L&D Leadership Skills
Changemaker Academy
In alignment with the Institute’s strategic plan priorities, Changemaker Academy aims to develop people leaders who operate strategically and who consistently demonstrate self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and cultural competency. The curriculum is designed to strengthen leadership abilities, enhance personal and professional growth, and support career development.
This is a four-month program that includes monthly workshops and skill-building sessions, as well as optional leadership and life coaching. Workshops, keynote talks, and professional coaching over the course of the four-month program take place both virtually and in-person 2-3 times per month. The total time commitment is 30 hours.
Program Details
Who Should Attend
Changemaker Academy is designed for any Georgia Tech faculty and staff leader at the assistant director level and above who wants to learn about developing mentoring relationships and networking. The program has served eight cohorts of accomplished leaders, many of whom accomplished professional development goals out of habits established during this program.
How You Will Benefit
By participating in Changemaker Academy, you will be able to:
- Strengthen your leadership abilities by enhancing your personal and professional growth and overall career development.
- Gain greater self-awareness, the knowledge to navigate change, and the confidence of a leader who provides space for colleagues to do the same.
- Network, build community, and advance a culture of excellence by engaging and collaborating with other leaders.
Nomination period opens Spring 2026
Much of what I have learned is applicable to my day-to-day life – not just work. The key phrase from one of our sessions regarding efficacy rings true: ‘to live our lives by design and not by default is a great step for self-efficacy and great leadership’.
Director of Development I, Office of Dvelopment
This program was excellent, and I would strongly recommend it. It connects you with other leaders whom you might never meet nor interact with on campus and provides a safe and enjoyable space for you to network, share concerns, process career management techniques, and strategize for success.
Professor of the Practice, Psychology
I have been able to interact and develop relationships with some awesome leaders here at Georgia Tech and have learned so much from the workshops. I am more intentional about my professional and personal life. This program has provided an amazing amount of tools, knowledge, and insights that are positively impacting this journey and helping me to make key decisions about my next steps.
Senior Extension Professional, EI2 – Resident Instruction
How it works
The fourth-month program includes:
- Monthly workshops and skill-building sessions in the areas of self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and storytelling.
- Leadership and life coaching is an option available to those who complete all the skill-building sessions with their cohort. Coaching deepens individual growth and empowers participants to act on their career and life goals.
Nomination Process:
Individuals can self-nominate or be nominated by a colleague during the nomination period. Only staff or faculty who are at the assistant/associate director level or above are eligible.
Nominations for the next cohort will open in the spring. To be notified when nominations open, please submit the interest form.
Additional
Resources
FAQs
How often is this program offered?
Changemaker Academy is a cohort-based leadership development program that is offered once a year, in the fall semester.
How do I apply to join this program?
Individuals can self-nominate or be nominated by a colleague during the nomination period in the spring. Only staff or faculty who are assistant/associate director level or above are eligible.
What is the program duration?
Changemaker Academy takes place over approximately four months, from late September to mid-January. An optional executive coaching component is offered following the completion of the program.
What is the time commitment for the program?
Workshops, keynote talks, and professional coaching over the course of the four-month program take place both virtually and in-person 2-3 times per month. The total time commitment is 30 hours.
What are the benefits of participating in the program?
Throughout the program, participants gain skills and insights in storytelling, mindfulness, and self-efficacy, among other subjects, by progressing through a carefully curated curriculum with a cohort of like-minded leaders. The goals of the program are to strengthen leadership abilities, enhance personal and professional growth, and support the overall career development of the participants. The Changemaker Academy program creates opportunities for leaders to network, build community, and advance a culture of excellence.
I missed the nomination period. Can I still apply?
Only nominations that are submitted within the nomination period will be considered. We encourage you to submit an interest form on the website to be notified when the nomination period opens for next year’s cohort.
How is Changemaker Academy different from Culture Champion Academy?
Changemaker Academy and Culture Champion Academy differ in their target audiences, program structure, and intensity:
| Changemaker Academy | Culture Champion Academy |
| Eligibility: assistant/associate director level or above | Eligibility: Supervisors of full-time staff or leaders in campuswide official networks (e.g., ERGs) |
| Monthly workshops and skill-building sessions. Includes an optional leadership and life coaching component for participants who complete all skill-building sessions | Requires participants to complete at least 18 credit hours of content, including pre-work, synchronous sessions, and a capstone assignment |
| Smaller cohort size: 25-30 participants | Larger cohort size, typically around 60+ participants |