Emerging Leaders Program

“I’d never really considered my full potential until the IDP project. Ideas I had, like making books for my kids, I thought were just that and never truly believed I could ever accomplish them. Now with my IDP I’m actually making my goals happen and creating new ones along the way!”

— Keisha Strand, Class of Spring ‘23​

The 8-Session Emerging Leaders Program Spring Session runs from early March to mid May and the Fall Session runs from mid September to mid November.  Each cohort begins with an Orientation meet & greet, then continues weekly sessions for eight weeks. The sessions are held on Monday nights from 7pm-9pm; each designed to help you know yourself, increase awareness of critical issues, and connect with community leaders. You will be poised to assume an active, leading role in your organization and in your community. 

Spring Session 2026
      • Applications will be accepted from January 5, 2026 to March 1, 2026. Cohort size is limited to sixteen (16) participants.
      • March 9-  Orientation
      • March  16, 23
      • Spring Break March 30 (NO SESSION)
      • April 6, 13, 20, 27
      • May 4, 11
      • May 15-  Graduation & Reception

***      Sessions will be held in the Wewerka Conference Room.    10669 Wakeman Ct, Manassas, VA 20110

Thank you, Eric Wewerka, for offering your space for Emerging Leaders, Spring 2026!

Fall Session 2026
      • Applications will be accepted from June 15, 2026 to August 15,  2026. Cohort size is limited to sixteen (16) participants.
      • August 31-  Orientation
      • September  14, 21, 28
      • October 5, 19, 26
      • November 2, 9
      • November 13- Graduation & Reception

***      Sessions will be held in the Wewerka Conference Room.    10669 Wakeman Ct, Manassas, VA 20110

Thank you, Eric Wewerka, for offering your space for Emerging Leaders, Fall 2026!

Apply for the Spring 2026 Session

Investment

The price to participate for the entire 8-Session program is $600 and includes a one-year alumni membership upon graduation. Your investment equates to less than $32/hour for more than 16 hours of leadership development/enhancement, access to expert community insiders, and a one-of-a-kind experience that results in a life-long network of colleagues.

 

 

Leadership Prince William
Download Syllabus

To be notified about future Emerging Leaders sessions, click here.

Requirements for Participation

The ideal candidate for this program will…

  • Live or work in Prince William County/ City of Manassas or/ City of Manassas Park for at least one year.

  • Be at least 20 years old.

  • Embrace learning to identify and appreciate the differences that make us all special.

  • Be committed to personal and professional growth.

How will my participation in Emerging Leaders benefit me?
  • Takes you outside the familiarity of your industry and organization;
  • Grows your network;
  • Helps you develop a deeper understanding of your strengths as a leader;
  • Increases your understanding of how to best work with those around you–including loved ones;
  • Presents you with eye-opening experiences for a better understanding of your community;
  • Inspires & motivates you to serve;
  • ….And boosts your confidence.
How will my participation in the Emerging Leaders Program benefit my organization?
  • Get outside your industry, organization & comfort zone
  • Nurture up & coming leaders/ unique workforce development opportunity
  • Growing your professional network
  • Increased visibility
  • Access to community leaders
  • Access to information & a behind-the-scenes perspective
  • Maximize community engagement
  • BONUS: When more than one staff members has gone through.
“I learned so much from the presenters in the Leadership Prince William Emerging Leader Program. After participating in the program, I was able to better focus my leadership skills and craft career goals and created a clear timeline which I am working to achieve.”

– Nkiruka “KiKi” Christian Class of Spring ’22

Meet Our Program Director

 

Aaron Tolson

Aaron Tolson is an Air Force Veteran with over 20 years of experience in both for-profit and non-profit industries. He has a passion for equity, empowering people, and excellence. After 6 years active duty as a Boom Operator on the KC-135 Stratotanker, his journey includes completing a BS in Computer Science; directing operations in the service industry and cyber security government contracting space; and leading philanthropic efforts in Appalachia, Brazil, Haiti, and South Africa.

In 2019, he started the Prince William Food Rescue program as a new program of Action in Community Through Service (ACTS) and then expanded it as Founder and CEO of Northern Virginia Food Rescue in 2021. As a result of his leadership during the pandemic, volunteers completed over 27,000 food rescues using the Food Rescue Hero technology preventing over 3 million pounds of food from being thrown away with another 16 million pounds of bulk food redirected from the warehouse – ensuring food equity for thousands of food insecure residents throughout Prince William, Fairfax, and Fauquier counties.

He serves as a board member for Foundation First.

Recognition and Awards:

Community:  2020 Kathy Ellington Alumni Leadership Award, 2020 Human Rights Award, DAR Community Service Award, PWC 100 Community Service Award, Fox5 Hometown Hero, PWCCF Special Appreciation

Air Force:  Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal

Leadership Prince William