Premier Leadership
Development Program (AALDP)
By joining AALDP, you're not just advancing your career—you're becoming part of a legacy of leadership that drives positive change in our communities.
By joining AALDP, you're not just advancing your career—you're becoming part of a legacy of leadership that drives positive change in our communities.
For over three decades, the Urban League's Premier Leadership Development Program (AALDP) has been at the forefront of fostering leadership among senior-level African American professionals. This immersive civic learning initiative is designed to refine participants' professional skills through an intensive curriculum that emphasizes critical community issues and leadership lessons.
Participants in the Leadership Development Program (AALDP) will gain a comprehensive understanding of critical issues facing the underserved, identify and address professional growth opportunities and challenges, prepare for future leadership roles and success, and enhance their professional networks and community connections.
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Leadership Development: AALDP offers participants the chance to gain a deep understanding of significant issues facing underserved communities in Southwestern Ohio and in the workplace. The program equips participants with the skills needed to navigate and influence their professional environments effectively.
Networking Opportunities: Participants will connect with a diverse cohort of peers, creating a robust professional network that extends beyond the program. This network is instrumental in fostering collaboration and support among leaders in the Greater Cincinnati area.
Curriculum Focus: The program covers a broad range of topics, including Health & Wellness, Economics, Human Services, Education, Government & Advocacy, and Leadership. These subjects are crucial for developing well-rounded leaders who are prepared to address the multifaceted challenges in their communities.
Program Structure: AALDP spans ten months, with sessions typically held on the first Friday of each month from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The program includes mandatory overnight sessions, as well as various activities designed to deepen participants' understanding and engagement with the material.
AALDP boasts nearly 1,000 alumni, including prominent leaders. These distinguished participants are on an immersive civic learning initiative designed to refine professional skills through an intensive curriculum that emphasizes critical community issues and leadership lessons. Meet the current class.

AALDP boasts nearly 1,000 alumni, including prominent leaders. These graduates exemplify the program's impact on professional and community leadership. Meet the impressive graduates below.

President and CEO
Cincinnati Works

Vice President
Megen Construction Company

Expansion Manager
Cradle Cincinnati

Chief Program Officer
YWCA of Greater Cincinnati

Business Analyst
Fort Washington Investment Advisors

News Reporter
iHeartMedia

VP, Community Manager
JP Morgan Chase

Program Manager
Interact for Health

Senior Associate Dean & Associate Professor
University of Cincinnati-College of Medicine

Co-Owner & Chief Detail Officer
Soul Palette

Director of Product Marketing, Kroger Health
The Kroger Co.

Store Manager
The Kroger Co.

Group Facilitator
Charlie Health

Sales Manager
Verizon

Managing Director, Economic Development
KMK Consulting Company

Director, Consumer Contact Center
Fifth Third

Of Counsel
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Creative Director & Founder
SunnyBlu Creative Agency

Senior Pastor
Revelation Missionary Baptist Church

CEO & Principal Consultant
Sonya Wells Public Health & Wellness Consulting

CCMEP Lead Case Manager
Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio

Chief of Staff
Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio

Founder and CEO
Soleil Kitchen

District Director
U.S. House of Representatives/Rep. Greg Landsman

Sr. Director of Workforce
Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio

Associate Dean of the Graduate College
University of Cincinnati

Sr. Mgr, Talent Acquisition
Hillman Group
Sr. Manager
The Kroger Co.

Commercial Leasing Manager/Managing Broker
3CDC/Gunnels Realty
President & CEO
YWCA Greater Cincinnati

Professor
Central State University
Manager of Accounting
Council on Aging
Center Store Sales Manager
The Kroger Co.
Sr. Grants Manager
Cradle Cincinnati

Founding Director
Robert O'Neal Multicultural Arts Center

Cybersecurity Engineer
Western & Southern Financial Group

Principal
Sanders Development Group

Clinical Research Manager/Early Intervention Program Manager
University of Cincinnati

Director of the Women Excel Program & Diverse by Design
Cincinnati Regional Chamber of Commerce

Director, Corporate Development
Triversity Construction

Judge
Hamilton County Municipal Court

Talent Acquisition Diversity & Inclusion Consultant
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Owner
Secure & Protect
Asst. VP | Dispute Resolution Mgr.
Fifth Third Bank
Mayor
City of Forest Park

Dir. Department of Community & Economic Development
City of Cincinnati

Owner, Event Maven, Creative Dir.
Social B. & Co. Hospitality

Quality Improvement Specialist
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

VP of Community Strategies
Greater Cincinnnati Foundation
Supervising Accountant
City of Cincinnati

Attorney
Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Dir., Software Quality Assurance - Automation
Western & Southern LIfe

Marketing & Branding Coord.
Media Hawk Marketing Firm

President & CEO
Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio

Executive Director
Cincinnati Music Accelerator

Sr. Pastor
New Jerusalem Baptist Church

Corporate Affairs Mgr.
The Kroger Co.

Information Systems Operations Support Mgr.
Hamilton County Job & Family Services
Senior Director,
Special Projects & Events
Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio

Logistics Supervisor
TriHealth - Bethesda North Hospital

Nurse Manager
TriHealth Bethesda North

Founder & CEO
GPD Creative Agency

Professional Excellence Specialist
TriHealth

Mgr. Talent Acquisition
TriHealth

Senior VP of Impact
Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio
Expert facilitators will cover topics including:
Class sessions take place on the first Friday of the month from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The class sessions that are not scheduled for the first Friday of the month are listed on the schedule below.
All sessions will take place in person.Class 32 Schedule:
-Thursday, August 21, 2025 (Orientation)
-Thursday, September 11 + Friday, September 12, 2025 (Retreat - MANDATORY Overnight Session)
-Friday, October 3, 2025
-Friday, November 7 + Saturday, November 8, 2025 (Not an Overnight Session)
-Friday, December 5, 2025
-Friday, January 9, 2026
-Friday, February 6, 2026
-Friday, March 6, 2026
-Friday, April 3, 2026
-Friday, May 1, 2026
-Friday, June 5, 2026
-Friday, June 26, 2026 (Graduation)
This premier professional development opportunity costs $4,250 per participant.
Tuition includes all materials, program meals, transportation, and excursion costs.