LEAP4ward is an organization focused on advancing the careers of people with lived experience.
Founded by people who experienced homelessness and were able to advance their careers in the housing and homeless sector to become executive leaders and nationally recognized experts, LEAP4ward understands the challenges employees and organizations face when creating advancement programs for people with lived experience.
Services
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Communities of Practice are designed for and by persons with lived experience and centered on creating a dynamic and collaborative space for folks as they gain the skills and tools needed to advance their careers. Our six-month cohort focuses on six key areas of progressive development including Leadership, Leading with Authenticity, Building Management Skills, Supporting Self and Others, Systems of Care, and Thriving Organizations. All participants and their managers are invited to a two-day in-person commencement training focused on shared understanding and collaboration.
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LEAP4ward offers one-on-one, professional coaching to persons with lived experience who desire to advance their careers. Our professional coaching will center authenticity of identity and experience while supporting career progression and advancement.
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Leadership Training cohort is designed to teach existing leaders who manage people with lived experience how to show up for them, how to help them advance in their career, and what it takes to truly be committed to managing a person with lived experience. This six-month cohort meets managers where they are, at the organization and system-level, and integrates mentorship skills and techniques that will help support the advancement of people with lived experience in the workplace.
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LEAP4ward supports communities and organizations by assessing their existing policies, hiring practices, and cultures and offers them ways to improve and build a stronger, safer, person-centered approach that is inclusive of people with lived experience.
Who We Are
Sean Whitten, Co-Founder
Kris Freed, Co-Founder
Our founders experienced homelessness and were able to advance their careers in the housing and homeless sector to become executive leaders and nationally recognized experts. Our goal is to remove barriers and create opportunities and pathways for upward mobility of people with lived experience in the workplace.