Rising Leaders
The Rising Leaders program is specifically designed for emerging and new leaders in the Greater Buffalo area who are eager to grow in their leadership journey.
This year-long program focuses on cultivating essential leadership skills, fostering personal and professional growth, and providing a deeper understanding of servant leadership principles.
Participants engage in monthly sessions featuring interactive workshops, peer collaboration, and connections with local organizations and thought leaders. The program equips participants with the tools and confidence to navigate leadership challenges, broaden their perspectives, and make meaningful contributions to their organizations and communities.
Rising Leaders is ideal for individuals in the early stages of their leadership path, offering a supportive environment to develop their potential and create a lasting impact in the Buffalo region.
Applications for the 2026 Cohort will open in the spring.
2025 Schedule
January 8 – Welcome Reception
January 16 and 17 – Opening Retreat
February 12 – Hunger and Poverty
March 12 – Education*
March 19 – LBU
April 16 – 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 15 – Healthcare
November 13 and 14 – Closing Retreat
December 3 – Graduation
*Indicates sessions combined with the Class Experience cohort.
Who is the Program For?
The Rising Leaders program is tailored for individuals in the Greater Buffalo area who are at the beginning stages of their leadership journey. Whether you’re a new manager, team leader, or emerging professional, this program provides the resources and support necessary to enhance your leadership skills and grow both personally and professionally. It’s designed for those eager to develop a deeper understanding of servant leadership principles and take on more significant roles within their organizations and communities.
What Participants Can Expect
Rising Leaders is a year-long program that begins in January and concludes with graduation in December. The program offers sessions that focus on both leadership skills and community education, providing participants with a comprehensive leadership development experience. Through interactive workshops, peer collaboration, and connections with local organizations, participants will explore critical topics such as hunger and poverty, education, criminal and social justice, economic and workforce development, arts and culture, and healthcare.
These sessions are designed to broaden participants' perspectives and deepen their understanding of Buffalo’s challenges and opportunities. Throughout the year, Rising Leaders will be equipped with the tools to lead with impact and purpose in their organizations and communities, all while building relationships with a diverse group of peers and experts.
Integrated Leadership Development
A key component of the Rising Leaders program is its integration of Leadership Buffalo University (LBU), which consists of specific sessions within the program dedicated entirely to leadership development. LBU’s interactive and innovative sessions are designed to help participants unlock their potential and gain a deeper understanding of critical leadership concepts such as emotional intelligence, diversity, equity and inclusion, and strategic thinking. These sessions are woven into the program to provide a holistic approach to developing emerging leaders. The integration of LBU ensures that participants not only learn leadership theory but also gain practical tools they can apply to drive change and influence their organizations and communities effectively.
Program Impact
Graduates of the Rising Leaders program gain a deeper understanding of their leadership potential, equipped with the tools to confidently navigate challenges, drive change, and foster growth within their organizations. By the end of the program, participants will have not only developed essential leadership skills but also cultivated a network of peers, mentors, and local leaders who can provide continued support and guidance. This program creates a lasting impact by empowering emerging leaders to make meaningful contributions to the Buffalo community and beyond, ultimately shaping the next generation of influential leaders.
Apply
Enrollment for this program is currently closed. Please contact us for information on future enrollment periods.
Tuition for Rising Leaders 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.
