Leadership Academy

Leadership Topics
- Personal Evaluation and Development
- Public Speaking Skills
- Personal Leadership Styles
- Networking Skills
- Group & Interpersonal Communication Skills
- Conflict Resolution
- Negotiating Skills
- Business Etiquette
- Community Service Experiences
- Overview of Local Nonprofits
- Public Policy Discussions
- Government Affairs
- Overview of Health Care in our Community
- Tours of Relevant Area Facilities
- Overview of Area Educational Institutions
- Community Stewardship
- Better Understanding of Sustainable Economic Vitality of the Area
- Community Class Project(s)
2021-2022 Class Members
Peyton Adams - 94.9 WDKB
Daveyon Bradley - Sundog
Jessica Brady - Family Service Agency
Melinda Cattell - DeKalb High School
Cathy Doederlein - Northern Illinois University
Katie Keenon - Northwestern Medicine
Dominique McIntyre - Opportunity House
Kirsti McNeece - Heartland Bank
Claudia Moreno - First Midwest Bank
Sara Myers - OC Creative
Pete Plauck - 3M
Brandon Pugh - Egyptian Theatre
Holly Robisch - Home2 Suites by Hilton DeKalb
Alison Taylor - Tails Humane Society
Sheridan Threadgill - Kishwaukee United Way
Katie Watts - Adventure Works
Stephanie Weinberger - FNBO
Scott Zak - City of DeKalb
Advisory Committee
Chair: Kasey Sheley - Sundog
Vice Chair: Erin Arnold - Fidelity Investments
Secretary: Peyton Adams - 94.9 WDKB
Tia Anderson - Heartland Bank & Trust
Dale Boughton - Sundog
Cathy Doederlein - Northern Illinois University
Cindy Green-Deutsch - Old National Bank
Devyn Grzywa - FNBO
Jeanine Holcomb - Egyptian Theatre
Erica Huerta - FNBO
Katie Lee – RAMP
Berizabet Mishler - FNBO
Sara Myers - OC Creative
Ed Valdez - Crum-Halsted Insurance & Risk Management
Matt Duffy – DeKalb Chamber of Commerce

2023-2024 Applications
Applications are due Friday, June 30th. All three recommendation forms are due Friday, July 14th. Contact us at (815) 756-6306 with questions.
Leadership Academy Alumni Swag
Show how you are a proud graduate of Leadership Academy by purchasing Leadership Academy Alumni men and women's apparel! Options include t-shirts, to cardigans, to dress shirts.
Graduate Testimonials
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