Grimes Leadership Academy

Class of 2025–2026 | Applications Open Now Through May 23^rd
Apply Now!

What is Grimes Leadership Academy?

Develop the Leader Within.

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

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 3:00 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 Class Schedule:

• Orientation Retreat | Getting to Know One Another – Wed., Sept. 3, 2025
• Large Business | Agriculture – Wed., Sept. 17, 2025
• Local Government | Community History – Wed., Oct. 1, 2025
• Civic Engagement | Volunteerism – Wed., Nov. 5, 2025
• Education – Wed., Dec. 10, 2025
• Entrepreneurship | Small Business – Wed., Jan. 7, 2026
• Finance | Economic Development – Wed., Feb. 4, 2026
• Community Culture – Wed., Mar. 4, 2026
• Regional Collaboration – Wed., April 1, 2026
• Recreation | Entertainment | Arts | Media – Wed., May 6, 2026
• Graduation Celebration! – Wed., May 20, 2026

Inaugural Class Success

The first GLA class (2023–2024) was a diverse group of professionals from across Grimes. Their group project created a lasting positive impact and helped set the standard for future cohorts. Many have taken on expanded leadership roles in their organizations and the community since graduating.

What Alumni Are Saying

"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!"
— Rhiannon Thompson, Aureon, Inaugural Class Member, 2023–2024

“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."
— Andy Stoecken, Septagon Construction, Inaugural Class Member, 2023–2024