IMPACT

IMPACT empowers young, African American executives by providing them with the tools and skills necessary to thrive in increasingly responsible leadership roles. It accomplishes this through our curriculum that comprises five distinct program elements: (1) leadership modules; (2) historical and political perspective modules; (3) current issue modules; (4) individual leadership assessments; (5) the “Lessons in Leadership” speaker series.

Chicago is one of the most history-rich and politically-relevant cities in the world. An effective leader in Chicago should be aware of the issues and moments that have shaped the city.

During our first two modules, Fellows engage with the following topics:
1. Historical Perspective: African Americans in Chicago from the Great Migration to the Present.
2. Political Perspective: The Roles and Impact of African Americans in Chicago Politics

In addition to our monthly modules, which serve as the program’s classroom learning component, Fellows participate in supplementary events and activities each month. These program elements are designed to provide a robust platform for intergenerational exchange and professional networking.

IMPACT hosts a “Lessons in Leadership” speaker series, which features senior leaders from the Chicago area who share their stories of challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned in their careers. These stories capture our Fellows' imaginations and inspire them to pursue their passions.

By the end of the program, Fellows develop a leadership action plan that is geared toward guiding them through the next steps of their professional advancement and helping them map out strategies for effective community engagement. Our expectation is that Fellows integrate lessons from each program area into a dynamic leadership style that best suits them, their organizations, and their communities.

The efficacy of our curriculum is reflected in qualitative feedback from our Class of 2015. 92 percent of our Fellows reported an increase in awareness of their personality and leadership styles, and 97 percent increased their motivation to lead and gained a more positive perception of their leadership abilities.