The ALF Fellows Program
The ALF Fellows Program is a highly selective, executive-level leadership development and fellowship experience. It brings together leaders from across business, government, and the nonprofit sector into a trusted, cohort-based learning community. Fellows engage in a deep personal and collective leadership journey grounded in trust, reflection, and real-world civic context. Building on the Art and Practice of Adaptive Leadership framework developed at Harvard Kennedy School as well as other emergent leadership frameworks, ALF prepares Fellows to lead in a complex, fast changing environment.
The year-long, cohort-based Fellowship is designed to strengthen Fellows’ capacity to address collective societal issues collaboratively and build a strong leadership network to mobilize for positive change in the community. The Fellowship includes immersive retreats in nature, facilitated dialogue, site visits, and reflective practice. Learning is grounded in real community challenges, not abstract theory.
HOW IT WORKS
Elevate your leadership journey, cultivating adaptive leadership skills to drive meaningful change and nurture strong, dynamic communities. The Fellows program year moves students through three levels that enables the co-creation of new possibilities.
How You Benefit
Gain new perspectives and innovative solutions to challenges
Through collaborative experiences, mindfulness and nature, thought-provoking dialogues, and deep self-reflection, you’ll develop a toolkit and the language needed to tackle issues from new angles and drive positive change in your community, organization, and beyond.
Develop self-awareness and the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of leadership
Leadership is risky. You’ll develop the skills needed to excel as a thoughtful, adaptive, and impactful leader, empowering yourself and others to make a lasting difference in your community and the world.
Connect with the ALF network
Becoming an ALF Fellow opens doors to our robust ecosystem of connections and resources. You’ll have the opportunity to tap into this extensive network, providing a fertile ground for collaboration, ongoing mentorship, and the exchange of ideas.
Senior Fellows Share Their Experiences
Arturo Chavez
Chairman
Nory Angel
President, American Leadership Forum
Anne Whitlock
Class XLII, Founding Director
INTERESTED IN BEING NOMINATED?
To be considered for the ALF Fellows Program, individuals must be nominated by two ALF Senior Fellows. We select ALF Fellows with the goal of representing the diverse leadership in Greater Houston, including social, ethnic, gender, geographic, political, religious, and work sector diversity.
Our Selection Committee reviews and ranks your nomination based on the following:
Leadership Experience
Perspective
Growth Mindset
Influence
Nominees must have demonstrated leadership excellence, have a unique perspective to share with a class, the ability to lean in to curiosity, and have a sphere of influence in which they can share and elevate the ALF way of leading.
Nomination FAQ
How can I become a candidate for the ALF Fellows Program?
Candidates must be nominated by two ALF Senior Fellows (graduates of the program) to be considered for the selective cohort. One of those Senior Fellows submits the initial nomination HERE. Once the nominator submits their portion, the candidate will receive an email notifying them of their nomination, and instructions on how to submit an application in order to make their nomination eligible for the ALF Selection Committee’s review. A completed nomination includes the nominator’s nomination and the candidate’s application.
What is the Selection Committee looking for in an ideal Fellow?
We seek senior and emerging influential leaders with significant responsibility who are ready for a journey of self-reflection and learning alongside diverse peers. Ideal candidates demonstrate integrity, curiosity, a dedication to growth, and a commitment to serving the common good, not a single agenda.
What is the deadline for nominations?
All nominations for consideration for the next class are due by June 1 of the preceding year.
How often are new classes selected?
A new cohort of Fellows is selected annually to begin the program each May. Invitations are sent out on a rolling basis beginning in November of the preceding year.
What happens after I submit my nomination application form?
You will receive an automatic email confirmation with a copy of your submitted information. The ALF Selection Committee will review all completed nominations.
When will I find out if I am selected?
The Selection Committee meets from summer through fall. Invitations are sent via email on a rolling basis starting in November and continue until the class begins in May.
How long is my nomination valid?
Your nomination is current for two selection cycles (e.g., for the 2026 and 2027 cohorts). If you are not selected within that two-year period, your nomination will expire.
What happens if I am not selected within the two-year period?
If an invitation is not extended within two years, your nomination will expire and is no longer current. To be considered again, a new nomination must be submitted on your behalf by an ALF Senior Fellow.
If I’m not selected this year, but my nomination is still current, what does that mean?
Your nomination remains active and will be automatically re-considered for the next cohort. No further action is needed from you unless you would like to update your application. Contact Shaina at shaina@alfhouston.org to update your application.
Who should I contact with questions about my nomination?
Please reach out to Shaina at shaina@alfhouston.org.
