The Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute is a non-profit organization that develops, connects, inspires, and challenges community champions through life-changing leadership experiences. Since 1982, the Leadership Institute has graduated more than 2500 leaders from its programs. Those civic stewards are now serving in leadership positions in more than 286 community organizations, helping to achieve our vision of a thriving community for all.
Mission Statement
The Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute develops, connects, inspires, and challenges community champions through life-changing leadership experiences.
Vision Statement
A thriving community for all, served by an endless source of civic stewards.
We Value Equity and Inclusion
Diversity: All aspects of human difference are respected and valued.
Inclusion: Individuals and groups authentically belong and participate in our organization and programs, which is supported by our policies and practices.
Equity: People receive what they need to fully and fairly engage with our organization and programs, which is supported by our policies and practices.
History
1979 1982 1998-2006 2001 2012 First Executive Director Hired With an ambitious vision for the Leadership Institute, the board of governors recruited the first-ever executive director also the first-ever full-time staff person in the organization's history. 2014 Community Connect Joins the Leadership Institute Started in 2012 at the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines as an initiative of the Capital Crossroads Vision Plan, Community Connect found its permanent home with the Leadership Institute. The program continues the original intent of connecting participants with community leaders, while helping them to leverage their personal purpose and passions for community betterment. 2015 More Staff Hired In response to rapid organizational expansion, the Leadership Institute hired a second staff person. We grew from one to two in three short years! | 2015 Equity and Inclusion Committee Formed Demonstrating a desire, which quickly became a commitment, to modeling and practicing equity and inclusion, the Equity and Inclusion Committee was formed to guide and inform this critical aspect of community leadership for our organization and for Greater Des Moines. 2016 Greater Des Moines Hosts ALP Conference The Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, along with other local leadership programs, hosted more than 70 leadership professionals from across the country for the Association of Leadership Programs Midwest Regional Conference.
2017 Amy Jennings Receives Preceptor Award The Association of Leadership Programs honored Leadership Institute executive director, Amy Jennings, with the prestigious Preceptor Award. This award recognizes a leadership program staff member who has gone above and beyond, who has achieved a new standard of excellence, and who demonstrates civic and community engagement. 2018 Leadership Institute Receives Inclusion Award The Greater Des Moines Partnership's Inclusion Award honors employers that have championed diversity and inclusion at their organizations and in the community. In three short years, equity and inclusion became a prominent value of the Leadership Institute and we were honored to have been recognized for our efforts. Watch the video. 2019 YLI Returns to Leadership Institute The Youth Leadership Initiative returned home, after being cared for by the Greater Des Moines Partnership for eight years. The Leadership Institute was thrilled to welcome back this exceptional program that helps high students grow as leaders for our community. 2020 Rapid Response to Pandemic All programs swiftly shifted to online or a partial outdoor/virtual format. Our programs are better than ever! 2021 Then. Now. When. Educational Experience Offered A group of passionate volunteers created a 7-week racial equity series to facilitate learning about and action on racial equity in Greater Des Moines. 2022 We turn 40! Stay tuned for more on how we will celebrate. |
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