Leadership Waco Class XLII (42) Application

Application for Class XLII (42)

2025-2026
Welcome to Leadership Waco!
Thank you for your interest in Leadership Waco! For over 40 years, the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce has cultivated strong, engaged leaders through this impactful program.

About Leadership Waco
Leadership Waco is designed to equip current and emerging leaders with a deeper understanding of our community. Through immersive learning experiences, participants gain insight into key local industries, collaborate with other professionals, and develop the skills needed to drive meaningful change. Over ten months, the program provides exclusive access to industry leaders and institutions shaping Waco’s future.

Each year, a limited number of applicants are selected through a competitive application process. Applications are carefully reviewed by an anonymous selection committee, with final approval granted by the Chamber’s Executive Committee. The 2025-2026 Leadership Waco class will be announced in July.

Eligibility Requirements
To apply, you must:
✅ Live or work in McLennan County for at least 12 months
✅ Be employed by an organization in good standing with the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce
✅ Be at least 25 years old

Note: Almost exclusively, only one employee from each business or organization will be selected per class.

Time Commitment
Leadership Waco requires active participation. The class meets one Tuesday per month from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Attendance is critical—missing more than two sessions (for any reason) will result in dismissal from the program.

Please review the schedule below to confirm you can commit to at least eight of these class days:

August 19, 2025 - Orientation & Leadership Development (mandatory)

September 9 - Regional Services Day

October 21 - History Day

November 18 - Economic Development Day

December 9 – Leadership Development & Team Building Day

January 13, 2026 – Education Day

February 10 – Nonprofit Day

March 17 – Healthcare Day

April 21 – Tourism Day

May 12 – Visions for the Future Day

June 9 – Law & Order Day

June 23 - Graduation
I can commit to attending at least eight class days and the orientation on August 19.*
If you answered "no," you will want to stop filling out the application and consider applying for a future cohort.
Application Checklist
All application materials must be submitted by May 7, 2025. Incomplete or late submissions will not be reviewed by the selection committee.

✅ Completed application form
✅ Resume (uploaded)
✅ One recommendation form from a leader in Waco. The link to the form will be sent to you by an auto-generated email upon submission of your application. CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER if you don't immediately see it.
✅ High-resolution headshot or quality photograph (for marketing purposes only; not used in selection)
✅ Application fee of $100 (paid by applicant). The remaining tuition balance of $1,550 is due upon acceptance into the program and must be paid in full before the retreat in August.
✅ Signed agreement (below)

Important: Do not submit additional letters of recommendation or extra materials. Only the items listed above will be reviewed.
Application Agreement
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to the following program requirements:

Tuition Fees:

$1,650 ($1550 after $100 application fee)

Orientation:

A mandatory full-day retreat on August 19, 2025.

Session Attendance:

-There are 10 sessions from September to June.
-Only 2 absences are allowed per year.
-Leaving early (more than 2 hours) or arriving late (more than 2 hours) will count as an absence.

Cell Phones & Devices:

-Silence phones during sessions and use them only during breaks, lunch, or on the bus.
-Tablets, laptops, and handheld devices are permitted only for note-taking during sessions.

Outside Assignments:

-Attend at least one City Council, School Board, or County Commissioners meeting.
-Attend at least one local cultural event (e.g., theater, symphony, art exhibit).
-Participate in a group project (details to be determined).

Professional Representation:

Represent the community, your business, and the Chamber in a professional manner at all times.

I certify that the information provided in this application is accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand and commit to the requirements outlined above and agree to abide by them.
I agree to the above LW Class Requirements.*

Clear
First Name*
Last Name*
Please enter your Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
Date
Place of Birth
Home Address*

Street Address Line

Street Address Line 2

CityCity, State, Zip

Postal / Zip Code
Personal Phone Number*
Preferred Email Address*
Current Employer*
Title/Position*
How long have you been with this organization?*
Please describe your position and responsibilities in your current role.*
Upload your resume so the committee can see your work history.*

Cancelof
Business Phone Number*
Please print your name as you’d like it to appear on your name tag.*
Have you previously applied for Leadership Waco?*

YesNo
If yes, what year?
How long have you lived in Waco?*
Is your current intention to make this community your permanent home?*

YesNo
Have you ever been in trouble with the law?*

YesNo
If yes, please explain.
Education
High School City & State
Years attended
College/University attended
College/University City & State
Years attended
Majors and Minors/Empasis of Study
Degree(s) acquired
Trade/Vocational School
Trade/Vocational School City & State
Years attended
Certification(s) acquired
Military experience
Length of Service
Organizations and Activities
Please list any civic, non-profit, religious, social or other activities you are involved in. Include any positions held within each organization, if applicable. Mention the approximate number of hours you volunteer with each organization per month. If you moved to Waco recently, please list activities you were involved with in your previous community and list the community.*
Please list any major accomplishments, honors, or awards you have received for leadership activities. Please also list any professional designations. EX: CPA, etc.
If you have faced barriers to community involvement, what has changed that now enables you to seek participation in the community?
Essay Questions

Please answer each question thoughtfully. The committee will weigh these answers heavily as they make their decision about acceptance into this year's cohort.
Who is a leader you admire, and why?*
Describe a time you assumed a leadership role (official or unofficial). What did you learn, and how does that experience guide your vision for impacting your organization and our community?*
Describe a leadership lesson you learned and applied to create positive change. Explain what you learned, how you applied it, and the impact it had.*
How do you hope Leadership Waco will help you grow as a leader?*
Upload hi-res headshot or quality photo (for marketing purposes only)*

Cancelof
Final Application Details & Payment Information

All applications will be reviewed by the Review and Recommendation Committee before being submitted to the Executive Committee for final selection. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by July 4, 2025. Please make your $100 application fee payment below. Applications will not be considered complete until payment is received. If you have any questions, contact Rachel Ligon at rligon@wacochamber.com.

Application Fee*

USDDescription

Credit Card

Reminder: Completed Reference Form is required to be considered for Leadership Waco

The link to the form will be automatically sent to you. Be advised that it might land in your spam folder. Questions? Reach out to rligon@wacochamber.com
Should be Empty:

Application for Class XLII (42)

Application Checklist

Application Agreement

Education

Organizations and Activities

Essay Questions

Final Application Details & Payment Information

Credit Card

Reminder: Completed Reference Form is required to be considered for Leadership Waco