Leader Valley

08/25/2026

Taste of Leadership is THIS WEEK - don’t miss it!

Our first Taste of Leadership Accelerator is happening this week on August 27, 2026, and there are still a few spots open for this free, virtual session.

This is your chance to get a preview of several of our most popular leadership accelerators and walk away with tools you can put to use right away. During this session, you’ll explore content from:
• Difficult Conversations
• Emotional Intelligence
• 6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team
• 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

It’s a great way to sample multiple topics, build practical skills, and decide which accelerators you may want to join throughout the year.

Save your spot while they’re still available by emailing Kristen at [email protected].

To explore the full 2026-2027 Accelerator schedule, check out: https://leadervalley.org/leadership-accelerators/

We hope to see you soon!

08/20/2026

Get Ready for a Fresh Taste of Leadership on August 27!

We’re excited to kick off the year with our first Taste of Leadership Accelerator on August 27, 2026 - a free, virtual opportunity to jump‑start your professional growth.

This session gives you a sneak peek into several of our most popular accelerators. You’ll explore insights and tools from:
• Difficult Conversations
• Emotional Intelligence
• 6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team
• 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

This is a great way to sample multiple topics, build practical skills you can use right away, and get a feel for other accelerators you may want to join throughout the year.

To register, email Kristen at [email protected].

To explore the full 2026-2027 Accelerator schedule, check out: https://leadervalley.org/leadership-accelerators/

We hope you'll join us!

08/19/2026

Thank you to our friends at Grow Cedar Valley for featuring Dr. Melissa Reade and Leader Valley in their latest Live the Valley blog post. The story highlights what makes our work so meaningful, from spotting a Leader in Me student by their confidence and connection, to helping kids learn leadership skills long before adulthood.

We loved seeing Melissa’s reflections highlighted, including her reminder that “leadership is a choice, not a position” and that great leaders lead with integrity, humility, and a “loving edge.” The blog also shines a light on the impact of Leader in Me across 31 schools and the importance of developing both students and our regional workforce.

We’re proud to be part of a community striving toward “one big, great Cedar Valley,” where abundance, collaboration, and shared growth guide the way. 💙

Check out the blog feature in the link below and drop a comment to let us know what you think! ⬇

https://livethevalley.com/2026/08/18/leadership-is-a-choice-not-a-position/?_kx=n6pw7FrLcPSnnHNa3T7YxBTBIhJ4oX5EL256NhJej94.THt2rU

08/19/2026

Over the last two weeks, we had the privilege of hosting two summer 7 Habits of Highly Effective People sessions for educators as we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year!
There’s something so special about bringing new educators from our Leader in Me schools together in the same space to learn, connect, reflect, and grow.
This room was filled with SO many incredible humans who showed up ready to become the best version of themselves and, most importantly, make a meaningful difference in the lives of ALL kids.
Here’s to a new school year filled with intentional leadership, growth, connection, and impact!

Lowell ElementaryBecker ElementaryOrange ElementaryKingsley ElementaryWapsie Valley Jr./Sr. High SchoolFairbank Elementary-Wapsie ValleyWaverly-Shell Rock Community School DistrictWaverly-Shell Rock Middle SchoolNashua-Plainfield Community SchoolsHoover Middle School (Waterloo, IA)Expo Alternative Learning CenterColumbus Catholic High SchoolSaint Edward Catholic SchoolBlessed Maria Assunta Pallotta Middle School

08/16/2026

It's the final day for "Caffeine for a Cause" at 7 Brew Cedar Falls!

There’s still time to swing through the brand‑new 7Brew in Cedar Falls and make your coffee run count. Today is the last day where 100% of proceeds go directly to Leader Valley, supporting leadership development for students across the Cedar Valley and beyond.

📍 7Brew Cedar Falls
6003 University Ave, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

🕒 Today’s Hours (Aug 16):
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

If you haven’t made it out yet, now's the time. If you already stopped by, we’d love to see you again. Help us finish strong - grab a drink, spread the word, and help us wrap up this incredible three‑day event with purpose and impact! ☕💙

08/14/2026

One of our amazing supporters let us know that the card reader is down at 7 Brews right now. If you are planning to head out and support us today, take some cash or head over to https://leadervalley.networkforgood.com to make a donation.

We appreciate you all!

08/14/2026

Today's the Day - "Caffeine for a Cause" is officially underway! ☕🎉

7 Brew Cedar Falls is serving up delicious drinks all weekend long, with 100% of proceeds supporting Leader Valley. Your morning pick‑me‑up, mid‑day boost, or treat‑yourself drink can help fuel leadership development for students across the Cedar Valley and beyond.

📍 7Brew Cedar Falls
6003 University Ave, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

🕒 Event Hours
August 14: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
August 15: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
August 16: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Swing through this weekend, grab your favorite brew, and help kick off this three‑day event with purpose and community spirit. Let’s make it unforgettable.

*Their card readers have been down today so make sure to take cash!*

08/14/2026

Join Us for a FREE Taste of Leadership on August 27!

NEW this year, Leader Valley’s very first Taste of Leadership Accelerator is happening August 27, 2026, and you’re invited to join us virtually for this no‑cost professional development experience.

Experience a "Taste of Leadership" and discover the impact of our professional development accelerators at no cost. You’ll sample content from:
• Difficult Conversations
• Emotional Intelligence
• 6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team
• 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Walk away with practical tools you can apply immediately in your work and leadership journey, while sampling content from other upcoming Accelerators you might want to join.

To register, email Kristen at [email protected].

To explore the full 2026-2027 Accelerator schedule, check out: https://leadervalley.org/leadership-accelerators/

We hope to see you there!

08/13/2026

Caffeine for a Cause with 7 Brew Cedar Falls starts TOMORROW!

We’re gearing up for an amazing three‑day kickoff at the brand‑new 7Brew in Cedar Falls, and we can’t wait to see our community show up in full force for Leader Valley!

From August 14–16, every drink purchased during Caffeine for a Cause will support leadership development for students across the Cedar Valley and beyond. Your daily coffee run can make a real impact.

📍 7Brew Cedar Falls
6003 University Ave, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

🕒 Event Hours
August 14: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
August 15: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
August 16: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Swing through, grab your favorite brew, and help us kick off this partnership with purpose. Tomorrow’s the day - see you at 7Brew! ☕💙

08/11/2026

The 2026-2027 Leadership Accelerators schedule has officially launched!

Leader Valley is excited to offer another year of powerful, practical leadership development opportunities for professionals across the Cedar Valley. Check out the full schedule and register today: https://leadervalley.org/leadership-accelerators/

NEW this year: 🌟Taste of Leadership🌟
Taste of Leadership gives you a no‑cost preview of our most popular accelerators. You’ll sample content from Difficult Conversations, Emotional Intelligence, 6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team, and 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and walk away with tools you can use immediately.

This year’s lineup includes:
• Taste of Leadership
• Difficult Conversations
• Emotional Intelligence
• 6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team
• 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
• And more!

If you’re ready to grow, lead, and make an impact, this is your moment. We hope to see you there!

Leader Valley is a local nonprofit that teaches Cedar Valley students essential leadership skills for success in school and after graduation!