Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you have additional questions, please reach out to hello@centralexchange.org.

How do I become an Emerging Leader?

This program requires an application to join, as the curated experience is designed for a small amount of qualified participants. Applications are now closed and will re-open on April 16, 2024.

Who Should Apply?

Women professionals who want to get that next promotion, become a better leader, grow their network, and/or jumpstart their next venture.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and industries. Past students have been senior leaders at financial companies, directors of technology, marketing managers, healthcare professionals, leaders at non-profits, founders of early-stage startups, and more.

What is the time commitment?

Emerging Leaders is a year-long course beginning in October, and consists of 11 monthly sessions and a graduation.  Each cohort will have a dedicated date for their monthly session, and most sessions will be from 8:30 – 11:30 am.

What are the costs?

There is a flat rate of $6,000 for the full year.

The rate is the same for both in-person and virtual cohorts, and includes a full year membership to Central Exchange. An invoice will be sent to your billing contact upon acceptance to the program. Payment is due no later than September 30, 2023.

If your company is a Central Exchange Corporate Partner, you will receive a $500 discount from the regular rate, which will be reflected on your invoice.

Do you offer non-profit rates?

Yes! The Emerging Leaders Nonprofit Rate is based on your organization’s prior fiscal year income. Please note, we only accept up-to 4 students per cohort at the non-profit rate each year, and only 1 employee from each non-profit is allowed to enroll each year. We will notify you if we have reached the maximum amount of students and you will have the opportunity to attend at the regular rate, or postpone your enrollment to the following year.

Nonprofit Rates:

  • $1,500 (Income: $500,000 – $999,999)
  • $2,500 (Income: $1,000,000 – $4,999,999)
  • $3,500 (Income: $5,000,000 – $9,999,999)
  • $5,000 (Income: $10,000,000+)

What is a cohort?

A cohort is a group of students who work through a curriculum together to achieve the same academic achievement. 

In the 2023-24 Emerging Leaders Program, we will have both in-person and virtual cohorts.  You can provide your preference on your application.

Is there a difference between the In-Person and Virtual Cohorts?

The only difference is the location. The curriculum is exactly the same.  In-person cohorts will meet at the UMKC Bloch School of Management and virtual cohorts will meet online via Zoom.

How large is each cohort?

Each Emerging Leaders cohort will vary depending on the final enrollment count for in-person and virtual attendees, with an average of 25-35 leaders per cohort, and a maximum of 50.  This allows more personal engagement with facilitators Denise Mills and Robin Sterneck and the other enrolled leaders at each session.

What happens if I can’t make my cohort’s assigned date one month?

If you are unable to make your assigned date because of work or personal reasons, we do ask that you attend one of the other scheduled in-person or virtual cohorts that month so you don’t miss any of the sessions.

Can I still be a part of the program if I live outside the KC Metro area or travel for work?

Yes! We would love for you to still join us!  The beauty of a virtual cohort is that you can be anywhere in the world when you attend, as long as you have internet access.

What COVID-19 precautions will you take for in-person cohorts?

Our goal is to keep all of our students safe, so we will follow all current CDC and location safety guidelines pertaining to COVID-19.  We will notify all students if changes occur, but for current UMKC guidelines, click here.