About the Emerging Leaders Program
The Minority Veterans of America Emerging Leaders Program invests in developing the next generation of minority veteran leaders as they continue to make an impact in their local communities. Working to address the leadership development gaps that exist for minority veterans, the program includes an annual retreat, 12 months of leadership development opportunities, and mentorship from community partners, career coaches, and program alumni.
Emerging Leaders Program Offerings
Annual Retreat
A three-day event during which attendees will gather in small, regional groups to discuss personal and professional development, organizing, and leadership growth.
Quarterly Firesides
Leaders will meet quarterly to participate in trainings and engage in small and large group discussions on important topics and themes.
Mentorship
Personal, professional, and peer mentorship to empower growth and development.
Applications Due
Emerging Leaders Retreat
Quarterly Firesides
Mentorship
Cohort Completion
Emerging Leaders Cohort 3 Schedule
ROLLING
OCtober 3-5, 2023 | Seattle, WA
January, April, July
April - September
October 2024
Who should apply for Emerging Leaders
Emerging leaders is open to veterans and current service members of all eras of service who are ready to get connected to community and take their leadership to the next level. While all are welcome and encouraged to apply, applications from the following groups will receive priority.
Transitioning service members
Service members within one year of transitioning out of service
Newly separated Veterans
Veterans within their first two years after separation from service
minority veterans
Veterans who are racial, gender, sexual, and religious minorities
Emerging Leaders Cohort 3 Schedule
Day 1
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m Check-In
12:00 - 12:30 p.m Kickoff and Welcome Session
Welcome: Emerging Leader Kickoff
12:30 - 1:45 Session 1
Investment in Personal Excellence
2:15 - 3:30 Session 2
Resilience
3:45 - 5:00 Session 3
Everyday Mindfulness
6:00 - 8:00 Evening Social Event
Emerging Leaders + P2P Mashup Social
Day 2
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Session 4
Effective Communication
11:00 - 12:30 p.m. Session 5
Title: Intersectionality and Critical Race Theory
1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Session 6
Title: Marginalized Veterans
3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Afternoon On Own
7:00 - 9:00 p.m Emerging Leaders Banquet Dinner
Day 3
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 - 10:15 a.m. Session 7
Title: Media Strategy and Tactics
10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Session 8
Title: Social Justice and Policy Advocacy
12:00 a.m. - 12:30 Closing Curriculum Remarks
Title: Where do we go from here?
1:00 - 3:30 p.m. Outdoor Activity with Sierra Club
What Our Emerging Leaders Say
ELR was a transformative experience and I felt welcome and supported by those around me. I learned important concepts and engaged in serious conversations with others who share my experiences and concerns for the future.
For most of my career in the Marine Corps I was taught that appearing vulnerable was a sign of weakness. I was conditioned to believe having empathy made me a lesser warfighter and admitting to a weakness could be a career ender. I've shaken most of that off since my retirement but it was incredibly validating to learn, from people who really matter, that I'm not alone. At the MVA's Emerging Leader's Retreat I was reminded that admitting vulnerability isn't a weakness, it's an act of bravery.
The ELR was a life changing experience for me. The MVA team deliberately
crafted a space for people to feel welcome, safe and supported as they explored deeply personal themes and workshops. There was a intention behind every speaker, workshop and mind-body balance session that was selected. The space for inner transformation that was created by the team and the speakers I think had an impact on so many people. ELR is unlike any other military veteran space that I know of. You'll feel welcome and supported in your journey to dive deeper as a minority leader.
Apply for Emerging Leaders
Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey?
Sponsors + Supporters
