On June 17th You Are Invited To Connect with
Past, Current, and Future Emerging Leaders!

Discover firsthand success stories, gain valuable insights into leadership, and forge meaningful connections.

Learn More and Register Today

Experience an engaging program of unparalleled growth and leadership development.

Facilitated by highly sought-after leadership experts Denise Mills and Robin Sterneck, this year-long leadership development series advances leaders’ effectiveness, builds networks, and connects participants with regional and global thought leaders. From sessions with real-life examples to active-learning-based small group sessions, you will graduate the Emerging Leaders program with the skills and tools to take your leadership to the next level.

What’s Included >>
Apply for the Class of 2026 today! >>
FAQs >>
Sign Up for News + Alerts >>

Experience an engaging program of unparalleled growth and leadership development.

Facilitated by highly sought-after leadership experts Denise Mills and Robin Sterneck, this year-long leadership development series advances leaders’ effectiveness, builds networks, and connects participants with regional and global thought leaders. From sessions with real-life examples to active-learning-based small group sessions, you will graduate the Emerging Leaders program with the skills and tools to take your leadership to the next level.

Apply for the Class of 2026 today! >>
What’s Included >>
FAQs >>
Sign Up for News + Alerts >>

Broaden Your Leadership Skill Set

APPLICABLE FRAMEWORKS

Learn ways to improve your communication, operation, and innovation throughout your career with a curriculum that is delivered through topic specific modules, dialogue exchange, best practices and insights.

REAL LIFE EXAMPLES

Develop your confidence and learn how to become a more collaborative, creative and innovative leader with interactive, real-life examples of what currently works for the modern leader.

Broaden Your Leadership Skill Set with:

APPLICABLE FRAMEWORKS

Learn ways to improve your communication, operation, and innovation throughout your career with a curriculum that is delivered through topic specific modules, dialogue exchange, best practices and insights.

REAL LIFE EXAMPLES

Develop your confidence and learn how to become a more collaborative, creative and innovative leader with interactive, real-life examples of what currently works for the modern leader.

Embrace Excellence

INTIMATE PEER COHORTS

Engage with professionals from various industries and leadership roles to explore ideas, tackle challenges, and gain the knowledge needed to drive change. Connect, collaborate, and learn alongside peers who bring fresh perspectives and real-world experience.

ENGAGING MONTHLY SESSIONS

Choose to be in an in-person or virtual cohort. Each session meets monthly from October through August, from 8:30 – 11:30 am CST.

Embrace Excellence with:

INTIMATE PEER COHORTS

Engage with professionals from various industries and leadership roles to explore ideas, tackle challenges, and gain the knowledge needed to drive change. Connect, collaborate, and learn alongside peers who bring fresh perspectives and real-world experience.

ENGAGING MONTHLY SESSIONS

Choose to be in an in-person or virtual cohort. Each session meets monthly from October through August, from 8:30 – 11:30 am CST.

Full Circle Leadership

FREE CX MEMBERSHIP

As an Emerging Leader, you will receive a free year-long membership to Central Exchange providing you access to additional programs to assist with your leadership journey ($480 value).  Learn more about being a CX Member here.

MAKE CONNECTIONS THAT LAST

After graduation, you’ll join a community of fellow Emerging Leaders Graduates with over 1,300 professionals from 174 companies, 16 states, and 5 countries. Between alumni events, private social media groups, 1:1 meetups, and future programs, you’ll make connections that will last forever.

Full Circle Leadership

FREE CX MEMBERSHIP

As an Emerging Leader, you will receive a free year-long membership to Central Exchange providing you access to additional programs to assist with your leadership journey ($480 value).  Learn more about being a CX Member here.

MAKE CONNECTIONS THAT LAST

After graduation, you’ll join a community of fellow Emerging Leaders Graduates with over 1,300 professionals from 174 companies, 16 states, and 5 countries. Between alumni events, private social media groups, 1:1 meetups, and future programs, you’ll make connections that will last forever.

Who is an Emerging Leader?

AMBITIOUS PROFESSIONALS

who want to grow in their careers
and move into a leadership role

NEW MANAGERS

who are ready to begin leading
and empowering their team

SEASONED LEADERS

who are looking to add to their current leadership skillset and increase their impact

Who is an Emerging Leader?

AMBITIOUS PROFESSIONALS

who want to grow in their careers
and move into a leadership role

NEW MANAGERS

who are ready to begin leading
and empowering their team

SEASONED LEADERS

who are looking to add to their current leadership skillset and increase their impact

Emerging Leaders Class of 2026 Details

TIMELINE: The program begins with a virtual orientation in September 2025. Cohorts then gather once a month from 8:30 – 11:30 am, October 2025 through August 2026.

FACILITATORS: Denise Mills and Robin Sterneck

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Engaging monthly sessions with a curriculum delivered through topic-specific modules, insights from executive thought leaders, study, dialogue exchange, and best practices.
  • Intimate peer cohorts to exchange ideas and collaborate in leadership development.
  • Interactive, modern-day, real-life examples that develop decision-making capabilities and leadership skills.
  • Applicable frameworks to boost communication, operation, and innovation throughout your professional career.
  • A free year-long membership to Central Exchange providing access to additional programs to assist with your leadership journey.

INVESTMENT: $7,000*

Apply By August 25, 2025

Need help asking your company to pay for Emerging Leaders?
Download this customizable Email Reimbursement Template.

*CX Partner employees receive at least a $500 discount. Volume discounts and non-profit rates are available. See the FAQs for full details.

Emerging Leaders Class of 2026 Details

TIMELINE: The program begins with a virtual orientation in September 2025. Cohorts then gather once a month from 8:30 – 11:30 am, October 2025 through August 2026.

FACILITATORS: Denise Mills and Robin Sterneck

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Engaging monthly sessions with a curriculum delivered through topic-specific modules, insights from executive thought leaders, study, dialogue exchange, and best practices.
  • Intimate peer cohorts to exchange ideas and collaborate in leadership development.
  • Interactive, modern-day, real-life examples that develop decision-making capabilities and leadership skills.
  • Applicable frameworks to boost communication, operation, and innovation throughout your professional career.
  • A free year-long membership to Central Exchange providing access to additional programs to assist with your leadership journey.

INVESTMENT: $7,000*

Apply By August 25, 2025

Need help asking your company to pay for Emerging Leaders?
Download this customizable Email Reimbursement Template.

*CX Partner employees receive at least a $500 discount. Volume discounts and non-profit rates are available. See the FAQs for full details.

Curriculum Overview

SESSION 1:
Success By Intent


Establish a clear view of your strengths and opportunities with assessments and coaching to support your development plan.

SESSION 2:
Your Leadership Brand


Understand different leadership styles, learn about executive presence, and create your own unique leadership brand.

SESSION 3:
Leveraging Your Network


Identify the activities that build useful networks rich in social capital and business advantage.

SESSION 4:
Strategic Thinking + Vision


Develop strategic perspective to identify and build support for short and long-term planning and transformation.

SESSION 5:
Influence + Political Savvy


Identify a toolkit of influencing skills; leverage those most effective for you and your own organization.

SESSION 6:
Negotiating


Hone your skills and learn strategies and tactics to optimize outcomes for daily and game changing situations.

SESSION 7:
Leading Teams + Managing Talent


Learn how to lead, mentor, and manage your human capital resources to their highest potential.

SESSION 8:
Decision Making + Risk Taking


Approaches are provided to drive reasoned decision making, understanding and leveraging our personal and corporate risk tolerances.

SESSION 9:
Managing Change


Communication, engagement, leadership and metrics tools are presented to lead and manage sustainable change in a dynamic world.

SESSION 10:
Innovation + Time Management


Lean in to create an environment where novel thinking is encouraged and applied to business solutions.

SESSION 11:
Values Driven Leadership


Great leaders lead with values. Challenge, clarify, and embed your values in your leadership strategies.

And last but not least…
Graduation


Celebrate with your new professional network as you receive your certificate of completion and step confidently into the next chapter of your leadership journey.

Meet The Leadership Experts

Denise Mills

Denise Mills fuels leadership transformation.

As the Founder and Chief Mindset Officer of The LeaderFuel Center, Denise has dedicated her career to working with executive leadership teams, equipping them with the tools to lead effectively, cultivate a growth mindset, and build constructive workplace cultures. She is known for challenging perspectives, identifying limiting beliefs, and helping leaders develop dynamic teams.

Her expertise extends across industries and borders. Since 2015, she has co-facilitated Central Exchange’s Emerging Leaders program, sharing her insights on strategic planning, employee engagement, and organizational culture. She has also led leadership programs on behalf of the U.S. State Department, empowering women in underserved countries such as Pakistan, Jordan, Malaysia, and India. In addition, she played a key role in Ukraine’s land reform efforts, helping transition land ownership following its independence.

A self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur, Denise has earned numerous business honors, including recognition as one of Kansas City’s Most Influential Women. Her greatest joy, however, comes from time spent with her husband, Rick, their five children, and eleven grandchildren.

Robin Sterneck

Robin Sterneck develops high-impact leaders.

Robin brings a wealth of real-world insights to her work as a speaker, mentor, and board director. Her career spans investment banking at Lehman Brothers, executive leadership roles at GE and Swiss Re, and her current leadership roles at Sterneck Capital Management and Highland Birch Group, a consulting firm focused on leadership development. As a co-facilitator of Central Exchange’s Emerging Leaders program, she has helped shape the careers of more than 1,000 high-potential leaders.

Working with more than 100 companies and nonprofit organizations each year, Robin provides both time-tested and fresh perspectives to leaders navigating high-performance and transitional cultures. As a business president, co-founder of two major networks, and global talent developer, she brings both macro and micro perspectives to advancing leadership. She serves as an independent director and Compensation and Human Capital Chair for EPR Properties and has held board roles with the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, WIN for KC, and the Kansas City Chapter of Women Corporate Directors.

Recognized as a Women Who Mean Business (now known as Women of Influence) honoree, Robin is passionate about helping leaders at every stage of their careers. In her spare time, Robin is living life large and trying to keep up with her four adult children.

Meet The Leadership Experts

Denise Mills

Denise Mills fuels leadership transformation.

As the Founder and Chief Mindset Officer of The LeaderFuel Center, Denise has dedicated her career to working with executive leadership teams, equipping them with the tools to lead effectively, cultivate a growth mindset, and build constructive workplace cultures. She is known for challenging perspectives, identifying limiting beliefs, and helping leaders develop dynamic teams.

Her expertise extends across industries and borders. Since 2015, she has co-facilitated Central Exchange’s Emerging Leaders program, sharing her insights on strategic planning, employee engagement, and organizational culture. She has also led leadership programs on behalf of the U.S. State Department, empowering women in underserved countries such as Pakistan, Jordan, Malaysia, and India. In addition, she played a key role in Ukraine’s land reform efforts, helping transition land ownership following its independence.

A self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur, Denise has earned numerous business honors, including recognition as one of Kansas City’s Most Influential Women. Her greatest joy, however, comes from time spent with her husband, Rick, their five children, and eleven grandchildren.

Robin Sterneck

Robin Sterneck develops high-impact leaders.

Robin brings a wealth of real-world insights to her work as a speaker, mentor, and board director. Her career spans investment banking at Lehman Brothers, executive leadership roles at GE and Swiss Re, and her current leadership roles at Sterneck Capital Management and Highland Birch Group, a consulting firm focused on leadership development. As a co-facilitator of Central Exchange’s Emerging Leaders program, she has helped shape the careers of more than 1,000 high-potential leaders.

Working with more than 100 companies and nonprofit organizations each year, Robin provides both time-tested and fresh perspectives to leaders navigating high-performance and transitional cultures. As a business president, co-founder of two major networks, and global talent developer, she brings both macro and micro perspectives to advancing leadership. She serves as an independent director and Compensation and Human Capital Chair for EPR Properties and has held board roles with the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, WIN for KC, and the Kansas City Chapter of Women Corporate Directors.

Recognized as a Women Who Mean Business (now known as Women of Influence) honoree, Robin is passionate about helping leaders at every stage of their careers. In her spare time, Robin is living life large and trying to keep up with her four adult children.

Emerging Leaders come from organizations such as:

Since 2006, 174 companies have invested in over 1,300 women from 16 states and 5 countries to experience the Emerging Leaders program.

100% OF EMERGING LEADER GRADS
built a sustainable professional and personal network

85% OF EMERGING LEADER GRADS
increased their confidence and success levels

84% OF EMERGING LEADER GRADS
implemented one or more ideas discussed in class

69% OF EMERGING LEADER GRADS
took on new responsibilities in their roles

47% OF EMERGING LEADER GRADS
directly improved the bottom line

35% OF EMERGING LEADER GRADS
measurably improved the effectiveness of their teams

30% OF EMERGING LEADER GRADS
formally took on a new role

*Based on survey results taken at the Class of 2025 graduation.

Since 2006, 174 companies have invested in over 1,300 women from 16 states and 5 countries to experience the Emerging Leaders program.

100% OF EMERGING LEADER GRADS
built a sustainable professional and personal network

85% OF EMERGING LEADER GRADS
increased their confidence and success levels

84% OF EMERGING LEADER GRADS
implemented one or more ideas discussed in class

69% OF EMERGING LEADER GRADS
took on new responsibilities in their roles

47% OF EMERGING LEADER GRADS
directly improved the bottom line

35% OF EMERGING LEADER GRADS
measurably improved the effectiveness of their teams

30% OF EMERGING LEADER GRADS
formally took on a new role

*Based on survey results taken at the Class of 2025 graduation.

Emerging Leaders come from organizations such as:

Emerging Leaders Class of 2025 In-Person Cohorts at the December 2024 Networking Event

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It

The Emerging Leaders program was a transformative experience for me. It wasn’t just about leadership skills; it instilled a deep sense of confidence that’s impacted every aspect of my career.

The program’s focus on communication and self-advocacy equipped me with the tools I needed to approach these situations with clarity and strength to actively seek out opportunities that align with my goals.

I highly recommend Emerging Leaders to any woman who wants to unlock their full potential and take their career to the next level. It’s an investment in yourself that truly pays off.

Jennifer Lindholm, Kansas City University | Digital and Media Relations Strategist

“Talking about women and being a leader in the workplace really empowered me. In the very first session we talked about some of our fears and insecurities. I realized that a lot of the things that worry me also worried my cohorts. I appreciated knowing that I wasn’t alone and we are all really not that different from each other. I felt seen and understood. Since I’ve graduated I look at things differently. I am stronger. I encourage other women in my team to look at things the way I am now. I have learned so much. I feel responsible now to share this and encourage my team in a different way.”

Emerging Leaders Alum, Class of 2023

“The Emerging Leaders program was such an amazing experience for me. Robin and Denise made me feel like an individual and I LOVED this! They had individual talks with us about our goals AND when life happened for me they kept in touch to make sure I was ok!! Even my cohort mates were wonderful. I promise this program is amazing and you will NOT regret the time spent developing yourself with other women like yourself!!

Brandee Alexander, Ed.D Candidate, MOCSA | Director of Prevention

“Initially I wasn’t sure how much I would benefit from the program. I have my master’s in management and have attended so many leadership programs. Eventually they all just run together. However, Emerging Leaders was much different. I didn’t realize how much I needed it. My engineering undergrad, my masters, and all my leadership programs have all been taught by men. I grossly underestimated hearing these concepts taught by women. It allowed me a different perspective and completely changed the way I looked at many things. To have so many women understand and agree with your past was a very powerful thing. Denise and Robin taught things in a way that had not been delivered to me before even though the content had, the way they worked through it hadn’t. It was very powerful.”

Jennifer Cahill, Black & Veatch | Distributed Energy Solution Growth Lead

In August 2021 I wrapped up my favorite part of the previous year – my Emerging Leaders course through Central Exchange. We met each month for a few hours and covered a variety of topics from negotiation to influence to risk-taking.

I am not exaggerating when I say I use something from this program – whether it is a tangible tool or a bit of advice – every single day at work. The program has helped me show up better for my team, be more confident and – most importantly – figure out what I ultimately want to accomplish in my career.

Rita Arens, Arvest Bank| Senior Director of Product Management | CX Board Member

“Emerging Leaders is for all women who have big ideas and need support with sharing and shaping these ideas in the rooms that matter most.

Emerging Leaders is for all women who are ready for a purposeful change within their position, their company, their agency, or community.

Emerging Leaders is a program that supports women where they’re at, on the way to where they’re going. The support in these spaces is top notch and will make any woman feel like they are capable beyond their imagination. This program will increase your resources, skill sets, confidence, and network.

Do it for you!

Kathryn McGill, LPC, LCPC, Child Abuse Prevention Association | Director of Clinical Services

“We feel fortunate at UMB to have the Emerging Leader Program at Central Exchange available to our dynamic female talent. The continued focus on providing relevant development topics and top-notch facilitators is one of the many reasons our leaders have found this program to be beneficial. Our leaders have enjoyed both the professional and personal growth they experience during their time in the program. I would recommend it to any company looking to improve how they build and retain top female talent.”

Kelly Eschweiler, UMB | SVP Talent Development | Human Resources

“About a month before graduation, I received the best yearly evaluation that I have had in my career to date.  Emerging Leaders has played a large part in my growth this year. The content of the program has challenged me to think and evaluate myself more than I ever have before about who I am and who I want to be as a person, colleague, peer, and leader. I have also met some outstanding women during my time that have inspired and given me the confidence I needed to take that next step.

Thank you to Denise and Robin for the time and work they put into the program and for the inspiration and confidence they bring to the women who have the opportunity to be Emerging Leaders.”

Kayla Curiel, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, Children's Mercy Kansas City | Director of Trauma Services

“We send women from Black & Veatch each year because the Emerging Leaders Program provides in-depth high quality programming and we see the difference it makes in our graduates. We believe in this investment, the women benefit as does our organization. Our graduates consistently tell us that this program has been very valuable to their development and is definitely worth the time that they dedicate to this initiative. Kansas City is very lucky to have such a unique program to help develop a pipeline of talented women leaders!”

Sheri Blauwiekel, Black & Veatch | Executive Vice President | Project Support Executive Director, B&V Energy

“My cup was filled each month I attended the Emerging Leaders sessions. Taking the time out for yourself, your growth and your career is the best thing to do for yourself, which I know can be hard for us as women to do. Denise and Robin are the kind of teachers and mentors you need in your life. They don’t tell you what you want to hear, they tell you what you need to hear. No one is in control of your career but yourself and it’s up to you to take the action. Do that by signing up for Emerging Leaders.”

Emerging Leaders Alum, Class of 2022

“As someone in the later stages of a successful career, I fully admit I came in quite skeptical about a program with “emerging” in the title… However, EVERY SINGLE SESSION provided to me useful tips / tricks and insight that I have since applied to everyday situations, tough challenges, and even toward my future career and life plans! Thus proving my initial thoughts wrong, these newly learned skills weren’t just aimed toward the early career (or “emerging”) leaders, but truly for everyone!

I’m thankful that I was able to be a part of this great program and thoroughly enjoyed the helpful guidance and teachings from Denise and Robin. If you haven’t signed up for this Central Exchange leadership program, run, don’t walk, and do it today! I promise you won’t regret it!”

Kerrie Greenfelder, Burns & McDonnell | Engineering Director

“Emerging Leaders was an amazing way to both make new connections and gather new tools for leading in our ever changing environment. It was a great reinforcement of things I thought worked well as well as a new perspective on different ways to develop myself and others throughout their careers.”

Kaitlin Gill, KCNSC, managed by Honeywell FM&T | Technical Manager

“Emerging Leaders is a wonderful opportunity to add to your leadership toolkit and build your professional network. The ladies in the program are so supportive of each other. I even gained friendships from various cohorts during the program that I know will be long-term professional and personal connections.”

Angelia Ward, UMB Bank | Senior Business Contiuity Analyst

“This has been a year I chose to leap out of my comfort zone. One of my greatest professional accomplishments is to be a 2021 graduate of the Central Exchange Emerging Leaders program!

With a year focused on strategic thinking, influencing, innovating, negotiating and networking, through the program I met some seriously amazing women who make me want to rise up, to be more.”

Amy Clark, Red Ventures | Director, Paid Media

“The Emerging Leaders Program is the best female-focused leadership development program in Kansas City. All of the participants are from outstanding companies, of all sizes, that are committed to the personal and professional growth of their valued employees.”

Amber Miller Manning, The Miller Group | President - Private Risk Management

Watch the videos below to hear from Emerging Leaders Alumni.

Alum Panel Discussion Recorded in July 2022 (panel begins at 02:55)

Promotional Video Recorded in 2019

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It

The Emerging Leaders program was a transformative experience for me. It wasn’t just about leadership skills; it instilled a deep sense of confidence that’s impacted every aspect of my career.

The program’s focus on communication and self-advocacy equipped me with the tools I needed to approach these situations with clarity and strength to actively seek out opportunities that align with my goals.

I highly recommend Emerging Leaders to any woman who wants to unlock their full potential and take their career to the next level. It’s an investment in yourself that truly pays off.

Jennifer Lindholm, Kansas City University | Digital and Media Relations Strategist

“Talking about women and being a leader in the workplace really empowered me. In the very first session we talked about some of our fears and insecurities. I realized that a lot of the things that worry me also worried my cohorts. I appreciated knowing that I wasn’t alone and we are all really not that different from each other. I felt seen and understood. Since I’ve graduated I look at things differently. I am stronger. I encourage other women in my team to look at things the way I am now. I have learned so much. I feel responsible now to share this and encourage my team in a different way.”

Emerging Leaders Alum, Class of 2023

“The Emerging Leaders program was such an amazing experience for me. Robin and Denise made me feel like an individual and I LOVED this! They had individual talks with us about our goals AND when life happened for me they kept in touch to make sure I was ok!! Even my cohort mates were wonderful. I promise this program is amazing and you will NOT regret the time spent developing yourself with other women like yourself!!

Brandee Alexander, Ed.D Candidate, MOCSA | Director of Prevention

“Initially I wasn’t sure how much I would benefit from the program. I have my master’s in management and have attended so many leadership programs. Eventually they all just run together. However, Emerging Leaders was much different. I didn’t realize how much I needed it. My engineering undergrad, my masters, and all my leadership programs have all been taught by men. I grossly underestimated hearing these concepts taught by women. It allowed me a different perspective and completely changed the way I looked at many things. To have so many women understand and agree with your past was a very powerful thing. Denise and Robin taught things in a way that had not been delivered to me before even though the content had, the way they worked through it hadn’t. It was very powerful.”

Jennifer Cahill, Black & Veatch | Distributed Energy Solution Growth Lead

In August 2021 I wrapped up my favorite part of the previous year – my Emerging Leaders course through Central Exchange. We met each month for a few hours and covered a variety of topics from negotiation to influence to risk-taking.

I am not exaggerating when I say I use something from this program – whether it is a tangible tool or a bit of advice – every single day at work. The program has helped me show up better for my team, be more confident and – most importantly – figure out what I ultimately want to accomplish in my career.

Rita Arens, Arvest Bank| Senior Director of Product Management | CX Board Member

“Emerging Leaders is for all women who have big ideas and need support with sharing and shaping these ideas in the rooms that matter most.

Emerging Leaders is for all women who are ready for a purposeful change within their position, their company, their agency, or community.

Emerging Leaders is a program that supports women where they’re at, on the way to where they’re going. The support in these spaces is top notch and will make any woman feel like they are capable beyond their imagination. This program will increase your resources, skill sets, confidence, and network.

Do it for you!

Kathryn McGill, LPC, LCPC, Child Abuse Prevention Association | Director of Clinical Services

“We feel fortunate at UMB to have the Emerging Leader Program at Central Exchange available to our dynamic female talent. The continued focus on providing relevant development topics and top-notch facilitators is one of the many reasons our leaders have found this program to be beneficial. Our leaders have enjoyed both the professional and personal growth they experience during their time in the program. I would recommend it to any company looking to improve how they build and retain top female talent.”

Kelly Eschweiler, UMB | SVP Talent Development | Human Resources

“About a month before graduation, I received the best yearly evaluation that I have had in my career to date.  Emerging Leaders has played a large part in my growth this year. The content of the program has challenged me to think and evaluate myself more than I ever have before about who I am and who I want to be as a person, colleague, peer, and leader. I have also met some outstanding women during my time that have inspired and given me the confidence I needed to take that next step.

Thank you to Denise and Robin for the time and work they put into the program and for the inspiration and confidence they bring to the women who have the opportunity to be Emerging Leaders.”

Kayla Curiel, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, Children's Mercy Kansas City | Director of Trauma Services

“We send women from Black & Veatch each year because the Emerging Leaders Program provides in-depth high quality programming and we see the difference it makes in our graduates. We believe in this investment, the women benefit as does our organization. Our graduates consistently tell us that this program has been very valuable to their development and is definitely worth the time that they dedicate to this initiative. Kansas City is very lucky to have such a unique program to help develop a pipeline of talented women leaders!”

Sheri Blauwiekel, Black & Veatch | Executive Vice President | Project Support Executive Director, B&V Energy

“My cup was filled each month I attended the Emerging Leaders sessions. Taking the time out for yourself, your growth and your career is the best thing to do for yourself, which I know can be hard for us as women to do. Denise and Robin are the kind of teachers and mentors you need in your life. They don’t tell you what you want to hear, they tell you what you need to hear. No one is in control of your career but yourself and it’s up to you to take the action. Do that by signing up for Emerging Leaders.”

Emerging Leaders Alum, Class of 2022

“As someone in the later stages of a successful career, I fully admit I came in quite skeptical about a program with “emerging” in the title… However, EVERY SINGLE SESSION provided to me useful tips / tricks and insight that I have since applied to everyday situations, tough challenges, and even toward my future career and life plans! Thus proving my initial thoughts wrong, these newly learned skills weren’t just aimed toward the early career (or “emerging”) leaders, but truly for everyone!

I’m thankful that I was able to be a part of this great program and thoroughly enjoyed the helpful guidance and teachings from Denise and Robin. If you haven’t signed up for this Central Exchange leadership program, run, don’t walk, and do it today! I promise you won’t regret it!”

Kerrie Greenfelder, Burns & McDonnell | Engineering Director

“Emerging Leaders was an amazing way to both make new connections and gather new tools for leading in our ever changing environment. It was a great reinforcement of things I thought worked well as well as a new perspective on different ways to develop myself and others throughout their careers.”

Kaitlin Gill, KCNSC, managed by Honeywell FM&T | Technical Manager

“Emerging Leaders is a wonderful opportunity to add to your leadership toolkit and build your professional network. The ladies in the program are so supportive of each other. I even gained friendships from various cohorts during the program that I know will be long-term professional and personal connections.”

Angelia Ward, UMB Bank | Senior Business Contiuity Analyst

“This has been a year I chose to leap out of my comfort zone. One of my greatest professional accomplishments is to be a 2021 graduate of the Central Exchange Emerging Leaders program!

With a year focused on strategic thinking, influencing, innovating, negotiating and networking, through the program I met some seriously amazing women who make me want to rise up, to be more.”

Amy Clark, Red Ventures | Director, Paid Media

“The Emerging Leaders Program is the best female-focused leadership development program in Kansas City. All of the participants are from outstanding companies, of all sizes, that are committed to the personal and professional growth of their valued employees.”

Amber Miller Manning, The Miller Group | President - Private Risk Management

Watch the videos below to hear from Emerging Leaders Alumni.

Alum Panel Discussion Recorded in July 2022 (panel begins at 02:55)

Promotional Video Recorded in 2019

What’s Holding You Back?

Don’t miss your chance on being a part of the Emerging Leaders Class of 2026!

Fill out the 15-minute application before submissions close on August 25, 2025.
Program acceptance occurs on a rolling basis and an invoice will be sent to your billing contact upon acceptance.

APPLY TODAY!

Need help asking your company to pay for Emerging Leaders?
Download this customizable Email Reimbursement Template.

You have questions? We have answers.

Frequently Asked Questions
Email Us