Mission: To inspire, prepare and empower the women of Alabama to lead our state to a more equitable and prosperous future.

Vision: An improved Alabama leadership through the talents of empowered women.

Through Leading Edge Institute, young women who are “diamonds in the rough” evolve into thoughtful, courageous leaders prepared to take on the demands of government, business, education, and social change. Since 2001, hundreds of female students from Alabama colleges and universities have been challenged and changed by our unique approach to Leadership Development for Social Change.

Summer Institute: During an intensive week-long immersion, students learn about themselves, explore leadership styles and challenges, study the sociology of gender and complexities of diversity, engage in service-learning in the Black Belt, learn about poverty in Alabama, and begin relationships with dynamic women leaders from all walks of life.

Leadership Action Opportunities: In the fall, students practice their leadership skills in real-world contexts. They get financial support from a mini-grant program and work toward building a solid financial foundation for themselves. Leading Edge staff help them reflect on what they are learning from both success and failure. Learning continues through web-based seminars as well. Students often work with mentors or shadow seasoned women professionals.

Winter Summit: The year ends with a weekend retreat which includes continued training in financial literacy, conflict resolution, communication skills, and setting healthy boundaries. Time is spent in reflection and goal-setting. The retreat concludes with the Winter Gala, a graduation celebration for students, alumnae, sponsors and community leaders.

Leading Edge endows students with skills and relationships to help them succeed — and a passion to make a difference in their world!

Students hearing about Powerful & Effective Communication with Dr. Jacque Shaia

Students "Trust Sequence" segment with their reflection group leaders.