Affirmations Launches New Leadership Development Institute For LGBT Professionals

FERNDALE – Affirmations is gearing up to launch a new leadership development program in 2016 called the Leadership Exploration and Development Institute, which will provide LGBT mid-level professionals with education, training, networking and mentoring opportunities.
The Affirmations L.E.A.D. Institute will help individuals enhance their personal and professional leadership skills, build interpersonal networks and position themselves in leadership roles in the Metro Detroit area.
"Professionals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender may face unique challenges in the workplace," says Frank Aiello, board president of Affirmations. "It's important that we create a safe and encouraging forum for emerging LGBTQ professionals to develop their leadership skills while addressing some of these issues."
The L.E.A.D. Institute will enroll two cohorts of 15 LGBT professionals ages 30-45 through a competitive application process. Applicants should have two-plus years of leadership or management experience in the public, private or nonprofit sectors and have received at least a bachelor's degree. Those applying will need two letters of recommendation, a track record of their volunteer efforts or civic engagement in the community and be able to fully commit to the six-month program.
Curriculum for the robust program was developed by Bill Huffaker, global director of talent acquisition at General Motors and board member for GM PLUS, GM's employee resource group for LGBT employees.
L.E.A.D. curriculum will include self-exploration, interpersonal networks, community service and development of a leadership plan. The 6-month program will consist of monthly meetings beginning in January.
Module One will kick off the program with a discussion on authentic leadership and will explore the LGBT identities of the participants as community and organization leaders. February will cover career management and how to address going forward. In March, participants will discuss support networks and how to explore social networking and how trusted advisors can help achieve career aspirations. April will cover mindfulness and how concepts like resilience and wellness can help sustain learning, growth and achievement of career potential. In May, L.E.A.D. will cover how to "pay it forward" and will encourage participants to multiply their leadership in the community for causes they care about. June will culminate in a capstone project for each fellow.
For more information on the L.E.A.D. Initiative and to download the program information packet, go to http://www.goaffirmations.org/programs-services/lead-institute. Applications for the program are due no later than 5 p.m. on Nov. 16.
Financial support for the institute has been provided by General Motors. Additional support will be provided by a volunteer advisory panel of local professionals from organizations like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Wayne State University, PrideSource Media Group, MGM Grand Detroit, Deloitte and PNC Bank.