Leadership Pittsburgh Inc.

We Open Eyes, Minds And Doors

Leadership Development Initiative

From Young Professionals to Community Leaders

“As a potential leader in Pittsburgh, the Leadership Development Initiative program has given me a tremendous base of information about issues facing our region.”

OVERVIEW

For the company investing in the future of its talent pool:

The Leadership Development Initiative (LDI) program is an investment in the future leader. LDI is a nine month long program for high-potential young professionals. This creative and innovative leadership training program has served as a model for several others around the country. Our faculty utilizes data-driven training models and provides access to experts who share their experiences as our community grooms the leaders who will lead this community in the coming years. It strengthens the bonds of this highly mobile talent pool with others in their cohort and with the region. LDI is a retention and engagement tool for our area’s businesses and nonprofits.

For the young professional interested in Leadership Development Initiative:

Share your enthusiasm and energy as one of about 45 young professionals selected to participate in Leadership Development Initiative. Enhance your Star-Performer© skills and commitment to community service. As a participant you will:

Engage in small and large group discussions
Visit organizations shaping our community
Interact with established community leaders
Exchange and appreciate diverse ideas
Implement a Community Impact Project with fellow classmates

With a strong network of over 500 graduates, Leadership Development Initiative provides young leaders with the tools and visibility necessary to affect positive change in the Pittsburgh region. Participants expand their knowledge about our region by tackling topics as:

Community and Economic Development
Community Leader Conversations
Community Outreach Tours
Followership
Social Capital
Community Issues & Persuasion
Regional Amenities
And More.

Who are Leadership Development Initiative participants?

Anyone who is an emerging leader at work and in the community, has the desire to expand his or her knowledge of the Pittsburgh region, and is willing to make the time commitment to successfully complete the program. Those selected for the Leadership Pittsburgh program must be ready to invest 10-15 hours each month to learn, grow, and contribute as collaborative leaders. Leadership Development Initiative participants are:

Fast-track young professionals in business, nonprofit, government and civic entities
Ready to challenge other dynamic professionals with their own unique views
Ready to acknowledge the perspectives of others
Looking for a leadership experience that is reality-based and fun
Seeking to broaden professional and personal networks
Interested in acquiring skills and knowledge that would make you stand out within your company and the community as a Star Performer©
Wanting to climb the career ladder faster
New to the area OR want to contribute to the community in which we live, work, & play
Open to people, places and opportunities in the Greater Pittsburgh region
Committed to joining about 50 other fast-track professionals from every walk of life to learn and to inspire positive change in our community

Components of the Leadership Development Initiative program

In addition to an overnight opening retreat, the LDI class typically meets bi-monthly from approximately 3:30 – 8:00 PM on Thursday nights. The schedule is determined several months in advance. Credits are assigned to each session and most activities. Participants are required to earn a predetermined number of credits to complete the program. More credits are offered than required for program completion in order to allow participants flexibility in arranging their personal schedules.

Twelve to fourteen sessions held from October through June focus on sharpening key leadership skills and capacities such as inquiry, dialogue, and listening – skills that are critical to professional community leadership. Participants will gain an understanding of the leadership styles that work in our community and a better awareness of their own particular style.

The LDI program will help participants hone the "Star Performer" skills of emerging leaders while exposing them to avenues for civic involvement and critical-path networking across industries.

Welcome Reception and Overnight Retreat - The welcome reception is held on a Thursday evening in October. The overnight retreat begins the next day on Friday afternoon and runs through Saturday afternoon. Attendance is mandatory.

Leadership Sessions - Participants meet for learning experiences on topics such as civic engagement; regional planning; understanding differences; and serving on nonprofit boards. These sessions focus on topics that enhance leadership skills and expose the participants to community leaders and issues. Leadership Sessions take place on Thursday nights, with a few exceptions. Participants are expected to attend all of the regularly scheduled sessions in their entirety and earn sufficient credits to graduate.

Community Impact Projects - LDI participants form teams to implement a Community Impact Project in our community. In addition to meeting a need in the community, the projects provide significant learning experiences for the team members. Teams meet outside of the regularly scheduled sessions, and each team determines its own schedule.

Volunteerism - Participants plan and take part in at least one community volunteer opportunity.

For 2010-2011 LDI XVIII Schedule, click here.

How much is tuition for Leadership Development Initiative?

Tuition for the current Leadership Development Initiative program is $2,600 per participant, and is due upon acceptance into the program. Payment plans are available but must be arranged in advance upon acceptance into the class.

A limited number of partial scholarships are available and are primarily intended to assist participants from not-for-profit organizations with limited resources. Participants seeking tuition assistance will be asked to complete a statement of financial need and should submit their request for assistance with their application. Tuition assistance information can be requested by emailing info@lpinc.org. Acceptance into Leadership Development Initiative is not influenced by the need for tuition assistance.

What is the Leadership Development Initiative application and selection process?

Leadership Development Initiative applications are due the first Friday in June each year for the class that starts in October. A selection committee reviews applications during the months of June and July. Applicants accepted for admission to Leadership Development Initiative are notified in early to mid-August.

A letter of support from the organization that employs the applicant, as well as letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant's abilities and skills, are required at the time of application. Self-employed individuals are also encouraged to apply. The selection committee seeks to have each class of Leadership Development Initiative represent a diverse cross section of our community, that is: diverse by race, occupation and personal experience.

Click here to access the online and PDF versions of the LDI XVIII Application.

A list of a few Leadership Development Initiative graduates:

Jason Altmire, US Congressman, LDI VII
Jeffrey D. Armor, Partner, Accenture, LDI VI
Matthew S. Beale, President, Daedulas Excel, Inc. LDI VII
Matthew Burger, Shareholder, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney P.C., LDI III
Carrie Matesevac Collins, Executive Director of Gift Planning and Stewardship, Duquesne University, LDI XI
David Coplan, Executive Director, Human Services Center Corporation, LDI I
Charles Herring, Jr., President, Millennium Education Co. of America, LDI VIII
McCrae Holliday, Senior Program Officer, The Forbes Funds, LDI IX
Kimberly M. Jackson, Vice President, PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., LDI V
Wayne Jones, Program Officer, The Heinz Endowments, LDI XI
Erik Komendant, Legislative Director, US Congressman Jason Altmire , LDI XIII
Kilolo Luckett, Realtor, Howard Resource Development Group, LDI X
Michelle Pagano Heck, Supervising Consultant, Dewey and Kaye- A McCrory and McDowell Company, LDI VI
Alka Patel, Lawyer, Pepper Hamilton LLP, LDI VIII
Michael Tabachnick, MS, Community Mental Health Director, familylinks, LDI V
Abby Wilson, Co-Founder, Great Lakes Urban Exchange (GLUE), LDI XV

View a listing of the LDI XVII 2009-10 Class

For a listing of more graduates see our list of our board members and staff