Female leadership matters, and so does having a trusted circle of leaders who understand the unique opportunities, challenges, responsibilities, and impact that come with serving others in educational leadership.
Across Michigan, women leaders continue to shape schools, organizations, communities, and the future of education through vision, resilience, collaboration, and service. Yet even the strongest leaders benefit from having a space where they can reflect honestly, grow professionally, learn alongside peers, and build lasting relationships with others who truly understand the leadership journey.
The Michigan Leadership Institute’s Women’s Leadership Group was created to provide exactly that kind of experience.
This unique network brings together female leaders from across Michigan four times each year in a supportive, engaging, and professionally enriching environment designed around collaboration, reflection, learning, and authentic connection. Unlike traditional professional development models, participants help shape the agenda and direction of the group based upon current leadership challenges, emerging topics, professional interests, and shared experiences.
Participants engage in meaningful conversation around real leadership situations and opportunities while learning from one another’s strategies, perspectives, and outcomes. The group regularly explores professional books, essays, podcasts, and leadership resources that encourage continued reflection and growth both personally and professionally.
MLI Consultant Sheila Alles will lead this 4-part series. The network is expertly facilitated by Sheila Alles, former Michigan Interim State Superintendent, whose leadership experience, thoughtful facilitation, exceptional listening skills, and genuine commitment to supporting others create an environment where leaders feel valued, heard, challenged, and encouraged. Ms. Alles brings both wisdom and authenticity to the group, helping guide conversations that are meaningful, practical, reflective, and empowering. This 4-part series will be held the following dates:
Thursday, October 1, 2026;
Thursday, December 3, 2026;
Thursday, January 28, 2027; and
Thursday, April 15, 2027 - from 12:00 - 3:00 PM. Lunch will be provided.
The workshop series will be held at Redwood Steakhouse & Brewery, 5304 Gateway Centre Blvd, Flint, MI 48507 in the Copper Room. Registration is for all 4 dates. Cost for this series is $225 per participant. Please contact Lisa Hook at [email protected] or call 810-591-4541 if you have any questions.