Leadership Avery Class Application

Introducing the new Leadership Avery Program — celebrating 10 years of building courageous leaders who move our community forward.

Now in its 10th anniversary year, Leadership Avery is launching its most dynamic program yet—a powerful blend of Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead curriculum and real-world, real-time leadership application. This milestone program honors a decade of developing strong local leaders while elevating the experience to meet the needs of today’s challenges.

Participants will engage deeply with the Dare to Lead principles of courage, vulnerability, empathy, clarity of values, and resilient leadership. But they won’t just learn about leadership—they’ll live it. Through immersive visits to the businesses, organizations, and innovators that keep Avery County thriving, participants gain firsthand insight into the heartbeat of our community.

For 10 years, Leadership Avery has empowered leaders who strengthen our county. This anniversary program continues that legacy—connecting personal growth with community progress and inspiring a new generation of leaders who are ready to shape Avery County’s future.

Leadership Avery Application

2026
Please fill out the information below to submit an application for Leadership Avery 2026.
Personal Information
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
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Phone Number*
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Company*
Title*
Social Media Handles*
Professional and Personal: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Essay Questions
What leadership experiences have shaped who you are today?*
Tell us about a time you have failed in a leadership role? What did you learn?*
What are your greatest strengths in leadership? What areas do you want to improve? *
How do you hope to make an impact through this program? What do you expect to gain? What are your goals?*
Why you are applying to Leadership Avery?*
Please provide a short bio*
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The cost for the program is $400

Program tuition will cover all curriculum, venue, transportation, activity and hospitality expenses. The expense can be covered personally, at the organizational level or via sponsor.

Graduation - Rooted and Rising - Thursday 11/19

Program participants will receive their “graduation” recognition as part of the chamber’s annual dinner celebration, Rooted and Rising which will be held on Thursday 11/19 at the Wilson Center at Grandfather Mountain. Participants will receive a free ticket to the dinner but all additional guests will be charged the ticketed rate.

Schedule and Expectations

Participants are expected to be at each of the monthly sessions as well as the kick-off and graduation events. If a scheduling conflict does arise, there will be a “make-up” packet assigned in lieu of one session’s participation.

If more than one session is missed, the participant is dismissed from the program for that year.
- Thursday February 26th, 5:00pm-7:00pm - Leadership Avery Kickoff and Alumi Mixer
- Thursday March 19th, 8am-4pm - Introduction/The Call to Daring Leadership
- Thursday April 23rd, 8am-4pm - Local Industry/The Heart of Daring Leadership
- Thursday May 21st, 8am-4pm - Education/Courage Starts with Self-Awarness
- Thursday June 18th, 8am-4pm - Retail/Building Trust that Works
- Thursday July 23rd, 8am-4pm - Healthcare/Leading Through Tough Conversations
- Thursday August 20th, 8am-4pm - Infrastructure/Courageous Leadership Cultures
- Thursday September 17th, 8am-4pm - Tourism/Rising Strong as a Leader
- Thursday October 22nd, 8am-4pm - Non-Profit and Government/The Ongoing Practice of Courage
- Thursday November 19th, 6:00pm-9:30pm - Graduation Ceremony at Rooted and Rising Annual Dinner
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Leadership Avery Application

Personal Information

Essay Questions