NORLI Is now accepting applications for the class of 2026.

deadline to apply is May 18th, 2025.

Specific details regarding dates, attendance, program expectations, and tuition/tuition assistance can be found within the application.

Regional Leadership Program - Important Dates for Class of 2026

Application Period: March 14, 2025 – May 18, 2025
Notification Period: June 16, 2025 – June 25, 2025

New Class Orientation and Alumni Meet & Greet - August 28, 2025, 5:30-7:30 PM
Opening Retreat: September 18-19, 2025 (Mandatory Attendance)
Session 1 – October 24, 2025
Session 2 – November 21, 2025
Session 3 – December 19, 2025
Session 4 – January 23, 2026
Session 5 – February 27, 2026
Session 6 – March 20, 2026
Session 7 – April 17, 2026
Session 8 - May 15, 2026
Closing Retreat: June 26, 2026 (Mandatory)

The Sessions cover the following topics: Economic Development, Public Policy, Environment, Criminal Justice, Healthcare, Education, Inclusive Leadership, and Art & Culture.

Regional Leadership Program

Overview

The Regional Leadership Program is NORLI’s flagship leadership development program that has connected, educated, and challenged over 1000 individuals since its inception in 2000. While other programs and events have been added over the years, the Regional Leadership Program is the foundation of NORLI, and it is integral to the identity and legacy for which NORLI is recognized throughout the Greater New Orleans Region.

  • 10-month immersive leadership development program focused on civic, economic, environmental, social, and policy issues throughout the 10 parishes of Southeast Louisiana.

  • A competitively selected class of 50+ individuals who are recognized as leaders and subject matter experts within their organizations or communities.

  • Structured format to strengthen individual leadership skills and foster curiosity, openness, and courage.

  • Curated content designed to challenge the thoughts, experiences, and opinions of participants through various formats including presentations, panels, discussions, assessments, tours, reflections, and activities.

Application Process

Applications are accepted each Spring over an 8 week period. The application can be completed 100% online and requires several pieces of information including:

  • Contact Information

  • Demographic Information

  • Employment Information

  • Biographical Information

  • Resume

  • Tuition Assistance Information

  • One Letter of Recommendation and Two References

  • Program Commitment

SELECTION PROCESS

The NORLI Selection Committee will seek to identify 50-55 individuals who are most likely to utilize their leadership abilities for the long-term benefit of our region.  The program is not a starting point, but rather an ongoing experiential learning process for individuals who are both acknowledged and aspiring leaders. The Selection Committee considers several factors such to ensure that the group is diverse, inclusive, and representative of the entire GNO Region.

Approximately 4-6 weeks following the close of the application period, letters of notification regarding selection to the program will be sent out via email to all applicants. If selected, applicants are responsible for the program tuition of $3,500. Tuition Assistance and payment plans are available.

People run organizations. People create policies. People are agents of change.

You’re investing in organizations, but are you investing in their leadership? You’re advocating for policies, but are you developing informed policy makers? It’s not just about the organizations or policies, it’s about people.

 

Addressing these issues requires partnership, patience, and persistence.  

The issues we face as a state and as a region require the cooperation and collaboration of our business community, our nonprofit community, and our elected leadership.

 

Our future prosperity depends on our ability to build a common narrative and a shared vision that transcends geographic and political boundaries, and that is inclusive of our diverse and independent voices. 

We believe the fundamental role of NORLI is to connect leaders from across Southeast Louisiana, and to provide them with the relationships, resources, and opportunities to collaborate and to challenge the issues that most impact our region and state.  Through thoughtful and intentional design, we curate a leadership development experience that is professional and personal.