Ottumwa Leadership Academy

06/16/2026

We were honored to recognize and celebrate the 2026 Ottumwa Leadership Academy at their recent graduation ceremony. This outstanding group of emerging and established leaders completed a year of growth, learning, and community impact under the guidance of Dean Dr. Jeff Hendred.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and each of the graduate project teams for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to leadership. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a wonderful graduation celebration—it was truly a great night honoring the accomplishments of this exceptional class!

06/15/2026

Our final Ottumwa Leadership Academy 2026 session brought together self-reflection, meaningful discussion, and professional growth!

Class members shared personal items during the "Who Am I" activity, discussed lessons from The Go-Giver, and learned etiquette tips from Callista Gould of the Culture & Manners Institute. Thank you to Greg Hanshaw, President & CEO of C1st, for opening the session and serving as our session sponsor.

What a meaningful way to conclude another incredible year of leadership development!

06/12/2026

🎉 Applications are now open for the 2026 Ottumwa Leadership Lab!

This advanced leadership cohort is designed for alumni of the Ottumwa Leadership Academy who want to deepen their skills in communication, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, culture change, and leadership excellence.

✔️ 6 interactive sessions

✔️ Practical tools you can use immediately

✔️ Cohort-based learning and real-world application

Apply by July 15, 2026. Space is limited!

Apply here:
https://bitly.cx/84bGs

06/11/2026

Congratulations to the Ottumwa Leadership Academy Class of 2026!

Today, members of this year's class will complete their final session, followed by a graduation ceremony to celebrate 10 months of leadership development.

Congratulations, graduates!

06/10/2026

Yesterday, we were honored to join community members, leaders, and participants of the Ottumwa Leadership Academy for the ribbon cutting of "Walk a Mile in Our Shoes" and the newly designated "Unity Mile" along the Wapello County Trail System.

This O.L.A. project encourages residents to explore diverse perspectives, celebrate the cultures that make Ottumwa unique, and strengthen connections across our community.

We are proud to support initiatives that foster belonging, inclusion, and community engagement, and we congratulate this Ottumwa Leadership Academy 2026 class team on bringing their meaningful vision to life.

Be sure to visit the Unity Mile and experience the stories, perspectives, and connections that help make Ottumwa stronger!

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

Every year Leadership Academy students make a positive impact on our community! Check out one of this year's projects - they had a ribbon cutting to celebrate.

06/09/2026

Alumni, join us for the Business Book Club!

We’re discussing The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins.
When: Tuesday, July 14th from 4:30-6:30 PM
Where: Wissota Chophouse

No cost to participate. Participant is responsible for book purchase and any food or drinks at event.

Sign up by Tuesday, July 7th!
https://bit.ly/OLA-EVENTS

06/08/2026

Curious what participants are saying about O.L.A.? Hear from Lourjhan Cudal about his experience this year:

"Being part of the Ottumwa Leadership Academy has been an amazing experience. I not only learned more about the community, but I also grew in confidence and leadership. The relationships I built and the perspectives I gained have stuck with me. It pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best way, and I’m grateful for everything I took away from it.

One of the biggest things I appreciated was the opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds who all shared a passion for making our community better. The program opened my eyes to the work being done behind the scenes in Ottumwa and inspired me to become more involved myself. I am leaving O.L.A. with stronger communication skills, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the community I’m proud to be a part of."

Want to be part of next year's class? Apply by June 30th! Applications available on our website. https://www.ottumwaleadershipacademy.org/apply/online-2/

06/07/2026

One of this year’s class projects focuses on “Walking a Mile in Our Shoes’ highlighting stories of community members. Check out the KTVO story and The Unity Mile.

OTTUMWA, Iowa - The Ottumwa Legacy Foundation’s Leadership Academy is encouraging residents to get to know their fellow community members by walking a mile in their shoes.