Leadership Program
Explore your community. Strengthen your leadership. Build lasting connections.
Leadership Albert Lea–Freeborn County is an immersive community leadership program for people who want to better understand our region, and help shape its future.
Participants gain a behind-the-scenes look at the businesses, industries, organizations, and public institutions that keep Freeborn County moving. Through monthly tours, conversations with local leaders, and hands-on learning, the cohort explores topics including business, agriculture, education, government, healthcare, human services, public safety, quality of life, and community development.
Each session also introduces practical leadership skills that participants can apply in their workplaces, organizations, and communities. At graduation, participants will share a personal reflection on what leadership means to them and how they plan to put their experience into action.
The Leadership Experience
Participants will:
- Discover the resources, opportunities, and challenges shaping Freeborn County.
- Meet community leaders and gain perspectives they may not encounter in their everyday work.
- Strengthen skills in communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and community leadership.
- Build meaningful relationships with a diverse network of fellow participants.
- Identify ways to become more engaged in their workplaces and communities.
New for 2026: Freeborn Innovation Lab
Members of the 2026–2027 cohort will also be invited and highly encouraged to participate in the new Freeborn Innovation Lab.
This hands-on community learning series will help participants move ideas into action through:
- Community problem-solving and idea development
- Design thinking and responsible use of AI
- Digital storytelling and visual communication
- A community innovation showcase
Innovation Lab participation is not required to complete the Leadership program, but it offers an exciting opportunity to apply leadership skills to real challenges and opportunities within Freeborn County.
Who Should Apply?
Leadership Albert Lea–Freeborn County is designed for individuals who:
- Want to make a positive difference in their community.
- Are interested in growing personally and professionally.
- Want to develop relationships with people across different sectors.
- Are curious about how Freeborn County works and where it is headed.
- Are ready to become more engaged in community leadership.
Applicants from businesses, agriculture, education, government, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, civic groups, and all other areas of the community are encouraged to apply. A formal leadership title is not required… only curiosity, commitment, and a desire to grow.
Program Commitment
The program begins with an evening kickoff in August, followed by full-day sessions held on the second Tuesday of each month from September through June.
Participants are expected to:
- Attend all scheduled sessions.
- Arrive on time and participate for the full day.
- Engage actively with speakers, hosts, and fellow cohort members.
- Present a brief personal leadership reflection at the June graduation.
Applications for the 2026–2027 cohort are due in mid-August.