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2026 Leadership Academy As we celebrate the 48th year of Leadership, we welcome experienced middle and senior managers to join the 2026 Leadership Academy, a highly selective, leadership development program focused on experiential learning across the Aurora region.
Limited to only 25 participants, this fieldtrip-based, case-study model course meets for 12 consecutive Friday mornings:
8:30 – 11:30 a.m. | September 4 through November 20.
The program blends case-study learning with site visits to major organizations, giving participants direct exposure to leadership practices across healthcare, education, government, nonprofit, and civic sectors throughout Aurora and surrounding communities.
Program Focus Areas
Participants will engage in:
Understanding the Aurora region’s civic and economic landscape
Exploring principles of Servant Leadership
Expanding professional and community leadership networks
Program Structure & Logistics
The Academy begins with an orientation hosted at the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance. From there, participants embark on weekly site visits and leadership discussions hosted by more than 10 regional organizations.
Over the course of the program, participants will visit and learn from the following key organizations and community leaders:
Rush Copley Medical Center
Bloomhaven & Bardwell Residences
Gripple
North Aurora Village Hall
Aurora City Hall
Aurora Public Library Foundation
Loaves & Fishes Community Services
College of DuPage
Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Dunham Foundation
Aurora Women’s Empowerment Foundation
Fox Valley Park District
Paramount Theatre
Fox Metro Water Reclamation District
Aurora Police Department
Waubonsee Community College
Aurora University
Graduation
The program concludes in Week 12 with a graduation ceremony celebrating participants and their invited guests, recognizing their leadership growth and community engagement throughout the Academy.
About the 2026 Leadership Academy Facilitator
Sandra Harrison, founder and CEO of DVA Leadership & Development Training Consultants
Sandra Harrison is a workforce chameleon, seeming to have mastered multiple professions across her career. Sandra is the founder and CEO of DVA Leadership & Development Training Consultants. She is a corporate leadership development trainer. With her extensive background in instructional design and delivery, and her certification as a play expert, she is able to deliver innovative and impactful training solutions. You can often hear her clients rave about their DVA experience.
Sandra’s dedication to community service is evident through her active involvement in various boards and commissions. Her leadership and commitment to making a difference have earned her recognition as a trusted and influential professional in her field. She was recognized by the City of Aurora for commitment to service and partnership in her community.
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43 W Galena Blvd, Aurora, IL, United States, Illinois 60506
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