Our History

The non-profit Henderson Leadership Initiative, Inc., was founded  by five community leaders in partnership with the Henderson Community College in 2006, with the goal of grooming a new generation of leaders in Henderson, Kentucky. HLI has completed 15 adult leadership development institutes, graduating more than 200 HLI Fellows. A new class launches in 2025.

From since 2007, each HLI class has conducted innovative community assessments and action plans, several of which evolved into successful community programs. Our Fellows have achieved great success in leadership positions they have assumed and will have a lasting impact on the civic programs in which they are personally and professionally involved. 

In 2014, the organization restructured its board, hired its first time Executive Director, and enhanced its curriculum. The program strives to stay relevant to young community leaders and draws from the best practices among the nation's top leadership development programs. We utilize the University of Kansas Community Toolbox for our core learning content.

Our Mission

The Henderson Leadership Initiative works to expand the circle of leadership throughout Henderson by identifying, nurturing, mentoring, training, and placing a new generation of leaders within the organizational infrastructure of the Henderson, Kentucky community.

HLI FORWARD

At the commencement of each annual program, our Fellows will have achieved the following key components of effective leadership:
  • Leadership Skill Development
  • Interactive & applicable both to the workplace and community that push our leaders FORWARD.
  •  Faculty includes founders, board, local community leaders and highly specialized professional facilitators 
  • Real World Practice
  • Coalition Building through outdoor adventure course and group projects
  • Self Reflection at our annual Retreat and through in-class experiential exercises

HLI ACTS

Our Fellows ACT on a daily basis to impact our Community!
  • "HLI has allowed me to look at the community with more in-depth perspective, and, as a result, enhanced my ability to ask better questions."
  •  "My HLI experience helped give me confidence in face of challenging situations. I especially learned from the group dynamics—what happens in HLI then happens in real life."
  • "HLI made the difference in me staying in Henderson instead of moving back to my home town."
  • "Attending HLI Sessions is powerful for me. I am motivated to do something when I leave."
  • "I was motivated by the life experiences and stories shared by HLI Founders, Board, Community Leaders, and Fellows."
  • "I am honored to be a member of HLI and grow in leadership with every meeting."