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Applied Leadership Pathways

Applied Leadership Pathways is a way to set up our communities to create leaders starting at a young age, and continue to give leadership opportunities to those who are seeking career growth or change. We foster a community of leaders at all levels. Our leadership project will strengthen the skills of the people in the community in order to create strong businesses, strong workforces, and strong communities.

Applications Open May 1st – May 17th

A circular logo with brown shadowy mountains in the center and purple blue sky above. There are white clouds and white fleck of snow in the sky. Below the mountains is purple and blue sky with white flecks of snow in it. At the top around the circle it says "Building Strength into action." In the center across the mountains it says, "Applied Leadership Pathways." and underneath in the sky below the mountains it says "ALPS."

What is Applied Leadership Pathways (ALPS)?

ALPS is a 10 month leadership course, with sessions once per month. The sessions will be open to the public, but if chosen as one of the core members of the cohort, you will be expected to attend all sessions. The cohort will hold 25 people.

What will it entail? Learning sessions each month, along with hands on activities and access to soft skills software, Jakapa along with the Emotional Leadership Index and Strengths Finder. You will also have a group project to work on with a local nonprofit, to boost problem solving and teamwork skills. There will be a midterm presentation, and a final presentation. We’ll also have two books as part of the course that will help you along the way, Startup boards : a field guide to building and leading an effective board of directors and another book TBD.

Who are we looking for? We are looking for people of all backgrounds, ages, and experience.

  • Older High School students (Juniors & Seniors in 2024 – 2025 school year)
  • College aged or new graduates
  • Those in career transition
  • Those with resume gaps
  • Those looking for the next step in their career
  • Those starting out in their career or their small business
  • Those looking for an encore career or encore entrepreneurship
  • Those wanting to be leaders in their community

We’re looking to accept people into four different pathways. Entrepreneurship, Community Leaders, Corporate Leaders, and Nonprofit Leaders

Schedule for the Program

Monday, June 24, 2024
5:30PM – 8:30PM
Orientation, Kickoff, & Servant Leadership  with Gabriela Ramírez-Arellano. Info for the Speaker SessionKirkwood Public Library Meeting Room
Monday, July 15, 2024
5:30PM – 8:30PM
Present with Strengths & Energy Leadership Index
with Lacey MacLeod. Info for the Speaker Session
Kirkwood Public Library Meeting Room
Monday, August 19, 2024
5:30PM – 8:30PM
Strengths Finder: Team Dynamics
& Leading with Strengths with Elias Corpas
Kirkwood Public Library Meeting Room
Monday, September 16, 2024
5:30PM – 8:30PM
Linking Leaders (Nonprofit Day): Meet and
network with Nonprofits in the area, hear
about their needs. Team Project Assignments
Kirkwood Public Library Meeting Room
Monday, October 21, 2024
5:30PM – 8:30PM
Communicate with Intention: Clear Communication
& Public Speaking with Stephanie Haenchen. Info for the Speaker Session.
Kirkwood Public Library Meeting Room
Monday, November 18, 2024
5:30PM – 8:30PM
Leading Change: Adaptability & Public Speaking with Becky Domyan. Info for the Speaker SessionKirkwood Public Library Meeting Room
Monday, December 16, 2024
5:30PM – 8:30PM
Your Reputation: Building Reputation & Mentors Matter with Maria Lemakis. Info for the Speaker Session.Kirkwood Public Library Meeting Room
Saturday, December 21, 2024
9AM – 12PM
Mid-Term Team Presentations & DebriefKirkwood Public Library Meeting Room
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
5:30PM – 8:30PM
Coaching Through Conversation: Courageous Conversations
& Coaching Clinic with Mike Bynum
Kirkwood Public Library Meeting Room
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
5:30PM – 8:30PM
Sectored Leadership / Network: A panel of leaders
from different sectors (arts, education, etc) will talk
about their experiences and offer networking session after
Kirkwood Public Library Meeting Room
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
5:30PM – 8:30PM
Executive Leadership Panel: Executive Panel
Discussion & Networking event
Kirkwood Public Library Meeting Room
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
5:30PM – 8:30PM
Leadership Pathways: Your pathways, and board network fairLocation TBD
Saturday, April 19, 2025
1:30PM – 4:30PM
Final Team PresentationsLocation TBD
Friday, April 25, 2025
5:30PM – 8:30PM
Graduation Reception & RecognitionLocation TBD

Nonprofit Partners Needed!

Have a problem that needs solving? Let our leaders help you!

As part of the 10 month course for leadership, our leaders will be placed into five groups to solve problems for five different nonprofits. We are looking for nonprofits who would love to let our leaders work on a project for them. The project would be due in April, 2025 and the final presentations would be April 19, 2025.

Who are we looking for?

  • Nonprofits with a problem to solve
  • Nonprofits who are flexible and quick to respond

Event Partners


This project is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State

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