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Leadership Miami®

Leadership Miami® is designed to prepare the next generation of South Florida leaders. It offers participants the opportunity to share an intensive learning experience focused on community issues and leadership skills developed with local universities. The program’s dynamic format stimulates animated and critical discussions among participants and guest speakers.

Application period for the 2025 Spring Leadership Miami Class will open on October 7, 2024. 

Classes begin in February and will run through June 2025. 

Please check back on our website for application and program updates 

About the Program

Leadership Miami® offers participants the opportunity to share an intensive learning experience that focuses on community issues and leadership skills through a planned process of lectures, seminars, small group discussions, and leadership curriculum developed in partnership with local universities.

One of the key purposes of Leadership Miami® is to prepare the next generation of Miamians to address vital issues affecting Miami-Dade County and meet future challenges. The program’s dynamic format stimulates animated and critical discussions among participants and guest speakers. 

Opening Conference

During the two-day Opening Conference, community leaders, university leadership experts, government officials and prominent business executives present and teach their individual perspectives on a wide variety of topics. All presentations are followed by question and answer sessions and small group discussions led by recent Leadership Miami® graduates who serve as facilitators. Leadership skills form a basic component of these group workshops.

Leadership Development 

Gain a leadership credential through Leadership Miami® by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce recognized in partnership and delivered by six of our top institutions in South Florida; Barry University, Florida International University, Florida Memorial University, Miami Dade College, St. Thomas University, and the University of Miami.

Focus Sessions

The goal of the focus sessions is to develop leadership skills needed in today’s fast changing business climate and encourage further exploration and action related to specific community issues.  To encourage the development of leadership skills, additional sessions are held one Saturday each month, following the Opening Conference. At these sessions, participants have the opportunity to develop friendships and network with peers in their assigned team for the duration of the program. 

Fieldwork

As an integral part of your Leadership Miami® experience and curriculum, each participant is required to complete fieldwork assignments in order to graduate. The primary purpose of fieldwork assignments is to broaden your awareness of your community, to experience diverse cultures and needs, and learn the importance of philanthropy.

Community Service Project

A critical component and rewarding part of the program is the participation by all members in a volunteer service project of their team’s choosing at Opening Conference. The Community Service Project is a fundamental part of the Leadership Miami® curriculum and a requirement for completion of the program. Through the selected nonprofit project, team members will develop team building, leadership skills, and a shared unique experience. The purpose of this portion of the program is to broaden participants’ awareness of community needs and facilitate their involvement in local volunteer programs, aid in the empowerment and revitalization of Miami-Dade County, and to provide a fun environment where participants can practice/develop team and individual leadership skills.

Closing Conference

The program year concludes with a graduation celebration. The session is dedicated to the review of skills and issues discussed throughout the year and to participants’ presentations of their Team Community Service Projects. During this celebration, the Carlos Arboleya Community Service Award is presented to an outstanding current participant, nominated by their peers.

Alumni Activities

Participants may continue their support of Leadership Miami® by not only attending various alumni events, but also serving on various planning task forces or as team facilitators. The committee is comprised of alumni, with the responsibility of administering the program each year. 

Graduates are invited to participate in the planning and design of the following year’s Leadership Miami® program.

Staff Contact: Stephanie Parra

For sponsorship opportunities or to learn more about Leadership Miami, tap here to connect with Stephanie