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Protégés

Leadership Academy 2026 Testimonials

"The Leadership Academy experience changed my life. It interrupted a pattern of handling high-stress situations in an isolated and unhealthy way. I am now better able to lead in a calm and confident way, while utilizing supports and delegating when appropriate. "

"The Leadership Academy was an incredible experience that gave me the opportunity to grow as a leader, build meaningful relationships, and learn from people with diverse experiences and perspectives. I walked away with new tools, greater confidence, and connections that I know will continue well beyond the program."

"Participating in the Leadership Academy was a valuable experience that helped me grow both personally and professionally. It strengthened my confidence as a leader, gave me new tools and perspectives, and reminded me that effective leadership is about empowering others while continuing to grow yourself. I am grateful for the experience and would encourage others who want to strengthen their leadership skills to participate."

"My self-confidence and intrinsic value assessment was boosted and validated by my mentor and participation."

"The Leadership Academy is great for growth in the field for learning more supervisor skills if leadership is in the future in your career, also getting to know more people in this awesome field of work we do is a great way to expand in resources."

"The academy was very helpful in exploring leadership styles, and things to consider when working with different people across generations."

"I loved the opportunity to travel to get away from the office to experience the academy and be fully present.  The virtual experience gave me lots of good info to reflect upon and use in the future as a leader."

"The leadership program provided a broad outline; was informative and I gained a new understanding and respect of being a clinical supervisor. "

The purpose of the Leadership Academy is to enhance the knowledge of a diverse group of promising individuals at an optimal point in their career. It is important that an applicant interested in being a Protégé has realistic leadership potential and is committed to their agency and the substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery support fields.

The five-phase design lays the foundation for Protégés, developing these skills and provides an infrastructure for emerging leaders.

  • Phase 1: Recruitment of Protégés (thru November 18, 2026)
  • Phase 2: Virtual Leadership Academy Welcome & Orientation (January 26, 2027)
  • Phase 3: In-person Protégé Immersion Training in Denver, CO (March 2 – 4, 2027)
  • Phase 4: Virtual Leadership Academy Enhanced Professional Learning Series (weekly from March 23 – April 27, 2027) and Mentor-Protégé Monthly Meetings (March – August 2027)
  • Phase 5: Virtual Leadership Academy Celebration Session (August 31, 2027)

Eligibility for Protégés

  • Employed in the substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery support field, or related profession;
  • Employed as a mid-level manager or in a supervisory position in the field for a minimum of two years;
  • Certified or licensed as substance use counselor or other licensed professional (e.g., certified prevention specialist, peer recovery support certified);
  • Demonstrates potential for leadership through professional or volunteer memberships, activities, and responsibilities;
  • Shows openness to feedback and a willingness to learn;
  • Is willing to commit to the full five-phase Leadership Academy process from January through August 2027; and
  • Has all equipment and technology necessary to participate through Zoom for all virtual events. This includes a webcam, microphone, internet connection, and a suitable device for meeting with others (e.g., tablet, laptop, desktop computer –not only a smart phone).

Application

The Protégé Application Form and the Mentor Interest Form are due on or before November 18, 2026. After that date, Leadership Academy staff will review all submissions and will notify applicants by December 14, 2026.

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