Our services
Empower Kearney: Leadership Academy is a nine-month experience designed to grow confident, connected, community-minded leaders who are ready to lead well at work, in service, and throughout the Kearney area.
A Leadership Experience Built for Kearney
The Kearney Chamber of Commerce created the Empower Kearney: Leadership Academy to invest in the people who are shaping the future of our businesses, organizations, schools, nonprofits, and community.
Leadership is not reserved for CEOs, executives, or people with a certain title. Leadership is a practicable, learnable skill that grows through self-awareness, service, communication, trust, and a willingness to keep learning.
Through monthly sessions, guest instructors, community education, personal growth work, and meaningful connection, participants gain tools they can immediately use in their workplace, volunteer roles, and everyday leadership.
Start with the Leadership Showcase
Curious about the Academy? Join us for the Leadership Showcase — a free preview event designed to introduce prospective participants, employers, and community members to the purpose, experience, and impact of the Academy.
Guests will hear from Chamber leadership, current Academy participants, and featured speakers while getting a firsthand look at what makes this program valuable.
Leadership Showcase
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: KSD Central Office, 425 W Washington Street
Cost: Free to attend
Who Is the Academy For?
Emerging Leaders
For individuals preparing to take on more responsibility, lead teams, or step into new opportunities.
Business & Organizational Leaders
For owners, managers, directors, and professionals who want to strengthen culture, communication, and trust.
Community-Minded Professionals
For people who want to better understand Kearney, Clay County, and the organizations shaping our future.
Nonprofit, Civic & Volunteer Leaders
For those serving through boards, committees, ministries, service organizations, and community initiatives.
What You’ll Gain
- Personal leadership and self-awareness
- Communication and trust-building
- Servant leadership and leading by example
- Team culture and workplace influence
- Purpose, values, and personal brand
- Community knowledge and civic connection
- Resilience, well-being, and continued growth
- Confidence to lead with clarity and authenticity
This is not leadership theory for a binder. It is leadership development designed to be practiced, applied, and lived.
How the Academy Works
Empower Kearney: Leadership Academy meets monthly from September through May, with a recognition luncheon following the completion of the program. Each session combines leadership instruction, discussion, reflection, hands-on learning, and community education.
Program Length: 9 months
Sessions:
Monthly, September–May
Format:
Leadership lessons, guest instructors, assessments, group discussion, community education, and applied learning
Attendance:
Participants are expected to attend all sessions
Recognition:
Graduates are formally recognized during the last Academy session. Guests and Employers are invited to attend.
Member Tuition:
$699
Non-Member Tuition:
$955
A Look Inside the Academy
Each session is designed to help participants grow personally, lead more effectively, and better understand the community they serve.
- Leadership Foundations & Personal Growth
- Leading by Example & Servant Leadership
- Purpose, Values & Your Why
- Communication, Trust & Team Culture
- Vulnerability, Mentorship & Growth
- Community History & Civic Awareness
- Local Government, Public Safety, Education & Human Services
- Well-Being, Resilience & Leadership Sustainability
- Leadership in Action & Final Reflection
Local Leaders Are Already Growing Through the Academy
The Leadership Academy brings together professionals from businesses, schools, nonprofits, civic organizations, and community-focused companies
throughout the Kearney and KC Northland area. Listen to what the inaugural cohort had to say about their Academy experience.
Our Sponsors
Strong leaders build stronger teams, healthier workplaces, and more engaged communities. The Leadership Academy gives employers a meaningful way to invest in team members who show promise, initiative, and a desire to grow.
Participants return with improved self-awareness, stronger communication skills, a broader community network, and a deeper understanding of how local businesses, schools, nonprofits, and civic partners work together.
- Develop emerging leaders from within
- Strengthen communication and workplace culture
- Build community connections for your organization
- Support employee retention and engagement
- Demonstrate investment in professional growth
- Connect your business to the future of Kearney
