Grimes Leadership Academy
Grimes Leadership Academy (GLA) is a premier 9-month leadership experience designed for individuals who live, work, or serve in the Grimes area. Participants gain tools to grow as leaders in their workplaces and communities — while forming deep connections with others who share that same drive.
Why Join?
Leadership That Makes a Difference
GLA uses Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead as a foundation, helping participants:
- Lead with courage and authenticity
- Communicate more effectively
- Build trust and strong team dynamics
- Navigate conflict with empathy
- Create values-driven, inclusive cultures
Dare to Lead. Invest in GLA.
Great leaders aren't born, they're developed. GLA provides hands-on training that enhances communication, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking, helping your business thrive.
Building BOLD Leaders one Lesson at a Time
GLA's curriculum, inspired by Brene Brown's Dare to Lead, helps participants develop the courage to lead with authenticity, resilience, and purpose, qualities that benefit any organization.
Invest in Leadership, Invest in Success
When you enroll in GLA, you're investing in the future of your business and the community. Our program equips leaders with the courage, skills, and network to drive meaningful change.
From Learning to Leading Class of 2027!
The Grimes Leadership Academy is more than a program; it's a transformation. Through expert guidance and hands-on experience, participants develop the skills they need to lead with impact.
Be Part of GLA
Personal Growth and Coaching
Participants complete an Enneagram assessment and receive one-on-one coaching from expert coach Erin Lego of Erin Lego Coaching to better understand themselves and how they relate to others.
Local Knowledge, Real-World Impact
Through monthly themed sessions, participants gain a deeper understanding of Grimes — its history, economy, civic structure, and culture — and put leadership into practice through a group project that benefits the community.
Expand Your Network
With more than 75 hours of engagement, participants connect with peers, business leaders, and decision-makers — building relationships that last beyond the program.
Investment
Tuition: $1,400
Includes materials, meals, assessments, and professional coaching
Scholarship assistance available for nonprofit applicants
Built for Busy Professionals
Program runs September through May
One full-day session per month (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Plus group project time outside of sessions
Topics include:
🏛️ Civic Engagement & Local Government
🌱 Agriculture, Business & Entrepreneurship
💲 Economic Development & Finance
🎨 Community Culture, Arts, & Media
💡 Regional Collaboration & Innovation
For Employers
GLA is a smart investment in leadership development. Graduates return to their organizations with:
🗣️ Stronger communication and collaboration skills
🎯 A greater sense of purpose and accountability
🔗 Community insights and valuable local relationships
🧭 Motivation to lead with integrity and impact
Session Information
Please Note: Most sessions will run from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The Orientation Retreat will require an earlier start and later end due to travel. In addition to the scheduled sessions, participants may be asked to meet occasionally outside regular hours for networking opportunities and collaborative planning of the class project.
Anticipated 2026.2027 Class Schedule:
- Orientation Retreat | Getting to Know One Another – Wed., Sept. 2, 2026
- Large Business | Agriculture – Wed., Sept. 16, 2026
- Local Government | Community History – Wed., Oct. 7, 2026
- Civic Engagement | Volunteerism – Wed., Nov. 4, 2026
- Education – Wed., Dec. 9, 2026
- Entrepreneurship | Small Business – Wed., Jan. 6, 2027
- Finance | Economic Development – Wed., Feb. 3, 2027
- Community Culture – Wed., Mar. 3, 2027
- Regional Collaboration – Wed., April 7, 2027
- Recreation | Entertainment | Arts | Media – Wed., May 5, 2027
- Graduation Celebration! – Wed., May 19, 2027
What Alunmi Are Saying
“The Grimes Leadership Academy provided me with the opportunity to grow as a professional alongside other like-minded people. The knowledge and connections that I gained through the whole experience is invaluable."
"Time flies as a participant of GLA and the networking bonds I made with other class-mates, leaders and business owners within Grimes is a one-of-a-kind experience that will stay with me forever. I learned additional leadership skills and was able to work amongst my classmates each month on day to day challenges of being a leader and how to successfully overcome those challenges. Learning about what makes the community of Grimes thrive was also fascinating! Participating in GLA turned into an investment in myself and left me with friendships that I'll never forget!"
“From the outside looking in, it’s been inspiring to see the transformation that happens through Grimes Leadership Academy. Participants leave more connected, more informed, and more empowered to lead in our community. If you care about Grimes and want to be part of its future, this program is such a meaningful step.”
Halsey Altringer, Grimes Chamber
Jake Anderson, City of Grimes
Tom Armstrong, Rainbow of the Heartland
Brian Buethe, Grimes Chamber
Ben Butzke, Butzke Burch Construction
Scott Carpenter, Farrell's eXtreme Bodyshaping
Clint Dudley, Shade Tree Auto
Erin Lego, Erin Lego Coaching
Katie Lord, City of Grimes
Alissa McMillen, United Services
John Palmer, Christian Brothers Automotive
Justin Perry, MMIT
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
