Description

2026 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

2026 Leadership Academy 

We welcome experienced middle and senior managers to join the 2026 Leadership Academy, a highly selective, leadership development program focused on experiential learning across the Aurora region.

Limited to only 25 participants, this fieldtrip-based, case-study model course meets for 12 consecutive Friday mornings, from 8:30–11:30 a.m., from September 4 through November 20.

 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
• 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.

The Leadership Academy program focuses on:

• Learning about the Aurora region
• Learning about Servant Leadership
• Expanding your personal and professional network

Leadership Academy Logistics
Orientation on September 5, the group meets at the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance. Over the next 10 weeks, the group visits more than 10 locations to learn about major organizations in the community and hear their leaders speak about leadership styles and best practices. Week 12 will be a graduation for participants and their guests.

The Leadership Academy group will visit and/or tour and hear from representatives from the following companies and organizations:

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.