Advanced Leadership Institute And Carnegie Mellon University Unveil 2024 Executive Leadership Academy Cohort

This program is exclusively for Black executives and managers.

The Advanced Leadership Institute introduced its sixth annual Executive Leadership Academy Cohort as part of its 2024 Executive Leadership Academy Kick-Off Program and Reception on Jan. 26 at Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business.

As TribLive reports, Carnegie Mellon University created the program in conjunction with the institute to create an incubation space for Black leadership in Pittsburgh. The president/CEO of the Advanced Leadership Institute, Evan Frazier, told the outlet that he views it as a celebration of progress.

“Letting the leaders in the room and across the region know that there is support here in the community, and we are really counting on them to grow and move to do great things in Pittsburgh,” Frazier noted. “I’ve seen shifts in people being more connected within Pittsburgh, a greater sense of belonging. And in the past, people felt so isolated. It makes such a difference when you know there are other leaders like yourself, diverse leaders, Black leaders that are out there, doing great things,” Frazier said, “and there are also others out there that might have the same struggles. The empowerment of being able to know and build relationships and have that level of support is amazing.”

In a press release, Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou, a dean and the Richard P. Simmons Professor of Finance at Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business, emphasized the university‘s excitement at continuing to assist in the growth of Pittsburgh’s Black leadership. “We are honored to serve as TALI’s academic partner. The past six years have been very gratifying for us as we play a pivotal role in enhancing the leadership skills of TALI’s program participants,” said Bajeux-Besnainou. “I’m looking forward to this sixth year and have no doubt that the 2024 Executive Leadership Academy cohort will learn transformational strategies to impact their personal and professional development.”

The university describes the program’s aim: “The Advanced Leadership Institute has a vision to dramatically improve the regional presence of African Americans in executive leadership roles, helping to create a more diverse, inclusive, and prosperous community.”

The program also does not hide the fact that this program is exclusively for Black executives and managers. Several sections on its website, including a bold header at the top, proclaim the program’s intentions: “Our programs support Black professionals at various levels of leadership.”

According to the press release, the Advanced Leadership Institute seeks to “cultivate Black executive leadership to strengthen companies, institutions, and communities.”

In addition to the educational partnership of Carnegie Mellon University, the program is supported by a multitude of corporate sponsors and stakeholders, including: BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Highmark Foundation, and Richard King Mellon Foundation; the Henry L. Hillman Foundation and Highmark, BNY Mellon, Eden Hall Foundation, and The Heinz Endowments; Giant Eagle, Highmark Health, PNC, and UPMC; American Eagle Outfitters, Bank of America, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, CNX, Covestro, Dollar Bank, Duquesne Light Company, FedEx Ground, FHLBank Pittsburgh, Golub Capital, Koppers, PPG, and Wabtec Corporation and the Pittsburgh Legal Diversity and Inclusion Coalition.