Leadership Indianapolis, a professional development organization whose mission is to develop and mobilize a robust pipeline of community leaders, is currently seeking applicants for the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series. The application window will close on Friday, April 7.
The series, founded in 1976, is designed to help emerging community leaders become more informed, motivated, connected and effective in their service to our community. Lacy, for whom the series is named, was a young banker and participant in numerous civic projects who lost his life tragically in an automobile accident in the early ’70s. His mother created a foundation in his honor.
Program participants will begin the class year in September with an orientation and a two-day, out-of-town opening retreat. From October through May, members will attend monthly sessions around the city where they will learn about community issues, meet business and civic leaders and build contact with others working in the community. In June, at the conclusion of the program, the cohort will attend a second out-of-town retreat and participate in a graduation ceremony.
Notable African-American SKL alums include Shannon Williams (Recorder president, Class XXXVII), Jimmie McMillian Jr. (Indianapolis Motor Speedway corporate counsel, Class XXXIII), Myra Selby (attorney, first Black and first woman appointed to Indiana Supreme Court, Class XIII), Amos Brown (late journalist, Class III) and many others.
“For 41 years, the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series has brought together community leaders from different sectors, industries and perspectives to learn about and discuss Indy’s community issues,” stated program director Rebecca King. “As we prepare for SKL Class XLII, we are excited about the diverse emerging leaders stepping up to guide our city into the future.”
Corey Wilson, Class XXXVII, learned of the series through friends, colleagues and his wife, Dr. Nichole Wilson (Class XXXIV).
“They were all very complimentary about what the program could provide for those who have a civically engaged mind about Indianapolis,” he said. “Those were the reasons why I decided to apply.”
Wilson, who serves as associate vice president of the Professional Edge Center at University of Indianapolis, said the experience was very impactful for him as both a professional and civic leader.
“It opened my eyes to the vast numbers of people who are civically engaged. You tend to get into your lane with civic engagement. Mine is helping children, and I tend to lean into that, but being in a program like this, you get exposed to other segments of engagement in the city,” he said. “There are 25 of us in the class, so there are 24 other people that I can call on who I still remain in contact with. I look forward to celebrating their personal and professional accomplishments as they do mine.”
He also said the candid conversations shared among fellow attendees between sessions were special, memorable moments.
“In most of the settings I’m in, you don’t really get to talk about what you just witnessed or heard. It’s on to the next thing, on to the next meeting. I really enjoyed the fact that we got an opportunity to debrief with people who were like minded,” he said. “That’s what I really enjoyed, because you don’t often get to do things like that.”
Though the application process may seem a bit strenuous — as only one out of every three to four applicants is chosen — Wilson noted that for him, it was great preparation for future endeavors. He added that he would urge more people of color to get involved, especially Black men.
“I would say, don’t wait. Do it now,” he said. “I know our African-American males, it’s always tough to get us to apply to things like this. I would put a special challenge out there to my brothers; we need to step up and be a part of this great program. This is a great way to get involved.”
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
n Be between the ages of 25 and 45
n Have both a demonstrated interest in community issues and a record of leadership and achievement in significant voluntary community activities
n Occupy a position of leadership reflecting significant achievement relative to age and experience and providing the opportunity to have significant influence on issues facing our community
n Have lived in the Greater Indianapolis/Central Indiana area for three or more years and have a likelihood of staying in the area for the foreseeable future
n Be able to commit to the attendance and time requirements
Leadership Indianapolis, Recorder program scholarships available
The Indianapolis Recorder, in partnership with Leadership Indianapolis, will be sponsoring scholarships for people of color to Leadership Indianapolis programs. Two scholarships will be available for LEAD, a program that takes place in June. LEAD is a skills development program, offering participants the opportunity to build their collaborative civic leadership skills and become more effective in their community work. Participants learn how to build trust, motivate team members and manage conflict while also building their own confidence to lead. LEAD is ideal for both emerging and experienced leaders — anyone who wants to build their effectiveness as a civic and organizational leader. To apply, visit indianapolisrecorder.com and search “Leadership Indianapolis.” The scholarship deadline is April 7.
For more information on the criteria, requirements and how to apply, visit leadershipindianapolis.com.
