Leadership Lafayette
We live in complex and challenging times. Amid the opportunities of an ever-changing civic landscape, leadership has never mattered more. Participants selected for the Leadership Lafayette program can expect a dynamic experience through an integrated, experiential community leadership program framed around local challenges. These shared experiences transform individuals into a network of leaders to shape our community’s future.
The Leadership Lafayette experience is not a starting point for leadership development, but rather a process for leaders to refine and enhance their commitment to our community. Following graduation, participants will join the Leadership Institute of Acadiana’s network of nearly 1,000 local alumni.
Applications for Leadership Lafayette are currently closed. Class XL Applications should open in the fall of 2026.
What is Leadership Lafayette?
Leadership Lafayette is the flagship program of the Leadership Institute of Acadiana and boasts many of the region’s most distinguished leaders as program graduates. The intensive experience is designed to inform, educate, and connect the emerging and experienced leaders of the Lafayette region to some of our community’s biggest assets, most daunting challenges, and most interesting people.
Leadership Lafayette was started by the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and has graduated over 700 leaders in the past 30 years. The Leadership Institute has since become an independent organization but continues to develop community leaders in partnership with One Acadiana.
What can Leadership Lafayette participants expect?
Graduates leave the program as part of an alumni network of over 700 leaders who are better informed of community history and present-day realities. They also emerge better connected to the people, organizations, and service opportunities that can together, make positive and meaningful changes in the county.
When graduates activate the knowledge and connections gained through Leadership Lafayette, the community and businesses benefit from improved understanding, services, and relationships. Organizations supportive of their staff member’s participation gain additional visibility and recognition as being committed to the improvement of the Lafayette community.
Who is a good fit for Leadership Lafayette?
Leaders within the community who seek to expand and further develop their leadership skills, explore different experiences and points of view, and build relationships with others equally committed to improving the Lafayette community.
In addition, applicants must be willing and able to commit to the mandatory retreat and the time necessary to complete the program.
Leadership Lafayette: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
Tuition for Leadership Lafayette is $2,500.
Selection to Leadership Lafayette is made without regard to an applicant’s financial circumstances. To ensure qualified and diverse representation in the Leadership Lafayette offers financial aid for up to 50% of the tuition cost. Financial aid requests are to be submitted at the time of application.
What are the participation requirements?
Attendance is crucial for class members to have a successful year. To recognize the value and to preserve the integrity of the totality of the Leadership Lafayette experience, graduation is contingent upon participation.
- Participants must commit to attending the opening retreat and all scheduled class days. A full list of specific dates is listed under the commitment agreement. Failure to attend class days without a valid reason shall be considered by the Executive Committee as cause to be eliminated from the program.
- Attendance at the opening retreat is mandatory. Failure to attend any portion of the opening retreat for any reason, will disqualify a member from participating in the class.
What are some participant expectations?
Leadership Lafayette has become a community institution and boasts many of this area’s most distinguished leaders as graduates. If selected, you can expect an exciting year that exposes you to some of our community’s biggest assets, most daunting challenges, and most interesting people.
- Participants should bring an open mind, a commitment to serving Acadiana, and a willingness to listen and learn, regardless of any potential conflicting perspectives.
- Participants are asked to contribute to discussions and to allow others the opportunity to contribute. Leadership Lafayette is not a standardized program—each class will undergo a unique experience. Participants should be ready to engage, build camaraderie with classmates, and to embrace new perspectives in a professional manner.
Questions?
Contact us for questions or more information about the Leadership Lafayette program.
Leadership Lafayette: Testimonials
Leadership Lafayette gave me more than just connections. It gave me confidence. Each session challenged me to think bigger, listen deeper, and step into leadership in a way that’s authentic to who I am. It changed how I show up, not just in my career, but in my community and personal life too.
As a “relatively” new leader in Acadiana, I applied to Leadership Lafayette hoping to understand the region better. I walked away with a deep appreciation for the challenges we face, but more importantly, the people who are working every day to solve them. The network and insights I gained continue to shape my leadership style at work.
This program helped me connect the dots between my passions and the needs in our community. I met people I would’ve never crossed paths with otherwise, and together we created a project that still has ripple effects today. Leadership Lafayette gave me a seat at the table and the courage to use my voice.
Years later, I still lean on the lessons and relationships I gained through Leadership Lafayette. Whether it’s collaborating with classmates on a nonprofit board or calling a fellow alum for guidance, the value of this experience keeps growing long after graduation.