Leadership Learning Lab
Leadership Learning Lab
Lead with Confidence and Care
The Leadership Learning Lab is a 10-month program for changemakers from nonprofits, local governments, and other mission-driven organizations. Through monthly sessions, learning pods, and hands-on practice, participants strengthen their leadership capacity, build cross-sector relationships, and develop strategies for resilience and adaptation.
What You'll Learn
The Leadership Learning Lab curriculum blends foundational leadership principles with timely, real-world practices. Topics include:
- Understanding Leadership Styles
- Adaptive Leadership
- Time Management
- Communication Skills
- Conflict Resolution
- Meeting Facilitation
- Mission-Driven Storytelling
- Board Development
- Fund Development
- Collaborative Skills
- Belonging & Connection
- Goal-Setting
How the Leadership Learning Lab Supports Your Growth
| Self-Awareness Become a more adaptive, collaborative, and resilient leader |
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| Communication Build skills to connect and work effectively with others |
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| Focus Manage your time, reduce overwhelm, and stay aligned with your priorities |
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| Exploration Engage with current topics and experiment with leading practices |
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Resources Gain practical tools you can immediately use in your work |
| Community Build a supportive network across your region and beyond |
Is LLL Right For You?
We welcome participants at all levels of leadership—from front-line staff to executive directors—working across sectors in Northern Michigan. Cohorts are made up of a diverse mix of individuals committed to learning and collective impact.
“I’ve learned so much, made incredible connections, and felt such a fierce sense of community and camaraderie. The care that goes into creating this opportunity for community leaders really shines through. I’m so thankful to have been part of this group.”
— Jean Favier, Leadership Learning Lab Almuna
Learn More
- Commitment and Expectations of Participation
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Commitment to attend:
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Orientation & Kickoff Session
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5 In-person Learning Sessions
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At least 4 of the 6 Virtual Learning Sessions
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Devote 3-6 hours per month between sessions for prep work, homework, optional learning pods and Q/A sessions
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Complete a pre-program survey, DiSC assessment and all evaluation surveys
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Maintain confidentiality
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- Cost
The LLL is supported by the Frey Foundation, Rotary Charities, and a network of northern lower Michigan Community Foundations to help keep tuition low for leaders like you. The cost to participate in this program is $300.
Because of Rotary Charities' underwriting of this program, the Leadership Learning Lab is not eligible for support through the Learning Fund.
- Eligibility
Leadership is a practice, and you can lead from any position in the workplace or in society. If you're ready to develop your leadership, support your peers, and work toward community change, we want to work with you. Leaders at all levels from nonprofit, mission-driven business, government and Tribal Nations are invited to apply.
To be eligible, participants must work or serve in at least one of the counties below.
Site 1: Mason, Manistee, and Oceana County
Site 2: Charlevoix and Emmet County
Site 3: Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Monmorency, Otsego, Oscoda, Ogemaw, Presque Isle, and Roscommon County
Site 4: Isabella and Wexford County - (currently inactive)
Site 5: Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau County
- Format and Schedule
The LLL includes five in-person Learning Sessions at each site and six virtual Learning Sessions with leaders from all sites. Each session is three hours long.
LLL learning sessions are not webinars or seminars, but interactive learning experiences, where participants are expected to fully engage in discussions and activities. Sessions will include a combination of self-reflection, small group activities, and large group discussions that make room for all voices. We design our learning experiences with all learning styles and accessibility needs in mind.
Participants will have the opportunity to develop relationships not only with cohort members from their own sites but also with the broader LLL community. Optional small-group learning pods provide additional monthly opportunities for relationship-building and exploring content further.
Sessions begin in September and occur monthly until June. See your site's specific 2025-20256 schedule in the brochure below.
- Contact the Facilitation Team
If you have questions about the program, application process, or which site is right for you, our team is here to help—reach out anytime.
Regional Cohorts and Philanthropic Partners
The Leadership Learning Lab is is a collaboration between Rotary Charities of Traverse City, the Frey Foundation, and many northern lower Michigan Community Foundations.
Cohorts are organized across five regional sites throughout Northern Michigan. Each site meets in person several times and is supported by their local Community Foundation liaisons. Participants from all five sites come together for virtual sessions, creating opportunities for broader connection and shared learning. Find your regional application and liaison contact below.
Site 1: Manistee, Mason, and Oceana County
Manistee County Community Foundation Liaison: Laura Heintzelman
Community Foundation of Mason County Liaison: Andrea Large
Community Foundation for Oceana County Liaison: Tammy Carey
Site 2: Charlevoix & Emmet County
Charlevoix County Community Foundation Liaison: Ashley Cousens
Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation Liaison: David Jones (DJ)
Site 3: Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon County
Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan Liaison: Patrick Heraghty (Counties served: Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Presque Isle)
Otsego Community Foundation Liaison: Dana Bensinger
Roscommon County Community Foundation Liaison: Suzanne Luck
Site 4: Isabella and Wexford County
Applications are not being accepted for Isabella and Wexford counties. Interested in future offerings in this region? Sign up here to be notified when the next cohort is accepting applications.
Site 5: Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau County
Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation Liaison: Alison Metiva