Dr. Josie R. Johnson Leadership Academy

Objective

The Dr. Josie R. Johnson Leadership Academy, hosted by the African American Leadership Forum (AALF), is designed to equip Black leaders with the skills, tools, and networks needed to drive systemic change and uplift their communities. Rooted in the legacy of Dr. Josie R. Johnson, the academy creates a transformative space for emerging and mid-level leaders to grow personally and professionally while building a shared vision for collective liberation.

Role

As the Instructional Designer, I was responsible for:

• Curriculum Design: Developing a comprehensive leadership development curriculum tailored to the unique experiences and challenges of Black leaders.

• Learning Experience Design: Integrating experiential learning, storytelling, case studies, and reflective exercises to ensure participants could immediately apply insights to their leadership contexts.

• Facilitator Development and Knowledge Transfer: Creating detailed facilitator guides and support materials to ensure consistent and impactful delivery across all sessions with additional train-the-trainer support for knowledge management and transfer.

• Participant Engagement Strategy: Designing interactive activities, reflection prompts, and goal-setting exercises to maximize participant engagement and learning retention.

Adult Learning Methodologies

• Experiential Learning: Real-world scenarios, simulations, and group exercises

• Storytelling: Elevating the lived experiences of participants and Black historical leaders as teaching tools

• Peer Collaboration: Facilitated peer circles for collaborative problem-solving and community building

• Reflective Practice: Guided self-assessment tools and journaling exercises to foster introspection and growth

• Cultural Intelligence: Centering Black cultural experiences and honoring diverse perspectives within the cohort

Instructional Design Highlights

1. Values-Centered Leadership Framework: A curriculum rooted in pro-Black, values-driven leadership principles to guide participants in aligning personal and professional goals with community impact.

2. Customized Learning Pathways: Flexible modules designed to address the diverse experiences and leadership styles of participants.

3. Interactive Tools and Resources: Creation of participant workbooks, facilitator guides, and supplemental reflection prompts.

4. Community Building Activities: Structured activities to foster trust, vulnerability, and peer accountability within the cohort.

Outcomes

• Increased Leadership Confidence: Participants reported significant growth in their self-awareness, leadership capabilities, and confidence in navigating leadership challenges.

• Strengthened Networks: Cohort members built meaningful peer connections, forming long-term support systems for their leadership journeys.

• Action-Oriented Goals: Every participant developed a personal leadership plan with actionable goals aligned with their vision for community impact.