Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life

21st Century Leadership Academy

 

Leadership Academy

The 21st Century Leadership Academy is an intensive week-long residential leadership development program designed to inspire civic engagement and encourage women’s public sector leadership.  Sponsored by the Sue Shear Institute since 1998, the Academy has been developed in partnership with the NEW Leadership™ Development Network established by the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), a unit of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. The Academy is supported by a diverse honorary advisory committee of women elected officials and public servants from throughout Missouri.

Thirty-six “Shear Fellows” from participating universities are selected to attend the 21st Century Leadership Academy, May 19-24, 2013, at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.  Throughout the week, Shear Fellows learned and practiced leadership skills, discussed important public policy issues, connected with women leaders from the public and private sectors and explored the meaning and practice of leadership in a diverse society.

The Leadership Academy curriculum includes interactive panel discussions, small group exercises, skill-building workshops, and opportunities to network with women leaders who are shaping public policy as elected officials, government leaders and policy advocates. These women role models make policy “real” and donate their time to give participants a glimpse of what it means to be a woman in public life. They also help participants develop leadership skills that will increase their effectiveness as policy makers.

A highlight of the week is a day-trip to Jefferson City where participants will participate in a mock legislative session at the State Capitol, and have lunch with women leaders in state government and the judiciary.

Over 500 college women have graduated from the Leadership Academy and are making a difference as leaders in their communities.  Past Fellows build lasting networks with other Academy alumnae and women leaders who serve as mentors and role models.  They stay connected to the Sue Shear Institute through social media, alumnae events and Institute programs, and are eligible for the Amethyst Award, which is presented annually at the Leadership Academy dinner.

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