Welcome to the WDMLA

The West Des Moines Leadership Academy (WDMLA) is an intensive, regionally-oriented leadership development program designed to give potential and emerging leaders the skills, knowledge, and ongoing support they need to succeed in the West Des Moines community.

It is designed for outstanding individuals who desire to sharpen their leadership skills and gain a greater understanding of the region’s economy and community networks. While many fine national leadership development programs exist, we offer a regionally-focused program—taught by local leaders for local leaders.

The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is proud of their adult leadership program for people who live, work or have an interest in the West Des Moines area. Development of this program began in 2007 with the inaugural class beginning September 2008.

The Academy is a program of excellence offering top notch leadership training. In addition it provides participants with an in-depth look at specific topics of community interest, such as city government, economic development, health care resources, non-profit organization, education and more.

The course is designed for those who represent various business and professional sectors of the community, and for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing our community while developing and refining their leadership skills.

Participants will be selected based upon leadership potential, community interest and involvement, accomplishments, recommendations and ability to assume community responsibility.

The Academy is a fun, educational and rewarding experience that is designed to meet our community’s needs for active and future involvement of informed and dedicated community leaders.