinder their capacity to develop effective leaders who can drive their missions forward. 

Goals and Objectives

• Equip emerging leaders with essential leadership skills.

• Increase enrollment and program visibility.

• Ensure training content addresses current leadership challenges.

Project Planning

In the planning phase, I focused on designing a comprehensive leadership training curriculum that aligned with contemporary leadership challenges and the specific needs of participants. This involved:

• Conducting thorough needs assessments to identify key areas for development.

• Collaborating with subject matter experts to refine workshop content.

• Developing a strategic roadmap to synchronize program objectives with organizational goals.

• Creating a detailed project communication plan to ensure alignment throughout the program lifecycle.

Scope Management

The scope included the development, delivery, and evaluation of leadership training workshops, the engagement of stakeholders, and the continuous improvement of program content.

Timeline 

The program was executed over a one-year period, with key milestones including needs assessment, curriculum development, pilot workshops, full program launch, and evaluation.

Budget

The program was funded through the Junior League of Atlanta's annual budget, supplemented by grants and donations. Budget management was crucial to ensure all activities were adequately resourced without exceeding financial constraints.

Project Execution

During the execution phase, I managed and motivated a diverse committee of professionals to drive the program's success. 

Responsibilities

• Implementing the curriculum through interactive workshops and training sessions.

• Using Google Workspace tools such as Google Docs for collaborative curriculum development and Google Sheets for tracking program metrics.

• Serving as the primary liaison between the institute and key community stakeholders.

• Delivering presentations and training sessions to groups of 100+, ensuring high engagement and satisfaction.

Tasks and Deliverables

• Developed a comprehensive leadership training curriculum.

• Execution of training sessions and workshops.

• Engaged with community stakeholders.

• Collection and analysis of participant feedback to evaluate program impact.

Tools and Methodologies

• Google Workspace

• Strategic Roadmapping

• Feedback Loops

Communication: Maintained open and effective communication with all stakeholder through regular updates, meetings, and reports, ensuring alignment and transparency.

Challenge 

• Aligning program content with the diverse needs of participants.

Solution

• I conducted detailed needs assessments and tailored workshops to address specific leadership challenges. This ensured that the program remained relevant and impactful for all participants.

Project Outcomes

Results

The program successfully equipped emerging leaders with the skills they needed, significantly boosting their confidence and capability to lead within their communities.

Success Metrics

The program achieved several notable outcomes:

• Increased Enrollment: Program enrollment increased by 40% through targeted marketing strategies and enhancements in program offerings.

• Strategic Success: The strategic roadmap resulted in a 15% boost in ROI and the seamless attainment of milestones.

• Positive Feedback: Presentations and training sessions received a 95% positive feedback rate from 2,400 participants.

• Recognition: Leadership Institute Committee of the Year in 2019, and I was recognized as Member of the Year in 2015.

Lesson Learned

• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement are key to achieving project objectives.

• Leveraging diverse expertise within the teal leads to more comprehensive and effective training solutions.

• Continuous evaluation and feedback are essential for ongoing improvement.

Conclusion

This project allowed me to leverage my passion for leadership development and community service by creating meaningful, transformative educational experiences. The success of the JLALI programs under my leadership is a testament to the power of collaborative, well-guided training in fostering the next generation of community leaders. My role as Program Manager was instrumental in driving significant growth and impact, showcasing my ability to manage complex projects and deliver exceptional results.