Leadership Institute
San Diego Leadership Alliance Institute Quick Facts
What is the SDLA Institute?
- The San Diego Leadership Alliance (SDLA) is a local nonprofit dedicated to building progressive leadership in San Diego.
- The SDLA’s flagship program is the SDLA Institute, a six-month intensive skills and relationship building program for progressive young professionals.
- The SDLA Institute includes the following elements:
- Personal leadership development
- Skill building in multiple areas, including policy analysis, political management, messaging, and strategic communications
- Training on fundraising for politics and nonprofits
- Application of fundraising skills via organizing a fellows’ fundraiser
- Spotlight speaker visits from local elected officials and prominent progressive leaders
- Networking events with the Institute class, the SDLA board, and the larger SDLA network
Who should apply for the SDLA Institute?
- The SDLA Institute is for progressive young professionals and emerging leaders.
- Institute Fellows have a demonstrated capacity to take risks and make meaningful change in the world around them.
- The SDLA Institute is not just for political professionals, but also for those in business, law, education, defense, and the non-profit and philanthropic sectors.
- Applicants should review the Institute schedule prior to applying, as all Fellows are expected to be present for the entirety of each Institute session.
How do I apply for the next SDLA Institute?
- The application period for the 2026 SDLA Institute has now closed.
- The application period for the 2027 SDLA Institute will open in Fall 2026.
- Applicants must be members of the SDLA ($30) to apply, and there is a $200 deposit to participate. The $200 deposit is returned to Fellows after they complete the Institute.
How do I learn more about SDLA?
Applications for the 2026 SDLA Institute are now closed. If you are interested in learning more about SDLA, you sign up for email updates on our main page. We will send out information on upcoming events and other opportunities to get involved, as well as opportunities to apply for the
2027 SDLA Institute.
Please contact sdlaselections@gmail.com if you have any additional questions!
How else can I help out the SDLA’s mission?
Who runs the SDLA?
- The SDLA is a nonprofit, run by local volunteers.
- The San Diego Leadership Alliance is managed by two co-presidents, Nic Zinter and Eadie Demarcus, as well as about 17 other board members.
2026 Institute Dates
SESSIONS 1 & 2
Saturday & Sunday
January 31 & February 1
Happy Hour to follow with Fellows only
SESSION 3
Saturday
February 7
SESSION 4
Saturday
February 28
SESSION 5
Saturday
March 7
SESSION 6
Saturday
March 28
SESSION 7
Saturday
April 4
SESSION 8
Saturday
April 25
SESSION 9
Saturday
May 2
FELLOWS FUNDRAISER
Mid-May 2025
SESSION 10
Saturday
May 30
GRADUATION
Saturday
June 6
*All sessions run from 9:30 am – 5:30 pm (except Graduation which is usually scheduled for the afternoon).