Community Leadership as a Solution in an Era of Disconnection

Community Leadership as a Solution in an Era of Disconnection

Leadership Louisville Center expands access to program that empowers participants to step into community leadership.

In a time marked by disconnection and polarization, community leadership has never been more critical. The Leadership Louisville Center is addressing this challenge by expanding access to Focus Louisville, its 2 ½ day community leadership program.

New partnerships have been launched with the Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL), the Jeffersontown Chamber, and The Chamber of St. Matthews, joining other established partners and a variety of professional associations, to offer the members of these organizations savings on tuition and the opportunity to request tuition assistance through the Center’s scholarship funds. In addition, the Center offers group rates for companies who want to send multiple employees through the program throughout the year. These collaborations aim to make the program more accessible in order to connect executives and rising leaders with the city’s most influential people, institutions, and challenges — helping them build relationships that advance careers while strengthening the Louisville community.

“At a time when it’s easy to feel divided, Focus Louisville brings people together around what unites us—a shared commitment to our city,” said Cynthia Knapek, President and CEO of the Leadership Louisville Center. “Community leadership is the antidote to division. It helps leaders find common ground, build relationships, and create the kind of collaboration that moves Louisville forward. Our goal is to ensure that new executives, young professionals, and seasoned leaders have the opportunity to connect, engage, and belong in Louisville’s leadership landscape. Focus Louisville empowers participants to see themselves as part of something bigger.”

Since its inception in 1985, Focus Louisville has transformed over 6,800 participants into more informed and engaged leaders. The program is more than a “behind-the-scenes” look at the community—it’s a transformative experience designed to foster collaboration, bridge divides, and inspire action. Participants gain access to Louisville’s key institutions—hearing from key leaders in government, economic development, arts, education, and the nonprofit sector—and develop community leadership insights essential for navigating today’s complex challenges. Alumni emerge with a deeper understanding of the city, expanded professional networks, and a renewed commitment to creating meaningful impact.

Why Focus Louisville Matters

• Building Bridges: Through a fast-paced, immersive experience, participants engage directly with Louisville’s history, culture, and institutions, gaining a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the city.
• Leadership Inspiration: Graduates gain insights and exposure to lead with purpose, engage as informed citizens, and inspiration to make a meaningful impact in their workplaces and the community.
• Expanding Networks: The program fosters relationships across industries, sectors, and backgrounds, creating opportunities for innovation and community impact.

Offered four times annually, Focus Louisville sessions include about 200 participants each year, attracting participants from across industries, sectors, and leadership levels, fostering a shared commitment to building a stronger Louisville.

The 152nd session of Focus Louisville will take place in December 2024, with limited spots remaining. Registration is now open for 2025 sessions scheduled in March, June, and September. For more information or to register, visit www.LeadershipLouisville.org/Focus-Louisville.

Ford Motor Company is presenting sponsor of Focus Louisville. DMLO is a supporting sponsor.

ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP LOUISVILLE CENTER

The Leadership Louisville Center is the region’s most valuable resource for leadership development and civic engagement. With a purpose to inspire and equip leaders to be better and do better, it has graduated over 15,000 through its programs since 1979. The Center is recognized as a national best practice and is known for its dynamic programming and strong community connections. Programming includes five social impact leadership programs (Leadership Louisville, Focus Louisville, Ignite Louisville, Bingham Fellows and Encore Louisville), the Alice Houston Women’s Leadership Program, leadership skills training courses presented through partner brand LeadingBetter™, and events designed to connect leaders and motivate positive change. Learn more at www.leadershiplouisville.org.

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