Emerging Leaders Program (ELP)

The ELP identifies, cultivates and mentors young leaders in three areas of leadership: the firm, the profession and our community. Going into its 12th year, the Emerging Leaders Program boasts more than 250 graduates and draws rave reviews through its curriculum that combines leadership discussions, class-developed panels, and class projects benefiting the greater community. Past community projects undertaken by the Emerging Leaders include the design of a playground for CityWalk@Akard, the design of the Promise House Street Outreach shelter, the site plan of Bonton Farms and design of its Community Center, a children's playground at Fair Park, a columbarium at CitySquare, and a facilities and site plan for Dallas Pets Alive. The reformatted 6-month program began in 2023 with Suzanne Smith, MBA, facilitating the discussions. Through engagement in the program, participants will develop a personal leadership development plan to directly address individual needs and substantially impact their organization.

Applications for the 2024 Emerging Leaders Program are being accepted October 16, 2023, until 5:00pm on Monday, December 4, 2023.  ELP 2024 will kick off in February, 2024

Advanced Leadership Certificate (ALC)

The Advanced Leadership Program (ALP), the next step after Emerging Leaders, began in 2012 to address topics such as leadership effectiveness, influencing in complex environments, conflict management, and decision-making. The program is reformatted for 2024 in collaboration with SMU's Executive Leadership faculty as a 10-month program and is now designed for senior leaders to help navigate elevated leadership roles, such as principals, junior principals, design directors, partners, and small firm owners. 

Applications for the 2024 Advanced Leadership Certificate are being accepted beginning October 16, 2023, until 5:00pm on Monday, December 4, 2023.  GCAL 2024 will kick off in January, 2024.