From Learners to Leaders: 23 Graduates from AVPH’s First-Ever Leadership Academy

That is no small thing. These graduates showed up month after month while carrying full workloads and serving the community. Their commitment is a reminder that leadership is not measured by a title or position. True leadership is found in how people serve others, support their teams, and create opportunities for those around them to succeed.

A Six-Month Journey of Growth

The AVPH Leadership Academy was built on a belief that the next leaders of AVPH are already here, ready to rise. The Leadership Academy was offered as an open invitation, and twenty-three (23) staff members accepted! Driven by their own passion and purpose, they stepped forward to invest in themselves, claim their potential, and take ownership of their growth as leaders.

Over six months, the participants stretched beyond their comfort zones. They reflected on who they are as leaders, learned from one another across teams, and built relationships that will strengthen AVPH for years to come.

Like any family, the group came from different corners of the organization. Some participants had been with AVPH for years, while others were newer to the team, and every one of them belonged from day one. At AVPH, belonging is never something to be earned; it comes simply from being here. The Leadership Academy brought together colleagues who had always shared warm and friendly greetings but rarely had the chance to work side by side. Over six months, they became trusted partners, sounding boards, and friends.

The Leadership Roadmap

From April through September, graduates committed to a monthly workshop series designed to build both the heart and the skills of a leader. Each session challenged them to stretch further, and each time they rose to the occasion.

1. AprilParticipants stepped forward with a shared commitment to invest in themselves and embrace their potential as leaders.
2. MayThey explored workplace laws and practices that empower leaders to act with fairness and integrity.
3. JuneThe focus was on strengthening teams and building meaningful connections.
4. JulyParticipants were encouraged to lead through trust, delegation, and collaborative problem-solving.
5. AugustThey sharpened their sense of accountability through effective documentation and communication.
6. SeptemberThey stood before their peers to present their capstone projects, proudly showcasing not only what they learned, but how much they had grown along the way.

Beyond the workshops, graduates attended AVPH’s leadership meeting, gaining a firsthand look at how leadership navigates agency challenges and shares updates across the organization. AVPH also offered additional learning opportunities through the Storytelling and Reflective Supervision Workshop and the Leading the AVPH Way Seminar.

Every workshop asked graduates to give their time, energy, and best effort on top of their everyday responsibilities. They did it with commitment and enthusiasm, and the results speak for themselves.

Now, the Leadership Academy participants are ready to inspire their teams, champion AVPH’s values, and carry the mission further than ever before. The future of AVPH is in strong hands, and it is only getting brighter.

Through this work, graduates discovered that being a leader does not always mean holding a title. True leadership is about embodying character, how you lead, how you show up for others, and how you encourage the people around you to grow. Over six months, they grew in confidence, found their voices, and turned their ideas into action that made a real difference across AVPH.