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Leadership West Palm Beach 2026

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATION FOR CLASS OF 2026



What does it mean to lead in West Palm Beach?

It means understanding the full picture, not just the issues, but the people, the systems, and the stories behind them. It means building relationships across sectors. It means showing up ready to shape the future of our city.

Leadership West Palm Beach is your front-row seat to the inner workings of our community.

Designed for emerging and established leaders from all backgrounds, this program connects you with the decision-makers, places, and conversations that are shaping the future of West Palm Beach. Over the course of six months, you'll explore key aspects of our city, from government and economic development to education, culture, and social services — gaining insight, building partnerships, and growing your influence.

This is where leaders connect, collaborate, and create lasting change.

Alumni of the program leave with more than just knowledge, they leave with lifelong relationships and a broader perspective. Many go on to lead nonprofit boards, launch new community initiatives, run for office, or take on senior roles in business and government.

If you’re ready to lead with vision, action, and heart, this is your next step.

Program Schedule – Class of 2026
(All sessions are mandatory and run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM unless otherwise noted.)

Orientation Day: Wednesday, January 7, 2026

City Center Day: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

CityPlace Day: Thursday, January 29, 2026

Agriculture Day: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Western Communities Day: Wednesday, March 4, 2026

North Day: Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Transportation & Infrastructure Day: Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Community & Culture South End Day: Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Health & Human Services Day: Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Graduation: June, 2026



Tuition:

$1,500 – Chamber Members

$1,950 – Non-Members

Application Deadline: Friday, October 1, 2025
Questions? Contact Mariana Castro at mcastro@palmbeaches.org
APPLICANT NAME
Preferred Name for Name badge
HOME ADDRESS
BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION ADDRESS
PHONE NUMBERS
Please fill in all that apply. Cell and Work phone numbers are required.
SHIRT SIZES
Please select one option based on the type of shirt you would prefer.
Golf Shirt Size MEN *
Golf Shirt Size LADIES *
TYPE OF ORGANIZATION YOU REPRESENT *
HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT LEADERSHIP WEST PALM BEACH? *
Briefly Describe your roles and responsibilities in the Past or Current (include positions you have held in decision/policy making roles for at least one year). Please, add Organization, Title and Responsibilities
II. COMMENT TO SERVING THE COMMUNITY
A. Live or Work In West Palm Beach *
III. COMITMENT TO LEADERSHIP WEST PALM BEACH AND ITS GOALS
IV. PARTICIPATION
B. Organization
AS THE CANDIDATE’S SUPERVISOR, I CERTIFY THAT THIS CANDIDATE HAS MY FULL SUPPORT TO PARTICIPATE IN LEADERSHIP WEST PALM BEACH. I AM AWARE OF THE TIME COMMITMENT NECESSARY, AS WELL AS THE FINANCIAL OBLIGATION
Format: M/d/yyyy
C. CANDIDATE/ATTENDANCE POLICY
While we encourage all participants to attend the full session for every class day, we recognize that from time to time, an emergency may arise which will prevent you from doing so. Accordingly, you will still be permitted to graduate with your class and receive a Certificate of Completion if only ONE full or partial class is missed. The class times, unless otherwise indicated, are from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. If you miss any portion of a day, it is considered a missed day for graduation purposes. If you miss any part of a second day, then you will not receive a Certificate of Completion until you make up your missed classes the following year. If you miss any portion of more than two class days, you will be removed from the class and will be permitted to re-apply in a subsequent year. I UNDERSTAND THE GOALS AND COMMITMENT OF LEADERSHIP WEST PALM BEACH. IF SELECTED, I WILL DEVOTE THE REQUIRED TIME AND PAY MY TUITION PRIOR TO THE BEGINNING OF THE PROGRAM.
Format: M/d/yyyy
Selection Criteria
In reviewing applications, the Leadership West Palm Beach Selection Committee looks for candidates demonstrating the following: -- A commitment to serving the West Palm Beach community -- An ongoing commitment to Leadership West Palm Beach and its goals -- Preferably living and/or working in West Palm Beach Leadership West Palm Beach is committed to equal opportunity and diversity in its membership. Optional Demographic Information, collected to ensure diversity. If you choose to have the following information considered, please circle one in each category.
Optional Demographic Information
collected to ensure diversity. If you choose to have the following information considered, please circle one in each category.
Gender
Race
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Ribbon Cuttings

Preparation

Ribbon Cutting time availabilities Monday- Thursday 9:00a.m, 12:00a.m. or 5:30p.m. at host location or area location. (Palm Beach County, FL) 1st Friday of the month 1:00p.m. after the Ambassador meeting.

Pictures are always better with a banner, or sign and designated area to set up for photography. Identify the best place for the picture in advance to ensure a smooth event.

The Chamber of Commerce Membership Services Associate will arrive 20 minutes before the start of the event with a camera, ribbon, and scissors. They will assist in choosing the best position for the photo, if necessary. The person selected to cut the ribbon will be directed and assisted as to where to stand during the picture and how to handle the scissors.

Ambassadors of the Chamber of Commerce will hold the ribbon as the ribbon is cut. Ambassadors meet and greet your guests. Photographer will prompt you when to cut the ribbon, after several photos taken of the group are posed and ready.

We look forward to a great event!

Possible Participants:

  • The Chamber Ambassadors can be invited to participate. Additional committees can be included as appropriate.
  • Company staff including owner, CEO, CFO, COO, management, staff and invited guests.

Food/Refreshments- Optional. Your event will be better attended with refreshment provided. The food preference and the theme for your Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is entirely up to you.

Photos will be placed on the Chamber website, launched on the Chamber’s social media platforms and forwarded to the Ribbon Cutting host.

For the Membership Services Associate:

  • Please state if there are any special driving instructions, parking instructions, and if there are any special requests.
  • Please submit the Ribbon Cutting Request Form one month in advance.
Ribbon Cutting Request Form