National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities hosts Spring 2025 Wisconsin Leadership Institute, made possible by Inclusa Foundation

Last month, leaders from across the developmental disability sector gathered in Milwaukee for the Spring 2025 Wisconsin Leadership Institute & Development Program. This was the second institute of its kind held in Wisconsin, following the inaugural event in Madison last fall. With continued support from Inclusa Foundation, a third institute is already being planned.

The 2025 Wisconsin Leadership Institute

Wisconsin is home to many influential leaders in the developmental disability sector. The National Leadership Consortium provided a platform for these leaders to connect, learn, and explore innovative approaches to transforming their organizations.

Over the course of the week, participants heard from nationally recognized experts, engaged in peer-to-peer learning, and developed actionable strategies to become more effective, empathetic leaders. By the end of the program, participants were equipped to return to their organizations as more confident decision-makers with a renewed commitment to person-centered support.

To learn more about the National Leadership Consortium and Inclusa Foundation’s ongoing partnership, read our earlier blog post: Announcing the Wisconsin Leadership Institute — Inclusa Foundation

Learning Through Leaders

When working in the developmental disability sector, it can be easy to become deeply focused on the internal challenges and processes within your own organization. Opportunities to hear from other leaders can offer a much-needed shift in perspective—allowing teams to reassess their approach, discover new strategies, and reenergize their mission.

David Ervin, CEO of Makom

The Wisconsin Leadership Institute brought in national speakers throughout the week to help participants expand their viewpoint.

Ari Ne’eman, an Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Management at the Harvard School of Public Health, walked participants through a history of the way people with developmental disabilities have been treated in this country. It is important to remember how much progress we have made, and how far we have come in this space, while focusing on improvements for the future.

Other key speakers include David Ervin, CEO of Makom, Sue Swenson, President of Inclusion International, and Kaela Talfili, Director of Education at Becoming Independent. These speakers shared knowledge on how they have long championed, and continue to lead, advocacy efforts within in the developmental disability sector.

A recurring theme among all speakers was the necessity of centering the voices of those being served. When individuals with disabilities are included in everyday conversations and decision-making, systems can better reflect their needs and priorities.

Together, these sessions reinforced a central message: meaningful progress in the disability ecosystem is driven by intentional leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

A Shared Vision for Inclusive Leadership

The Inclusa Foundation's support for the Wisconsin Leadership Institute is deeply rooted in our Commonunity® model, a philosophy that emphasizes full citizenship and active participation in everyday life. The National Leadership Consortium embodies our mission, which is why they are one of our initial strategic funding awardees. By investing in leadership development, we aim to cultivate leaders who embody the core components of Commonunity®. These leaders are instrumental in transforming systems and communities to better reflect the values of inclusion and person-centered support, ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to live the life of their choosing.

The Journey Continues

The graduates from the Leadership Institute can return to their organizations knowing that they are better equipped to make decisions in long-term services and supports. The National Leadership Consortium has provided them with the tools to lead authentically, be better decision makers, and be more confident in uncertain times.

Make sure to follow the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities on LinkedIn to stay up to date on their latest initiatives, and the next time they will be hosting a Leadership Institute in Wisconsin.