Description

2026 Leadership Academy 

The program blends case-study learning with site visits to major organizations, giving participants direct exposure to leadership practices across healthcare, education, government, nonprofit, and civic sectors throughout Aurora and surrounding communities.

Program Focus Areas

Participants will engage in:

• Understanding the Aurora region’s civic and economic landscape
• Exploring principles of Servant Leadership
• Expanding professional and community leadership networks

Program Structure & Logistics

The Academy begins with an orientation hosted at the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance. From there, participants embark on weekly site visits and leadership discussions hosted by more than 10 regional organizations.

Over the course of the program, participants will visit and learn from the following key organizations and community leaders:

• Rush Copley Medical Center
• Bloomhaven & Bardwell Residences 
• Gripple
• North Aurora Village Hall
• Aurora City Hall
• Aurora Public Library Foundation
• Loaves & Fishes Community Services
• College of DuPage
• Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
• Dunham Foundation
• Aurora Women’s Empowerment Foundation
• Fox Valley Park District
• Paramount Theatre
• Fox Metro Water Reclamation District
• Aurora Police Department
• Waubonsee Community College
• Aurora University

Graduation

The program concludes in Week 12 with a graduation ceremony celebrating participants and their invited guests, recognizing their leadership growth and community engagement throughout the Academy.

About the 2026 Leadership Academy Facilitator
Sandra Harrison, founder and CEO of DVA Leadership & Development Training Consultants

Sandra Harrison is a workforce chameleon, seeming to have mastered multiple professions across her career. Sandra is the founder and CEO of DVA Leadership & Development Training Consultants. She is a corporate leadership development trainer. With her extensive background in instructional design and delivery, and her certification as a play expert, she is able to deliver innovative and impactful training solutions. You can often hear her clients rave about their DVA experience.

Sandra’s dedication to community service is evident through her active involvement in various boards and commissions. Her leadership and commitment to making a difference have earned her recognition as a trusted and influential professional in her field. She was recognized by the City of Aurora for commitment to service and partnership in her community. 

Disclaimers: Participants must provide their own transportation to each satellite location, and the Alliance is not responsible for anything that should happen to participants in transit. Photographs will be taken throughout the course and used in promotions and at graduation; upon registration, please provide your consent to the Alliance using the photographs.