New Aspire Leadership Development Program: September-December 2025

Are you looking to shape your career towards future leadership opportunities at a leading institution like UMBC? The Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management department is pleased to announce the launch of Aspire, a leadership development program starting September 2025, designed specifically for you!

Aspire is a semester-long program created to provide aspiring leaders – individuals who are not currently supervising staff – with the essential professional competencies and interpersonal skills needed to effectively lead in the future. This cohort-based experience will be delivered through a mix of engaging in-person instruction and team coaching. This is a unique opportunity open to all non-supervisory employees past their probationary period who are eager to take the first step on their leadership journey.

Program Summary: This comprehensive leadership development program is designed to nurture your desire for leadership through a structured and engaging curriculum. The semester-long program includes a blend of in-person learning sessions, a kick-off event, and a celebratory graduation ceremony where supervisors are invited. Attendance at all scheduled events is mandatory to ensure you gain the maximum benefit from the program's collaborative and progressive design.

The program is organized into 5 sessions (plus a kick-off and graduation ceremony), focusing on various leadership topics:

• Kick-Off Event: September 9, 2025 (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM)

• This initial event will set the stage for your leadership journey, providing an introduction to the program's goals and what you can expect.

• Leading Self - Part 1: September 16, 2025  (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

• Leading Self - Part 2: October 7, 2025  (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

• These foundational sessions will delve into understanding your personal leadership style, building self-awareness, and developing essential internal leadership qualities.

• Leading Others - Part 1: October 28th (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• Leading Others - Part 2: November 18th (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

• Building on self-leadership, these sessions will focus on the crucial skills needed to effectively guide, motivate, and empower teams and individuals.

• Leading Programs/Mission December 9th (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) 

• The final learning session will address the broader aspects of leadership, including strategic thinking and driving organizational objectives.

• Graduation Ceremony: December 16th (2:00-4:00PM)

• Celebrate your achievements and milestones at this special event, where your supervisors will be invited to acknowledge your dedication and growth.

Nomination Information & Deadline: The Aspire nomination process is a self-nomination program. Interested individuals must obtain their supervisor’s support to attend the program and full session participation is required. Applications must be submitted by: July 21, 2025

Ready to Apply?Click here to start your application!

Questions? Contact 

•  Melody Wright, Learning & Development Manager - melodyw@umbc.edu

•  Monique Conelius, OD Consultant - mconeli1@umbc.edu