Experiential and Peer-Based Development

Capacity-building initiative providing continued leadership development and support for alumni of the fellowship program, including wellness programming and professional growth opportunities.

Hosts an annual in-person event for alumni to reconnect, reflect on leadership journeys, and participate in professional development and community-building activities, including special cohort receptions.

Fellows complete a capstone project addressing a real leadership challenge in their school or organization, integrating learning from coaching, assessments, and retreats into practical application.

Provides 10 one-on-one executive coaching sessions per fellow focused on strategic, adaptive, and emotional intelligence leadership, supported by 360° emotional intelligence assessments (ESCI) and personalized growth plans.

Hosts multiple in-person leadership retreats per program cycle, including the annual Executive Wellth Summit and CAO Collaboration Summit, totaling over 40 hours of professional development, leadership intensives, and peer collaboration.

Offers ongoing programming in AI for leadership effectiveness, financial and wealth-building literacy, physical and mental wellness, and career strategy to support holistic development of education leaders.

Connects current fellows with experienced Black or Latino C-level education leaders for mentorship, offering guidance and real-world insights into leadership challenges and career advancement.

Operates a structured leadership development program for Black and Latino male educators across multiple tracks—Emerging Leaders, Senior Leaders, and Entrepreneurs—designed to build skills in strategic leadership, emotional intelligence, and organizational management, with the goal of increasing representation in senior and C-level education roles.

Direct service program supporting Black and Latino males in advancing to leadership roles in education, as reported in IRS-990 filings.

Identifies systemic gaps in programming for Black and Latino male leaders in education, informing the design and focus of fellowship initiatives.

Offers the Basic Economic Development Course, a comprehensive program in economic development fundamentals delivered through instruction, peer learning, and case studies; this course fulfills core prerequisites for the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential and is equivalent to 3 graduate-level credits at SUNY Empire State University's Master's program in Community and Economic Development.

Partners with organizations like The Business Council of New York State to develop competitiveness reports with policy recommendations for the Governor and legislature; provides mid-year and post-legislative session policy updates analyzing implications for IDAs and broader economic development strategy in New York State.

Hosts state-approved Board Training Sessions for IDA board members in collaboration with the New York State Authorities Budget Office, fulfilling legal training requirements under Section 2824 of the Public Authority Law by covering fiduciary, financial, ethical, and legal responsibilities.

Administers the Summer and Fall IDA Academies annually to train IDA staff and executives on best practices, legal powers, tools, public policy, operational efficiency, and housing development strategies; includes sessions on case studies such as shovel-ready site preparation, clean tech corridors, downtown revitalization, and affordable housing initiatives.

Organizes an annual Economic Development Conference and Annual Meeting, including Leadership and Policy Summits in locations such as Albany, White Plains, and Cooperstown, featuring keynote addresses, book signings, welcome receptions, and networking events to convene hundreds of professionals from New York and the tri-state area for peer exchange and policy dialogue.

Administers an annual awards program honoring achievements in economic development across categories such as programs, partnerships, marketing, and leadership; presents awards during the annual meeting to promote recognition and professional exchange among members.

Operates the Women’s Leadership and Diversity Council, which includes launching mentorship programs pairing experienced professionals with young professionals, developing guidelines, hosting webinars and roundtable discussions, organizing networking opportunities, and administering the Linda J. Hill Scholarship Program that covers course costs and includes participation in council activities.

Establishes climate-smart cooperative farms and trains women in sustainable agriculture, soil health, and livestock raising. Launched 19 to 10 climate-smart farms since 2018 and supports agricultural productivity through environmentally resilient techniques in Malawi and partner countries.