The Emerging Leaders Program is tailored to support rising Black leaders and their allies.
Who should apply?
Candidates may include both strong individual contributors with supervisory aspirations and those in managerial positions who are growing in the leadership phase of their career. Applicants must have a minimum of 3-5 years of professional work experience in corporate, nonprofit, government, or entrepreneurial sectors. A Bachelor’s degree or 5 years of additional, equivalent, and relevant experience is required. Applicants should have a strong desire to achieve professional excellence.
This program is open to professionals from all ethnic and racial backgrounds in accordance with our Statement of Assurance.
When is the program?
January - June 2026
Sessions are generally held once a month on a consecutive half day Friday (12 - 5 pm) and half day Saturday (8 am - 12 pm).
Where is this located?
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Sessions are held in person on the CMU campus unless circumstances cause the need for remote learning.
How much does it cost?
$10,000
Limited scholarship funding may be available for candidates from the nonprofit and public sectors.
Academic Instruction
Instruction from renowned academic and industry experts.
Alumni Mentoring
Our integrated mentorship program thoughtfully pairs each participant with an Alumni Mentor from our executive programs.
Peer Networking
Participants will have the opportunity to expand their professional networks by developing relationships with fellow cohort members as well as key TALI stakeholders.
Alumni Engagement
Upon graduation, participants receive ongoing support and connection for continued personal and professional growth through the TALI® Alumni Network.
What differentiates this program?
Addressing the needs of rising Black leaders and their allies, this program uses four pillars to hone the skills professionals who are growing in the leadership phase of their career need to move into higher levels of management, successfully navigate challenges they may encounter, and support their strategic ascent up the organizational ladder.
Course Content Overview
Vision & Purpose
Gain clarity and take focused actions to align your
career goals with who you are; enlist support and
resources to get there; intentionally leverage
mentoring and networking.
Authentic Leadership
Define your brand and develop personal strategies to effectively convey who you are and the differentiated professional value you deliver.
Executive Presence
Understand and adopt critical strategies and
tactics to confidently and credibly connect and
grow value to your brand.
Financial Management
Re-engage with accounting fundamentals; learn why understanding accounting principles and financial statements enables leaders to make informed, data-driven decisions and communicate effectively using the language of business.
Negotiation Strategies
Comprehend and increase your awareness of the
many ways you are engaged in negotiating
personally and professionally; gain insight into
intentionally leveraging these interactions.
Innovation & Creative Problem Solving
Gain insight into effectively leveraging innovation
and creativity as well as navigating challenges to
positively impact personal and professional goals.
Leadership Next Steps
Participants receive a Carnegie Mellon
University Tepper School of Business certificate,
and join the distinguished TALI® Alumni Network.
2024 Cohort Member
Emerging Leaders Program AlumniThe Emerging Leaders Program has given me the confidence to stand firm in my decision making and realize that I am indeed a leader of people - people value my insight and ideas.
TALI's Statement of Assurance.
The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI) welcomes all individuals to participate in and attend TALI® Leadership Programs as outlined in the organization's Statement of Assurance.