Affinity Groups

Affinity Groups are dedicated virtual spaces designed to foster deeper connections and focused learning among members with shared interests or professional challenges.

Each group is led by an Affinity Group Champion, an ALP member who facilitates discussions; each group provides a supportive environment where participants can exchange ideas, gain insights, share best practices, and gather inspiration specific to their chosen focus. These groups meet regularly, with a committed community of participants who opt-in to receive exclusive access to each session.

Members interested in joining can learn more about each Affinity Group and the champions below. 

Current Affinity Groups include: 

• Alumni Engagement
• BIPOC Leaders
• Chamber-Based Programs
• Development
• Flagship (Signature) Programs
• Statewide Programs
• Youth Programs

Upcoming Affinity Group Sessions

Alumni Engagement Affinity Group

Participants of this group are community leadership program staff responsible for alumni engagement and programming. This group provides a collaborative space to exchange ideas, share best practices, and develop impactful strategies that strengthen alumni connections and support involvement even after completing a program. 

This group gathers every other month on the third Tuesday at 2:00 PM ET

Champions

• Kristin Bakke, President & CEO
  • LEAD Brevard - Brevard County, FL
• Kai Lawrence, Senior Manager of Leadership Programs
  • Leadership Cobb - Cobb County, GA

BIPOC Leaders Affinity Group

This group is dedicated space for our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color members of ALP to connect, share experiences, and support one another in their leadership journeys. This group aims to foster a sense of belonging and amplify the voices of BIPOC leaders within our community. Whether you're seeking mentorship, collaboration opportunities, or a safe space to discuss challenges and triumphs, this affinity group is here for you. We invite you to join us in building a vibrant and inclusive network that celebrates diversity and empowers all leaders.

This group gathers every month on the third Monday at 12:00 PM ET 

Champions

• Kabrella Clark, Leadership Center Operations Manager
  • The Leadership Center at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber - Cincinnati, OH 
• Bindiya Patel, Executive Director 
  • Leadership Tomorrow - Seattle, WA

Chamber-Based Programs Affinity Group

The Chamber-Based Programs Affinity Group connects staff from Chamber-led Community Leadership Programs, offering a platform to share experiences, strategies, and resources unique to Chamber-based initiatives. This group fosters collaboration and innovation to help programs thrive within the Chamber world.

This group gathers every month on the third Monday at 3:00 PM ET

Champions

• Cathryn Sprynczynatyk Anderson, Director of Leadership Bismarck-Mandan
  • Bismarck Mandan Chamber - Bismarck, ND
• Michelle McInnis, Senior Vice President
  • SWLA Economic Development Alliance - Lake Charles, LA 

Development Affinity Group

This group aims to support staff involved in fundraising and resource development for Community Leadership pPrograms. This group provides a collaborative space to discuss strategies, share successes, and explore new approaches to securing financial support, strengthening program sustainability, and expanding community impact.

This group gathers every other month on the second Monday at 3:00 PM ET

Champions

• Michael Bennett, Chief Advancement Officer
  • Cleveland Leadership Center - Cleveland, OH 
• Dani Brockert, Sr. Director of Development & Engagement 
  • Leadership Greater Washington - Washington, D.C.

Flagship (Signature) Programs Affinity Group

The Flagship Programs Affinity Group is designed for staff who manage core leadership programs, often known as flagship or signature programs. This group offers a space to share ideas, tackle challenges, and develop best practices that enhance participant experiences, strengthen program impact, and ensure these cornerstone programs remain relevant and effective in building community leadership.

This group gathers every month on the fourth Monday at 2:00 PM ET

Champion

• Nicole Bryan, Vice President of Programs
  • Leadership Jacksonville - Jacksonville, FL

Statewide Programs Affinity Group

This group connects staff from Statewide Leadership Programs serving entire states, providing a platform to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of Statewide impact. Members collaborate to share insights, refine best practices, and develop strategies tailored to engaging diverse communities across a broad geographic area.

This group gathers every month on the first Tuesday at 12:00 PM ET

Champions

• Diego Espinoza, President
  • Leadership New Mexico
• Jan Kearce, Senior Team Leader, Leadership & Workforce Development
  • Maine Development Foundation (Leadership Maine) 

Youth Programming Affinity Group

The Youth Programming Affinity Group brings together Community Leadership Program staff focused on developing and leading youth leadership initiatives. This group provides a collaborative environment to exchange ideas, share resources, and explore effective approaches to engaging young leaders, fostering civic responsibility, and empowering youth to make a positive impact in their communities.

This group gathers every month on the first Tuesday at 2:00 PM ET

Champions

• Dani Esperanza, Program Director
  • Athens County Foundation - Athens, OH
• Nicole Susdorf, Program Director
  • Leadership Toledo - Toledo, OH