Emerging Leaders Program
Emerging Leaders is a dynamic program designed for professionals looking to develop and grow their leadership capabilities, enhance their knowledge of Montgomery County, and build their network.
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Programs for Building a Network of Engaged Leaders

Overview
- Seven monthly interactive sessions
- Leadership skills curriculum facilitated by certified leadership and development professionals
- Team projects
- Interactive tours
- Engagement with established multi-sector leaders
- Enhanced knowledge of Montgomery County government, business, and nonprofit sectors
- Additional opportunities beyond session days, such as learning enhancement, group projects, and special engagement event
Emerging Leaders is a dynamic program designed for professionals looking to develop and grow their leadership capabilities, enhance their knowledge of Montgomery County, and build their network.
This program is designed and facilitated by a network of professional coaches, facilitators, and accredited experts who help participants establish their leadership capabilities. Emerging leaders can help build skill development with a continued focus on professional growth while providing space for equity exploration by creating and presenting race equity projects. They also build their knowledge of the county through site visits, engagement with leaders across the sectors, and team projects addressing pressing county-wide issues.
As a result, they emerge as more well-rounded, informed, and connected leaders who are better able to plan and implement a progressive path toward higher leadership positions.
In addition, the program offers exclusive opportunities beyond session days, such as learning enhancements, group projects, and special engagement events.
While there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to program acceptance, participants typically possess the following:
- Years of professional experience: 3-5 years
- Job Title(s) Manager, Program/Project Manager, Program Director, Specialist, Supervisor, Associate
- Organizational responsibilities: Program/Project Management, Duties defined by a specific functional area, such as communications, budget, development
Participants leave the program as part of an exclusive alumni network of more than 2,500 emerging and established leaders who are better informed of county history and present-day realities. They also emerge better connected to the people, organizations, and service opportunities that can collectively move Montgomery County forward.
Organizations supportive of their staff member’s participation can gain additional visibility and recognition as being committed to the improvement of Montgomery County as well as engaged employees with access to a network that can assist in helping businesses thrive.
The EL Program occurs from September to May of each year. Each session day typically runs from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Session dates for the Class of 2026:
• Thursday, September 25
• Thursday, October 23
• Wednesday, November 19 (joint session with CORE and Elevate)
• Mentor Mixer: Thursday, December 11 (evening)
• Thursday, January 22, 2026
• NO SESSION: Thursday, February 19, 2026 (LM training room held for project group meetings)
• Thursday, March 19, 2026
• Thursday, April 16, 2026
• Thursday, May 7, 2026
*Opening session is mandatory
Other Key Dates
Cohort Meet & Greet
Wednesday, August 20
Homecoming
TBD Fall 2025
Graduation
Friday, May 29, 2026
Applicants MUST:
- Be a rising leader within their organization or industry and either live or work in Montgomery County
- Have the full support AND expressed permission to apply from the organization for whom the participant works
- Complete and submit an application for the EL Program
- Submit 2 letters of recommendation
The full tuition cost is $3,200. Tuition assistance is available through an application process and is subject to available funds. Applicants must submit tuition assistance requests before or on the program application due date.
Program applications can be found here. For more info, contact us, at 301.881.3333 or marquise.mckine@leadermont.org