LEAD Champaign County 2026
Date and Time
Thursday Aug 27, 2026
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT
Nine-week course held on Thursday each week beginning on Thursday, August 27 and ending Thursday, October 29.
Location
Registration for this kick-off session will register you for the course. All sessions will be held in person.
Unless otherwise noted, all sessions take place at the Chamber office.
Fees/Admission
Early Bird Registration: $695 (Now through August 11) - discount will be automatically applied at registration.
Late Registration: $750 (August 11 - 27)
Sending 3 or more participants? Contact us to arrange group registration and invoicing.
*No refunds are given but you may send a substitute attendee if you cannot attend.
View Sponsorship Opportunities!
Contact Information
(217) 359-1791
Send Email
Description
Developing the Next Generation of Leaders
LEAD Champaign County is designed to shape emerging professionals into confident, community-minded leaders. Over the course of nine weeks, participants will gain practical leadership skills, strengthen their communication and professionalism and build a valuable network of peers across industries.
Through weekly sessions led by local business and civic leaders, participants explore topics such as leadership styles, strengths-based development, strategic communication and civic engagement. The program benefits both the employee and employer by investing in long-term professional and personal growth.
LEAD Champaign County Mission
- To attract and empower the next generation of community leaders in Champaign County.
- To connect young professionals to their peers, local resources and opportunities for service, leadership and advocacy.
- To engage participants in creating a stronger community.
To start the program, participants are invited to a casual networking and trivia night on August 27, 2026. This kickoff event is a great opportunity to meet fellow participants, start building relationships and set the tone for the weeks ahead. Light appetizers will be provided. Additional food and beverages available for purchase.
Nine-Week Program Schedule (Tentative):
Come back for more details!
WEEK 1 - Thursday, August 27: Opening Reception and Kick-off Event
Location TBA
Trivia
To kick off LEAD Champaign County, participants will gather to meet and get to know each other better over some food and drinks. Participants will be given further additional materials and details about the class.
WEEK 2 - Thursday, September 3: Leadership Foundations & Strengths Analysis
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Chamber Office, 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign, IL
Presented by Dr. Gayle Spencer, Illinois Leadership Center
Focus: Understanding personal leadership styles and strengths
WEEK 3 - Thursday, September 10: Effective Communication & Personal Branding
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Chamber Office, 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign, IL
Presented by Dr. Stephanie Stuart, Parkland College
Focus: Crafting your professional presence and leadership voice
WEEK 4 - Thursday, September 17: Emotional Intelligence & Leadership
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Chamber Office, 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign, IL
Presented by Heidi Esther, Heidi Esther Unlimited, LLC
Focus: Learning how to develop and lead with emotional intelligence
WEEK 5 - Thursday, September 24: Team Building & Collaboration
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Allerton Park & Retreat Center, 499 Old Timber Rd., Monticello, IL
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes, closed-toed shoes (tennis shoes are best) and bring water if needed. This will be an outdoor, (light) physical activity. Please plan and dress accordingly.
WEEK 6 - Thursday, October 1: Community Leadership & Civic Engagement
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Chamber Office, 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign, IL
Panelists from United Way, Champaign Rotary and City of Champaign
Focus: leading beyond the workplace—nonprofit boards and public service
WEEK 7 - Thursday, October 8: Navigating Conflict & Difficult Conversations
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Chamber Office, 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign, IL
Presented by Liz Borman, CIHRG
Focus: Managing workplace challenges and resolving conflicts effectively
WEEK 8 - Thursday, October 15: Preparing for Leadership Roles
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Chamber Office, 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign, IL
Presented by various business leaders in Champaign County
Focus: How to position yourself for promotions and leadership opportunities
WEEK 9 - Thursday, October 29: Etiquette Luncheon & Graduation
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location TBD
Presented by Patricia Simpson, Game-Changing Etiquette
Participants will receive a crash course on the basics of business dining etiquette from Patricia Simpson of Game-Changing Etiquette. Gain the knowledge and skills needed to feel comfortable and confident at your next business meal.
*Times may be subject to change. Updated information will be sent to participants as it becomes available.
View other sponsorships HERE!
Questions?
Contact info@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791
