A Milestone Gathering in Fort Worth: 2025 ALP National Conference Celebrates 15 Years of Community Leadership and Connection
August 4, 2025The 2025 Association of Leadership Programs (ALP) National Conference brought more than 250 Community Leadership Program (CLP) leaders and CLP alumni together in Fort Worth, Texas, for four powerful days of learning, connection, and celebration.
As ALP marked its 15th anniversary, attendees gathered from more than 40 states and two additional countries to reflect on the network’s growth, deepen their professional practice, and chart a bold path forward in a changing civic landscape.
With 34 workshops, four compelling general sessions, and countless moments of connection, the 2025 conference exemplified ALP’s continued momentum as the national hub for those who lead, design, and sustain Community Leadership Programs.
Jennifer Trevino, Executive Director of Leadership Fort Worth, shared, “It was an honor and professional highlight to host the 2025 ALP National Conference in Fort Worth! It was incredible to witness attendees experience Fort Worth and embrace our theme of Lead Change. Leave Changed. I’m proud of how our community showed up to welcome everyone and have an even deeper appreciation of what it takes to plan, coordinate, and host national events like this. Like many, I left feeling rejuvenated, armed with new ideas and best practices, encouragement, and tools to help me lead better for my team and Fort Worth. I’m already looking forward to next year!”
A Lineup that Inspired and Challenged
The conference included a lineup of four keynote sessions, each offering attendees critical insights and practical tools for today's most pressing leadership challenges. Tuesday and Wednesday’s programming featured 34 breakout sessions, designed and facilitated by leaders from across the ALP network.
Each session was crafted to offer real-world takeaways, peer-tested solutions, and new ideas attendees could immediately apply in their own programs.
Jeannine Brown, Fellowship Director at Leadership Triangle (NC), shared, “The theme this year was Lead Change. Leave Changed., and the experience lived up to that claim. Not only did I attend for the very first time, but I was also honored to present my workshop: The Power of Inclusive Leadership: Bridging Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Work-Life Balance for Collective Success. Each day was jam-packed with dynamic conversations and workshops on topics from fundraising to alumni engagement to AI. The evenings were spent in curated dinners, and my spirit was restored by being in community at the dinner for BIPOC leaders.”
Celebrating ALP at 15
A highlight of the week was the celebration of ALP’s 15th anniversary. Attendees honored the organization’s founding in 2010, right in Fort Worth, and reflected on the network's growth since then.
ALP also recognized the newest Certified Community Leadership Practitioner (CCLP) graduates, further affirming the organization’s commitment to advancing professional standards and equipping the field for the future.
The week included special moments to honor those who’ve helped shape ALP’s legacy, most notably Executive Director Lura Hammond, who will retire later this year after 15 years of dedicated service. Her leadership has been instrumental in building the strong, values-driven network ALP is today. This recognition included the announcement of the Lura J. Hammond Sustainability Fund. Learn more about this initiative here.
Signature Events That Brought Us Together
The conference kicked off with a Texas-sized welcome at the 81 Club at Billy Bob’s Texas, where attendees enjoyed country music, local cuisine, and an unforgettable night of line dancing and laughter. This reception set the tone for a week of meaningful connection and celebration.
Mid-week, attendees gathered for the Bread and Salt Luncheon, a new tradition that quickly became a meaningful favorite. Drawing on the symbolism of hospitality and shared purpose, the luncheon offered a space for deeper reflection on what it means to lead in community, and to do so together. With powerful storytelling and dialogue, it reminded us that leadership is both a calling and a communal act.
Later that evening, attendees gathered again for an Ice Cream Social. Part treat, part networking event, and all joy. It was a chance to enjoy a sweet pause in the middle of a high-energy week.
Lura Hammond, Executive Director of the Association of Leadership Programs, shared, “There is nothing that makes my heart swell with pride more than seeing 250+ colleagues from across the country and beyond connect, share, and learn. This National Conference did just that. I left feeling inspired, leaving changed so that I can continue to lead change. My hope is that the connections made among attendees continue throughout the year, supporting what you do and making a difference in each community. Thank you to everyone involved. It literally takes a village to achieve something that impactful.”
Honoring Excellence in the Field
Each year, ALP takes time to recognize the individuals and programs that embody the spirit of leadership, innovation, and service that define our network.
At the conference, the 2025 Co-Volunteers of the Year, Dani Esperanza and Nicole Susdorf, were celebrated for their dedication and impact, helping ALP deliver member value year-round.
ALP also presented the Excellence in Innovation Award (EIA) to Leadership Lynchburg’s standout program, SHE Week, that demonstrated bold thinking, effective execution, and measurable community impact; an example of what’s possible when leadership programs think creatively about the future.
A Community Like No Other
Throughout the week, first-time attendees and long-standing members alike commented on the unmatched spirit of connection that defines the ALP community. Whether it was hallway conversations, shared meals, post-session discussions, or new collaborations sparked in real time, the conference created space for leaders to be challenged, encouraged, and truly seen.
First-time attendee, Mike Eppehimer, CEO of Leadership Delaware, shared, “It was energizing to learn from so many individuals across the country who have dedicated their work to building up leaders and creating stronger communities.”
Max Kunkel, Leadership Programs Manager at the Tampa Bay Chamber, shared, “There’s something powerful about being in a room where the 250 others in it truly understand the work that you do—because they are living it too. That’s exactly what made the Association of Leadership Programs in Fort Worth, TX, such an impactful experience.”
Deep Gratitude to Leadership Fort Worth
This year’s host city and host organization played an essential role in making the conference such a success. Leadership Fort Worth served as a gracious and enthusiastic partner, helping to welcome attendees to the city with open arms and local flair. From offsite excursions to engaging community speakers, Fort Worth’s story was woven into the fabric of the experience.
ALP extends its thanks to the Leadership Fort Worth staff, alumni, board members, and volunteers who helped make the 2025 National Conference possible.
What’s Next: Omaha 2026
Couldn’t join us this year? We’re already looking ahead: The 2026 ALP National Conference will take place in Omaha, Nebraska, and we can’t wait to continue this journey together.
Learn more here.
Until next summer: Lead Change. Leave Changed.