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About the YBLA YoPro Leadership Accelerator
The YBLA Young Professionals (YoPro) Leadership Accelerator is a selective, six-month leadership development experience designed for Black professionals ages 21–35 who want to grow as leaders, build meaningful relationships, and make a positive impact in their communities.
Participants work in high-performing teams to design and execute real social impact projects, gaining hands-on leadership experience while building transferable professional skills in strategy, execution, and executive communication.
The program runs from March through August with cohorts in Atlanta and Charlotte, culminating at the Global Leadership Forum (GLF26) in Chicago, where participants join peers from across the country for immersive leadership development and connection.
What You’ll Gain:
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Leadership capability rooted in service, significance, and execution
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Transferable skills in strategic thinking, project leadership, design thinking, executive communication, and executive presence
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Hands-on experience leading real social impact projects
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Expanded network and social capital through peers, executives, and community partners
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Confidence leading teams, managing ambiguity, and delivering outcomes
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Access to YBLA’s broader leadership ecosystem, including service, travel, and alumni opportunities
What You’ll Experience:
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Six in-person sessions combining networking, leadership development, and applied project work
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A strong community of like-minded, service-driven professionals
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Experiential learning where skills are applied immediately to real projects
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Executive engagement, feedback, and mentorship
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Recognition and celebration of leadership growth and impact
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Program Schedule
The YoPro Accelerator follows a deliberate leadership journey that progress from skill-building and execution to exponential impact and legacy.
Session Title
Charlotte
Atlanta
Opening Kickoff
Virtual Kickoff Meeting
March 12
March 12
Session 1
Significance & Design Thinking
March 19
March 26
Session 2
Design Thinking for Social Impact
April 9
April 16
Session 3
Impact Sprint Showcase & Celebration
May 7
May 14
Session 4
Money & Mimosas (CLT) Money & Margaritas (ATL)
June 13
June 8
Session 5
Exponential Thinking for Significance
July 9
July 16
Session 6
Legacy Impact Presentations & Celebration
August 8
August 5
Application Process
The YoPro Leadership Accelerator is highly selective and designed for a limited number of participants to ensure a meaningful, high-impact cohort experience. Admission is competitive, and all applicants are required to complete an interview.
Interest Meetings (In-Person)
Atlanta: February 9
Charlotte: February 12
Virtual Interest Meeting February 16
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Application Timeline
Membership Details
$425 - Annual membership
$275 for returning members
Tuition includes all sessions, meals, materials, project support, leadership programming and access to the Global Leadership Forum.
Global Leadership Forum
(GLF26 Chicago)
August 12–16, 2026
The Global Leadership Forum (GLF26) is the culminating experience of the YoPro Leadership Accelerator - a five-day transformational leadership experience that brings together young professionals from across the country for immersive learning, connection, and impact in a powerful national setting.
What to Expect:
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Leadership Forum alongside YoPros from across the United States
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Connection with local executives and community leaders
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Visit to the Obama Presidential Library
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Collective Service Day focused on meaningful community impact
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Cultural experiences highlighting the host city
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Signature close-out celebration bringing the experience full circle