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Session Topics
- Arts, History & Culture
- Environment
- Education
- Health & Human Services
- Infrastructure
- Social & Criminal Justice
- Business Growth & Development
- Politics & Government
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Speakers & Program Structure
Each session will be facilitated by Leadership Wilmington Alumni, key community leaders, and industry professionals. Professional development sessions are also included as part of the curriculum. You will be encouraged to ask questions and share freely from your experiences to help your peers better understand your perspective in our community.
Upon graduation, you will be presented with your personalized Leadership Wilmington plaque and will be welcomed into the Leadership Wilmington Alumni network and invited to join the LW Alumni Council.
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2024 – 2025 Session Dates & Times
Each class member is expected to participate in the orientation, retreat, all monthly program sessions, Work On Wilmington, and graduation.
2024-2025 dates are as follows:
- One-hour orientation and networking mixer – July 25, 2024, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
- Three-day/two-night retreat to begin the program - August 14-16, 2024
- Eight all-day sessions - September 2024 through April 2025, Second Tuesday of the Month (except April, first Tuesday), 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- April session will begin and end later in the day to allow for class participation in a City Council Meeting
- Work on Wilmington - April 26, 2025
- Half-day session - May 6, 2025
- Graduation ceremony - May 13, 2025
To graduate from the program, each class member is expected to participate in the orientation, retreat, all monthly program sessions, Work On Wilmington and graduation. Participants must complete a first draft of their Leadership Philosophy before graduation. Those interested in the Leadership Wilmington program need to make a serious commitment. Employers must agree in advance to grant participants time off from their duties to attend all sessions.
- One-hour orientation and networking mixer – July 25, 2024, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
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2025 - 2026 Session Dates & Times
Each class member is expected to participate in the orientation, retreat, all monthly program sessions, Work On Wilmington, and graduation.
2025-2026 dates are as follows:
July 31, 2025, 4:00-6:00pm Orientation and Networking Mixer August 11-13, 2025 Three-day/two-night retreat September 9, 2025, 8:00-5:00pm Arts, History, and Culture October 14, 2025 8:00-5:00pm Education November 4, 2025, 7:45am-5:00pm Environment December 9, 2025, 7:30am-5:00pm Health & Human Services January 13, 2026, 8:00am-5:00pm Infrastructure February 10, 2026, 8:00-5:00pm Business Growth & Development March 10, 2026, 7:45am-5:00pm Social & Criminal Justice & Public Safety April 7, 2026, 9:30am-7:00pm Politics & Government April 18, 2026, 8:00am-12:00pm Work on Wilmington May 5, 2026, 9:00am-1:00pm Closing Session May 12, 2026 Graduation
To graduate from the program, each class member is expected to participate in the orientation, retreat, all monthly program sessions, Work On Wilmington and graduation. Participants must complete a first draft of their Leadership Philosophy before graduation. Those interested in the Leadership Wilmington program need to make a serious commitment. Employers must agree in advance to grant participants time off from their duties to attend all sessions. -
Ideal Candidate
Participants come from corporate, small business, education, non-profit and governmental sectors. All established and budding community leaders are encouraged to apply. Must live or work in New Hanover County.
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Tuition & Application
Tuition for the program is $2,750. This fee will cover the orientation, retreat, class day meals, snacks, transportation, site visit fees, facilitator fees, and program materials. Some scholarship funds are available.
The application for the 2025-2026 Leadership Wilmington Class will open March 1 and the application deadline will be Friday, May 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm.