Academy expanding following investment
Columbus Partnership provides support
The Columbus Partnership has funded an expansion of the African American
Leadership Academy, allowing it to include 40 African American leaders for its 2022 cohort, doubling its prior classes. The program will also extend from nine months to 10. ● African American Leadership
Academy offers programming for the African American community based on leadership interaction, agility and efficacy. Now in its 18th year, notable past fellows include Bakerhostetler’s Mark Hatcher, Judge Laurel Beatty Blunt, Impact Community
Action’s Bo Chilton and many more. The academy is led by co-executive directors Donna James and Mo Wright, a member of the academy’s inaugural class.
With help from the investment from the Columbus Partnership, the academy also was chosen by California-based management consulting company Korn Ferry for a national partnership that would enhance the access the firm has to the company’s coaches and “Leadership U for Humanity,” a leadership development experience.
The incoming fellows come from a wide range of professions and are each engaged in community service. The specific focus for the 2022 cohort is to add fellows from the nonprofit, government and small business sectors. While potential fellows need to be nominated to apply, James is hoping to allow future participants to self-nominate.
Over 260 fellows have graduated from the academy, and James, who is also board chairwoman of Victoria’s
Secret, is grateful to the Columbus Partnership for the opportunity to advance even more minority leaders.
“I think [the support] came about as the [Columbus Partnership] started to explore ways that they could engage on a deeper level around diversity, equity and inclusion,” James
said. “And being an organization of leaders. I think the African American Leadership Academy was a natural fit for them, once they understood what we have been doing in the community.”
The academy is also sponsored by Battelle, Nationwide, Fifth Third Bank, Denison University, United Way of Central Ohio and more. Because of local support, all fellows can complete the program at no direct cost to them.
“This is an opportunity where we continue to not just expand the number of leaders but identify leaders who are already existing in the community and enhance their effectiveness through this curriculum. And through this experience. Oftentimes, you hear people say, ‘Well, we’re looking for diversity, we can’t find it,’ ” James says, “That is often said, but not really true, if you’re looking in the right places.”
The African American Leadership Academy also was chosen by California-based management consulting company Korn Ferry for a national partnership that would enhance the ac
opportunity where we continue to not just expand the number of leaders but identify leaders who are already existing in the community and enhance their effectiveness through this curriculum.”
Donna James co-executive directors of the African American Leadership Academy
The 2022 fellows were welcomed at a kickoff reception this week. For the future of African American Leadership Academy, James sees expanded cohorts and the addition of programs like this being replicated both in and out of Ohio, she says.
“The demand is there. Every year, we would have two to three times the applicants that we could accommodate,” James says. “There would be individuals who would apply a second and a third time just to get in. So, the demand is there. That’s why this is so important.”