2025 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

We welcome experienced middle and senior managers to join... Leadership Academy!

Limited to only 20 participants, this fieldtrip-based, case-study model course meets for 12 consecutive Friday mornings, from 8:30–11:30 a.m., from September 5 through November 21. 

The Leadership Academy program focuses on:

• Learning about the Aurora region
• Learning about Servant Leadership
• Expanding your personal and professional network

Leadership Academy Logistics
Orientation on September 5, the group meets at the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance. Over the next 10 weeks, the group visits more than 10 locations to learn about major organizations in the community and hear their leaders speak about leadership styles and best practices. Week 12 will be a graduation for participants and their guests.

The Leadership Academy group will visit and/or tour and hear from representatives from the following companies and organizations:

• Aurora Police Department
• Aurora Public Library District
• Aurora Regional Fire Museum
• Aurora University
• Aurora Women’s Empowerment Foundation
• Bloomhaven
• City of Aurora
• Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
• Dunham Foundation
• Fox Metro Water Reclamation District
• Fox Valley Park District
• Gripple, Inc.
• Loaves & Fishes Community Services
• Rush-Copley Medical Center
• Village of North Aurora
• VNA Healthcare
• Waubonsee Community College

About the 2025 Leadership Academy Facilitator
Sandra Harrison, founder and CEO of DVA Leadership & Development Training Consultants

Sandra Harrison is a workforce chameleon, seeming to have mastered multiple professions across her career. Sandra is the founder and CEO of DVA Leadership & Development Training Consultants. She is a corporate leadership development trainer. With her extensive background in instructional design and delivery, and her certification as a play expert, she is able to deliver innovative and impactful training solutions. You can often hear her clients rave about their DVA experience.

Sandra’s dedication to community service is evident through her active involvement in various boards and commissions. Her leadership and commitment to making a difference have earned her recognition as a trusted and influential professional in her field. She was recognized by the City of Aurora for commitment to service and partnership in her community. Learn more.

Disclaimers: Participants must provide their own transportation to each satellite location, and the Alliance is not responsible for anything that should happen to participants in transit. Photographs will be taken throughout the course and used in promotions and at graduation; upon registration, please provide your consent to the Alliance using the photographs.