Association of Leadership Programs
Ciudad Real Earns Certified Community Leadership Practitioner (CCLP) Designation
The Association of Leadership Programs (ALP) proudly recognizes Michelle Ciudad Real, Vice President, Member Engagement at the Tampa Bay Chamber, as the newest recipient of the Certified Community Leadership Practitioner (CCLP) designation.
The Certified Community Leadership Practitioner (CCLP) program was developed in response to membership feedback to provide extensive ongoing training opportunities for Community Leadership Program professionals. The CCLP designation provides Community Leadership Program professionals with an incentive to achieve excellence in professional performance with mastery of essential skills. The development of the Certified Community Leadership Practitioner program began in 2016, with the first CORE training course offered in 2019 in conjunction with the ALP National Conference held that year in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 23 Community Leadership professionals participated in the first cohort. Since 2019, nearly one hundred CLP professionals have completed the required 16 hours of CORE training.
Over forty individuals, including Ciudad Real, have completed the process, passed the certification exam, and earned the CCLP designation.
About Michelle Ciudad Real, CCLP
Michelle Ciudad Real serves on the executive team at the Tampa Bay Chamber, overseeing the membership, sponsorship, and event teams. Member Engagement for more than 1,400 member companies and over 9,000 employees accessing member benefits. She previously led the Chamber’s Leadership Programs from 2018 to 2024 and was recognized nationally as one of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives’ 40 Under 40 Emerging Leaders.
She holds certifications in Post-Crisis Hospitality Management and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion from the University of South Florida, where she has also served as a mentor. Michelle completed a two-year term as Honorary Commander of the 927th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base. She currently serves on the Tampa Board for the Children’s Home Society of Florida and is a proud member of Women in Aviation – Tampa Bay Chapter.
A Tampa native, Michelle earned a BA in Marketing from Florida International University and an AA in Dance Performance from Valencia College. Her professional path has included work with the Fontainebleau Hotel and Triad Retail Media, where she managed national digital campaigns.
Congratulations to Michelle Ciudad Real, CCLP, on this significant achievement.
About the Association of Leadership Programs
The Association of Leadership Programs serves over 280 community leadership programs across the United States and beyond. The association strives to enhance the well-being of all communities through the work of community leadership programs. Founded in 2010, ALP's mission is to strengthen the effectiveness of leadership programs and professionals. Authentic and organic community leadership development requires taking a critical look at situations, opportunities, and challenges our communities face through the lens of the entire community and pursuing a course that enhances the well-being of all.
The next CCLP CORE Training will be offered in January 2026. Learn more here.
Contact:
Jessie Baginski, Ph.D., CCLP
Director of Programs
programs@alpleaders.org