The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) proudly celebrated the graduation of 17 accomplished professionals from the NAWDP Leadership Academy on May 18 at the 42nd NAWDP Annual Conference.
The NAWDP Leadership Academy is a prestigious program designed to empower and equip leaders with the essential skills, knowledge, and innovative strategies needed to drive transformational change within the workforce development sector. Offered in cooperation with the University of Georgia (UGA) and its J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, the program fosters a community of excellence through collaborative learning, cutting-edge research, and practical application.
Cohort #1 Graduates
The following individuals successfully completed the NAWDP Leadership Academy:
| Lisa N. Davis | GA | Kayci Loftus | WA |
| Awilda Gonzalez | IL | Nikiesha Virgil | VA |
| Lisa Kukreja Liley | CO | Toya Graham Ed.D | CO |
| Lerone Joseph | VA | Adam Johnson | PA |
| Shannon Johnson | MO | Dana Sheldon | MD |
| Barbetta Womack | TX | Ronald Marlow | MA |
| Erica Davis | MO | Nicole Dixon | FL |
| Matthew Tyler | SC | LeeAnn Hayes | SC |
| Timothy Smith | TX |
Dual Credentials Earned
Graduates of the Leadership Academy earn two prestigious credentials upon completion:
- A Certificate from the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute of Leadership Development
- The Certified Workforce Development Leader (CWDL) certification from NAWDP
A Curriculum Built for Impact
The Leadership Academy accepts up to 25 individuals per cohort, ensuring a focused and highly engaged learning environment. The curriculum centers on three core areas of leadership competency essential to the workforce development sector:
- Self-Understanding and Awareness — Developing a strong foundation of personal insight and emotional intelligence as a leader.
- Building Positive and Effective Relationships — Cultivating the interpersonal and collaborative skills needed to lead diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Transforming Thoughts and Visions into Action — Turning strategic ideas into measurable outcomes that advance workforce development.
These competencies are explored across five sessions and a culminating capstone project, giving participants both the theoretical grounding and practical tools to lead with confidence and purpose.
Applications for 2027–28 Cohort
NAWDP will open applications for its third Leadership Academy cohort on October 1, 2026. Workforce development professionals interested in advancing their leadership skills and earning the CWDL certification are encouraged to apply.
For more information about the NAWDP Leadership Academy, visit nawdp.org.
