Focus Louisville

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Explore Your Community. Make New Connections. Magnify Your Impact.

About the Program

Ford For more than 30 years, Focus Louisville has offered everyone from newcomers to native Louisvillians a fascinating insider’s look at our city. The 2 ½ day experience is known for sparking a sense of pride in our community while taking an honest look at its challenges.

Now more than ever, many are feeling the call to take an active role in making our city better for all citizens. Focus Louisville can jumpstart your journey. You will connect with 50 other civic-minded Louisvillians you might not otherwise have had the opportunity to meet. You’ll gain a more complete view and understanding of Louisville, along with a better sense of belonging, and how to put leadership into action.

Due to COVID-19, the next Focus Louisville sessions will be in fall 2021. Sign up to be notified when dates are set

Not quite ready to sign up, but curious to learn more about Leadership Louisville Center? Join our email list

“Focus Louisville was amazing! The staff was so engaging and put together an amazing program! I will never forget the experience.”

Brandy Arsenault, Officer, U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management
“At Focus Louisville I had the chance to connect with some 50 professionals – some new to Louisville and some natives – to focus holistically on the city of Louisville to discover ways in which we can make a positive impact. We learned about the city’s history, the arts, city government, safety, education, social services and so much more. ”
Randy Whetstone, Jr., Director of Christian Service – Simmons College of Kentucky
“As a transplant to Louisville, I was looking for ways to learn more about the city, network and open new doors. Focus Louisville provided all that and then some. The knowledge gained has helped keep me grounded and more aware of how I can get plugged into Louisville. It was a catalyst to help me engage in community efforts. I can honestly say the experience was time and money well spent.”
John Anderson, President & Founder, Xceleration
“As a newcomer to the city, Focus Louisville gave me an edge. I was able to learn more about Louisville and make new connections that have yielded interest in our mission and sparked potential collaborations.”

Marta Miranda-Straub, President/CEO (retired) – The Center for Women and Families
“Through Focus Louisville I learned that Louisville is home to some incredible, game-changing work and play, both locally and globally.”

Ken Selvaggi, Vice President & General Manager – WAVE-TV
“These days in the Focus Louisville class made me excited to get involved in the community. I found that there are organizations that strike a spark within me, I just didn’t know about them yet!”

Katie Bennett, Mechanical Engineer – Louisville Gas & Electric Company
“The program was outstanding and completely exceeded my expectations. Getting to meet all the dynamic people attending Focus as well as all the community leaders was the very best part. The program manages to attract people from all walks of life, who interact and begin new chapters in making Louisville a more dynamic city.”
Kathy Stearman – FBI (retired)
“Growing up in the Louisville area, I was amazed at how much I learned about the city in such a short time. Focus Louisville made me excited to be a part of this great city – I am now motivated to find ways to give back.”

Tami Hatfield-Kennedy, Labor Relations Supervisor – Ford Motor Company
“I entered Focus Louisville intent on making connections in the business community and learning more about the city I’ve called home for more than a decade. The program more than delivered on my expectations, and was great on a personal and professional level.”

Shea Van Hoy, Editor-in-Chief – Louisville Business First

How Individuals Benefit

Inspiration through a hands-on learning experience of Louisville’s past, present, and potential future.
Exposure to local leaders, issues, and opportunities for community leadership.
New friendships, new ideas, and new perspectives from a diverse group of people within our community.
Focus Louisville graduates have a stronger application for Ignite Louisville, Leadership Louisville, Bingham Fellows, and Encore Louisville.

How Organizations Benefit

A unique way to enhance operational training, as well as recognize and reward top talent.
A more personal, more informational way to introduce new employees to all that Louisville has to offer.
Valuable new relationships that can result in new opportunities and added visibility for your organization.

Time commitment

Focus Louisville is 2 ½ days – Thursday and Friday, 8-5, Saturday, 8-noon.

Who Should Participate

Classes are comprised of a diverse group including executives, young professionals, managers, business owners, nonprofit directors and senior business leaders at major corporations. It is often an entry point for new residents of the region and spouses; however, lifelong Louisvillian’s get as much benefit as newcomers. Focus Louisville is the “gateway” experience through which we encourage all leaders to enter, whether you are an established leader seeking more civic engagement or a rising professional ready to take your place as a community leader.

Tuition

Focus Louisville program tuition is $600, which includes meals, transportation, parking, and materials. Limited tuition support is available based on need. Have questions about tuition support? Contact Aimee Jewell or call (502) 561-0458 for more information. To request tuition support for Focus Louisville, click here. Tuition support will only be considered before registration.