Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI)

The Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) is an initiative of Leadership Fairfax that brings together approximately 35-40 motivated and energetic young professionals from business, government and nonprofit organizations throughout Northern Virginia.

ELI is for the high potential employees who are ready to focus on core leadership skills and are poised to move up in their organizations.  For ten months, ELI participants receive specialized leadership training in the areas of strategic planning, conflict resolution and negotiation, presentation skills and community leadership. This transformative learning opportunity takes an individual’s potential and turns it into a powerful performance.

The ELI program is launched in September, and meets monthly until graduation the following June.

Benefits:

  • Intensive skill building taught by diverse, nationally recognized faculty.
  • Peer coaching from experience leaders in the community.
  • Networking within the ELI class with a diverse and upwardly mobile group of future executives.
  • Networking with the LFI alumni who represent more than 400 of the top companies in the area.
  • Education about the extensive challenges, resources and opportunities available in Fairfax County. 

ELI Program:

  • Skill Building: Sharpen your critical skills essential for effective organizational and community leadership. Enhance your public speaking, conflict resolution and negotiation skills. Learn what it means and what it takes to be a results-oriented leader.
  • Mentoring: Be paired with a personal mentor for substantive and regular contact throughout the year, focusing on real-world leadership techniques and challenges. All mentors are established leaders in local business or community organizations, and many are graduates of Leadership Fairfax.  
  • Community Service Projects: Work in teams on short-term community service projects. Build relationships, learn from your peers and experience first-hand the opportunities to make a difference in your community. Each year, in the summer, proposals for community service projects are requested for selection by the incoming class. Local nonprofit organizations or service agencies interested in submitting a proposal click here for a proposal form.
  • Board and Committee Service: As an ELI graduate you will be better prepared for greater responsibility within your sponsor's organization. In addition, you can exercise your newly developed leadership skills by serving in a Northern Virginia nonprofit or community organization.

 

 

"Leadership Fairfax - Developing Leaders for the Future"
Written by Jennell Evans, LFI '00, co-founder and chief operating officer of Strategic Interactions

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