Since 2018, the LGBTQ Leadership Institute has provided LGBTQ individuals across Iowa with the skills, connections, and confidence to lead authentically in their communities. Running annually from June to October, this program offers a structured curriculum designed to foster leadership, resilience, and professional growth.
Program Overview:
- LGBTQ Foundations – Covering history, intersectionality, power, and privilege.
- Resilient Leadership – Strengthening communication, accountability, and self-care.
- Skill Building – Developing public speaking, media training, and political engagement skills.
- Mentorship & Capstone – Pairing participants with mentors and guiding them in creating a personal leadership project.
Each participant designs a Capstone Project based on their passions and career goals, with past projects ranging from launching nonprofits to writing books, creating art, and planning career shifts. Through mentorship and skill-building, the LGBTQ Leadership Institute helps individuals take meaningful steps toward leadership and advocacy.
Applications open annually—future leaders are encouraged to apply.
Application Information
The LGBTQ Leadership Institute application is due by midnight on April 14, 2025. Applicants can submit responses in writing or as an audio recording, which should be sent to One Iowa’s Program Coordinator, Paden Sheumaker, at paden@oneiowa.org.
Paden is available to provide guidance throughout the application process; however, neither Paden nor any One Iowa staff member is involved in grading applications.
The application selection committee is composed of program alumni who prioritize substance over style, meaning grammar and sentence structure are not graded. The committee values future goals over past experiences, so individuals with limited leadership experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
Program Expectations
- Participants may be required to view pre-recorded content before sessions.
- Attendance at in-person sessions is strongly encouraged, with free headshots provided in June.
- Participants should not miss more than three classes.
Cost & Accessibility
The standard program fee is $250, but sliding-scale scholarships are available to all participants upon request. In 2023, 75% of participants attended at no cost.
Apply for LGBTQ Leadership Institute 2025!2025 Schedule
Running June–October, the program follows a hybrid model with both virtual and in-person sessions in Des Moines. Mileage assistance is available for those traveling.
May
On May 31 (Saturday), the in-person session will take place in Des Moines from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
June
On June 10, there will be a virtual session from 3:30 – 6:00 PM. Another virtual session will take place on June 24, also from 3:30 – 6:00 PM.
July
A virtual session is scheduled for July 8, from 3:30 – 6:00 PM, followed by another on July 22, also from 3:30 – 6:00 PM.
August
On August 9 (Saturday), there will be an in-person session in Des Moines from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. A virtual session will follow on August 26 from 3:30 – 6:00 PM.
September
The first virtual session in September will be held on September 9, from 3:30 – 6:00 PM. The second virtual session will be on September 23, from 3:30 – 6:00 PM.
October
On October 7, there will be an optional Capstone Work Session virtually from 3:30 – 6:00 PM. The Graduation Ceremony will be on October 18 (Saturday), with a Lunch & Ceremony from 12:00 – 1:00 PM, Capstone Presentations from 1:00 – 4:00 PM, and a Happy Hour/Celebration from 4:00 – 6:00 PM.
