LEADERSHIP Core

Philadelphia is shaped by leaders who step forward.

If you are ready to expand your influence, build trusted relationships across sectors, and play a meaningful role in the city’s next chapter, LEADERSHIP Philadelphia’s Core Program is designed for you.

For more than four decades, the Core Program has brought together accomplished leaders from business, government, and the nonprofit community for an immersive civic experience that transforms how they lead — and how they show up for Philadelphia. Participants gain unparalleled access to the city’s most influential institutions, wrestle with real civic challenges, and join a network of over 4,000 alumni who serve as trusted connectors and catalysts across the region.

The Core Program is the defining civic experience in Philadelphia.

Program alumni include some of the most respected business and civic leaders in Philadelphia including: 

  • Cathy Cahill, Chief Executive Officer, Highmark Mann
  • Donna Frisby-Greenwood, Senior Vice President, Philadelphia & Scientific Advancement, The Pew Charitable Trusts
  • Jane Golden, Founder & Executive Director, Mural Arts Philadelphia
  • Mike Innocenzo, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Exelon Corporation
  • Michael Nutter, 98th Mayor, City of Philadelphia
  • Kathyrn Ott Lovell, Chief Executive Officer, Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation & PHL250
  • Cherelle L. Parker, 100th Mayor, City of Philadelphia
  • Bret Perkins, Senior Vice President, External & Government Affairs, Comcast Corporation
  • Jordan Rambo, Philadelphia Office Managing Director, Accenture
  • Don Smolenski, President, The Philadelphia Eagles

 

Program Experience

During the program, participants will: 

  • Engage with Philadelphia’s most influential institutions and leaders through immersive, behind-the-scenes experiences across the city
  • Strengthen their leadership capacity through reflection, feedback, and skill development grounded in real civic challenges
  • Deepen their understanding of Philadelphia’s civic landscape, from economic development and education to arts, culture, and community impact   
  • Build practical governance skills including hands on nonprofit board training
  • Develop meaningful cross-sector relationships and partnerships that broaden their influence and serve their organization’s interests

 

Program Benefits

At the end of the program, each participant will receive:

  • A personalized leadership development plan, including strengths and potential areas for growth 
  • The opportunity to join a non-profit board aligned with their skills and interests
  • Access to a network of over 4,000 alumni who serve as the most trusted connectors in the region 

 

Program Details

When: Monthly between September 2026 – June 2027

Where: At iconic locations across the city such as City Hall, Lincoln Financial Field, and the Franklin Institute. 

Tuition: $8,800*  

*Because cross-sector cohorts are integral to the Core program’s unique experience, a certain number of seats in each class are reserved for nonprofit leaders. Depending on the size of their organizations, nonprofit leaders may qualify for a discounted tuition rate. Please contact LEADERSHIP Philadelphia for more information.

Who should apply? 

  • Civic-minded rising or established leaders committed to personal growth and making a meaningful impact in their organizations and across the Philadelphia region

 

Application Process 

Candidates should submit:
(1) an Application
(2) a Sponsor recommendation
(3) a non-refundable $500 application fee (upon acceptance into the program, the remaining balance will be due no later than August 31, 2026)

Once LEADERSHIP Philadelphia has received a completed application, sponsor form, and the application fee, candidates will be contacted for an interview between May and August.

 

For questions about the program or the application process, contact Angela Tillar: atillar@LEADPhila.org or (215) 893-9999.