Rising Leaders

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.