Institute

The Institute is the only leadership program in the nation specifically for leaders with disabilities and that makes connections to opportunities for civic engagement and leadership.

Each year, a dynamic group of leaders are selected from a competitive process and actively participate in this year-long program as a Fellow. All Fellows identify as having a disability and represent the diversity of the Chicago and Southwestern Pennsylvania regions. Fellows are passionate about growing as leaders and making change in our communities. They work in all sectors—corporate, government and non-profit—and vary in age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and more.

The Institute centers disability identity to explore leadership skills, civic engagement, and understanding of self and others. This immersive year-long experience features two phases:

• Phase 1: Fellows attend a series of intensive virtual learning days, taking place in the spring of the fellowship year. During this time, Fellows learn and develop skills while in community with their cohort through a variety of workshops, relationship-building activities and reflective exercises.
• Phase 2: Fellows are matched directly with a professional mentor, with whom they work close with across the remainder of the fellowship year. The mentorship experience is intended to support Fellows as they hone their skills, direction and leadership aspirations.

In addition, Fellows gain immediate access to exclusive Disability Lead events, including leadership development opportunities, thought leadership webinars, networking events and more.