WLI is rigorous 8-month course in applied leadership, designed to instruct individuals with demonstrated leadership potential, and deploy them to highly visible, public service leadership opportunities in Wilson. Participants are given practical and real-world training in the discipline of public service leadership, and work as a team to address an urgent community need.

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Created in 2015 as a collaborative project between Wilson Forward, the Wilson Economic Development Council, and Wilson Chamber of Commerce, WLI began as an effort called The Impact Initiative. The Impact Initiative graduated two classes before being rebranded as the Wilson Leadership Institute in 2019. The Wilson Leadership Institute endeavors to be the authoritative source of leadership talent in Wilson.

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Throughout its history, Wilson has benefitted from the contributions of many visionary leaders. These leaders seemed to develop naturally during a time when citizenship and civic duty were central points of focus for the most accomplished and respected members of our community. The Wilson Leadership Institute endeavors to be the authoritative source of leadership talent in Wilson. Beginning with the initial interview and continuing throughout the program, coordinators assess the talents and interests of participants in the cohort. As leadership opportunities emerge on community boards and initiatives, program coordinators work to connect present and past participants that meet those organizational needs.