Authentic Leadership Institute
Professor Roxane Adler Hickey
The Authentic Leadership Institute (ALI) is a seven-credit academic program comprised of a one-week spring prep course, a two-week intensive course at the end of May, and a summer-long internship with an affiliated course. Combined, this program allows W&M students to work, learn, and live in D.C. for the summer.
The world needs great leaders who inspire and guide people to reach big goals and visions. The ALI will allow students to consider existing leadership theories and explore what leadership looks like in a variety of formal and informal settings. Together the class will investigate what it means to be an authentic leader who leads and inspires with clear morals and integrity. With a focus on bringing their genuine and intersecting identities, students will intentionally develop their leadership style that they can then bring into their summer internships and beyond.
In the two-week intensive May course, students will interact with prominent DC-based leaders in a variety of industries, including government, education, non-profits, and business. Through site visits and guest lectures, students will gain insight into the most effective leadership strategies from the most successful change makers. Students will develop a network of personal relationships with leaders to carry forth in their lives and careers. Lively discussions around current issues in leadership will complement readings and assignments that will help fellows reflect on their own leadership approach.
