The St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative's leadership program is designed to address the interests and challenges of professionals of color as they work to develop and advance their careers. Participants in our program are Black, Latino, Asian & South Asian, and Native American. The Initiative Fellows program features a holistic approach that creates a safe and stimulating environment for participants to receive valuable feedback, self-reflect on the feedback, acquire effective leadership strategies and build relationships essential to their individual and collective growth. This is a program for which a participant must be nominated.

The leadership program for professionals of color is:

          • The Initiative Fellows Program for mid to senior level professionals.

Overview

The Initiative Fellows Program establishes a framework to enhance leadership capacity. The program further refines leadership competencies through a strategic curriculum and the sharing of wisdom and best practices.

          • Professional Development: in a open yet safe environment, participants reflect on their goals, performance, and             operating style, and how they adapt to varied workplace cultures;

          • Relationship Building: program forums, social events and conferences with the full range of Fellows program             participants foster the formation of a supportive professional and personal network essential to the success of one's             long-term growth and development; and

          • Civic Engagement: through volunteer and civic activities, professionals sharpen and hone their skills, expand their             relationships and deepen their connection with the broader community.

Timeframe

Program participants meet monthly for one year.

Program Content

The Initiative Fellows program approach includes:

          • Mastering an effective style of leadership

          • Maximizing performance and adapting to change

          • Developing talent and fostering a productive team

          • Creating balance through career and life choices

          • Leveraging professional expertise and resources to enhance the broader community

Candidate Profile

Initiative Fellows are:

          • African American, Hispanic American, Native American or Asian American working at a St. Louis Region company

          • Mid-level manager; a high level individual contributor; or professionals such as attorneys, doctors (MD and/or PhD),             CPAs

          • Employed a minimum of 7 years

          • Graduates of college

          • Recipients of personal or professional achievement awards

          • Demonstrated leaders within the company

          • Invested in the betterment of communities

          • Committed to full participation in the program

Sample Program Year

Orientation & Building a Foundation of Leadership Competencies; Clarifying Personal Leadership Brand; Tools to Lead Effectively (Efficacy); Three Critical of A Leader; Communications as a Competitive Advantage; Diversity and the Workplace; Leveraging Professional Resources – Power and Influence: The Power of Presence; What to Do When the Workplace Changes- The Organizational Workshop; Strengthening Influences through Volunteerism and Philanthropy; Organizational Behavior and Self Development; Globalization and End of Year Program Evaluation; Culmination Experience and Graduation

Apply Online

Initiative Fellows Leadership Development Program -
ONLINE APPLICATION FORM* (To be completed by in full by applicant)

Initiative Fellows Leadership Development Program -
ONLINE APPLICATION FORM* (To be completed in full by the managing sponsor making the nomination)

The Initiative Fellows 2010-2011 Program Calendar