Class Experience
Class Experience is a year-long program designed for established leaders across the Greater Buffalo region who are ready to deepen their impact and understanding of servant leadership.
Tailored for professionals already serving in leadership roles within corporations, entrepreneurial ventures, civic organizations, and nonprofits, this program challenges participants to expand their vision, question assumptions, and grow as catalysts for meaningful change.
Through monthly sessions participants will engage with a diverse network of leaders, explore critical community issues, and develop actionable strategies to create lasting impact. By collaborating with individuals from varied backgrounds, Class Experience participants will enhance their leadership capabilities while gaining a richer understanding of Buffalo’s unique opportunities and challenges.
This program is ideal for those committed to not only advancing their personal and professional growth but also fostering transformation within their organizations and the Buffalo community.
2025 Schedule
January 8 – Welcome Reception
January 16 and 17 – Opening Retreat
February 5 – Hunger and Poverty
March 12 – Education*
March 19 – LBU
April 9 – Criminal and Social Justice
May 13 – Arts, Culture, History, and Tourism*
May 21 – LBU
June 4 – LBU
July 16 – Environment and Ecology*
July 23 – LBU
August 20 – Neighborhood and Transportation*
September 10 – Economic and Workforce Development*
September 17 – LBU
October 8 – Healthcare
November 13 and 14 – Closing Retreat
December 3 – Graduation
*Indicates sessions combined with the Rising Leaders cohort.
Who is the Program For?
Class Experience is designed for professionals in the Greater Buffalo region who are established in their leadership journeys and eager to take their skills to the next level. Participants often include corporate executives, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and civic-minded professionals who share a commitment to driving change. This program is best suited for those ready to challenge their perspectives, build stronger connections, and make a lasting impact on both their organizations and the Buffalo community.
What Participants Can Expect
Class Experience is a year-long program, kicking off in January and concluding with graduation in December. Participants will engage in sessions that immerse them in the critical issues shaping the Greater Buffalo region. From examining systemic challenges in education and criminal and social justice to exploring Buffalo's rich arts, culture, and history, these sessions offer a comprehensive look at the forces impacting our community.
Throughout the year, participants will collaborate with experts and peers, develop innovative solutions, and gain a deeper understanding of key topics such as economic and workforce development, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Each session is designed to challenge assumptions, spark meaningful conversations, and equip participants with actionable strategies to lead with purpose and create lasting impact.
Integrated Leadership Development
The Class Experience program is enhanced by Leadership Buffalo University (LBU), providing participants with an immersive leadership development journey. LBU consists of specific sessions within the program dedicated entirely to leadership development. These tailored sessions focus on key leadership principles such as emotional intelligence, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strategic thinking—principles designed to empower participants to lead with purpose. Integrated throughout the Class Experience, these themes ensure that participants develop a well-rounded leadership skill set. By combining the hands-on approach of LBU with the program’s core focus on servant leadership, participants gain both the theoretical knowledge and practical tools needed to drive transformation and create lasting impact in their organizations and the Buffalo community.
Program Impact
Graduates of the Class Experience emerge with a deeper understanding of the Buffalo region’s challenges and opportunities, as well as the tools to create sustainable solutions. Many alumni describe the program as transformative—not just professionally, but personally. Equipped with actionable strategies and a renewed sense of purpose, participants leave the program ready to lead with authenticity and inspire meaningful change in their communities.
Apply
Enrollment for this program is currently closed. Please contact us for information on future enrollment periods.
Tuition for Class Experience is $5,600 and is non-refundable. Full payment must be received before the program begins, unless special arrangements have been made with the CEO.
