Leadership Dawgs is a leadership development program, available only to UGA alumni (undergrad or graduate program), that teaches personal and professional leadership. The program, which includes two in-person meetings alternating between Atlanta and Athens, challenges UGA alums to unlock their potential to:

  • Maximize their leadership capacity
  • Optimize their team’s performance
  • Cultivate a diverse professional network
  • Create impact in the state of Georgia 

At the end of the first-weekend meeting, the students–Leadership Dawgs–having identified their strengths, values, and motivations, then work in teams to execute a six-month Community Impact Project (CIP) aimed at supporting the needs of a Georgia-based nonprofit. Through this community engagement, Leadership Dawgs begin their journey to create impact in their communities.

To wrap up the program, Leadership Dawgs return to attend content sessions and share the outcomes of their CIPs. A panel of Leadership Dawgs faculty evaluates the CIPs and identifies the top three teams who will share in prize money up to $10,000.

After completing the curriculum and attending both meetings, participants will earn a Professional Certificate in Personal and Organizational Leadership. They will also receive a digital badge from Credly to showcase their achievement on LinkedIn and other platforms.

ILA Alumni Leadership Program badge

Program Information

Weekend 1

Date: February 28–March 1, 2025
Where: University of Georgia

Weekend 2

Date: February 20, 2026
Where: Terry Executive Education Center in Atlanta

Interested in joining the next cohort of Leadership Dawgs?

Current and Past Nonprofit Partners

  • Atlanta Angels
  • Bald Ridge Lodge, Inc.
  • C5 Georgia
  • Captain Planet
  • Empowr
  • Heads Up for Harry
  • Help from Hattie, Inc.
  • Helping Mamas
  • It’s The Journey
  • LA Amistad
  • National Black Arts Foundation
  • No Longer Bound
  • PAWKids
  • SafeRide America
  • The Baby Pantry
  • Trees Atlanta

Are you a nonprofit that needs support?

Submit the Nonprofit Partner Interest Form below for an ILA representative to contact you.

In the News

Contact

Head shot of Onyedika Ekwerike
  • Lecturer, Institute for Leadership Advancement