Waukee Leadership Institute: Lead Self, Lead Others, Lead Community

Growing community, growing leadership. Learn how the Waukee Leadership Institute has evolved and grown with the Waukee Community as they celebrate their 20th anniversary on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026.

1. How and Why Was the Waukee Leadership Institute Founded?

The Waukee Leadership Institute was founded in 2006 by former Waukee Mayor Bill Peard and former Waukee City Council member Larry Lyon to develop leaders in Waukee, with an emphasis on community involvement.

With Waukee experiencing significant growth, the founders felt it was important to establish a program that would bring together driven community members, help them develop their leadership skills, learn more about the community and ultimately make a positive impact.

2. How Has the Program Evolved, and What Does It Look Like Today?

The program has evolved as the needs of the community have changed. While community involvement remains a core focus, the curriculum has been re-developed around three pillars: Lead Self, Lead Others and Lead Community.

We begin by helping participants identify their individual strengths and then explore topics such as emotional intelligence, directive versus supportive leadership, accountability, city governance and leadership under pressure. The program concludes with a nonprofit spotlight, where we explore different types of boards and ways participants can become more involved in the community and make a lasting impact.

Presenters and community partners have included ATW Training Solutions, Representative Kenan Judge, Mayor Courtney Clarke, Chiefs McCluskey and Robinson and the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines.

In conjunction with the curriculum, each class selects a community project that allows participants to put what they’ve learned into practice while benefiting the community. Past projects have included helping establish the Waukee Historical Society, partnering with the Parks & Recreation Department to build shade structures and install benches at the local dog park and working with the Waukee Community Schools Foundation to raise funds for projects such as book vending machines in all Waukee elementary schools.

Those projects are made possible through support from organizations such as Prairie Meadows Community Betterment Grants, the Dallas County Foundation, the Waukee Betterment Foundation, the Holmes Murphy Foundation as well as individuals and businesses throughout the community. There are far too many to name individually, but each contribution is important to the success of these projects.

3. Why Is a Program Like This Important to Waukee?

As Waukee continues to grow, the need for engaged, driven individuals to step into leadership roles within our community will only become more important. Whether that means serving on a local nonprofit board, running for city council, serving on a school board or simply becoming more actively involved in the community, strong local leadership is imperative to Waukee’s continued success.

4. What Is the Relationship Between the Waukee Leadership Institute and the Waukee Chamber of Commerce?

We’ve been a member of the Waukee Chamber of Commerce since its inception. The opportunity to connect with local businesses and young professionals aligns closely with the demographic we serve.

We see ourselves as a partner of the Chamber and strive to be a resource for both the Chamber and its members. Ultimately, we want Waukee to be a community where people choose to live, work and play — and we believe strong community leadership is an important part of that.

5. Who Typically Participates in the Waukee Leadership Institute?

Our candidates come from all walks of life. Most live and/or work in the Waukee area, and all share a desire to invest in themselves and their community.

I’m a good example. I’m a multigenerational West Des Moines resident, but I’ve worked for a Waukee-area business for the past 13 years and became involved in the community through my work. Through that involvement, I’ve come to know more about Waukee than I do about my own city — and I consider it my second home!

People often ask me who makes a good candidate for the program and my answer is someone who wants to connect deeper to themselves and to their community. Each cohort is diverse and that is really the strength of the program.

6. What Do You Wish People Knew About the Waukee Leadership Institute?

I wish people knew the long-term impact that the Waukee Leadership Institute has had on the Waukee community. It’s hard to calculate value for an experience that continues to create opportunities and support for our community long after the participants graduate. I’m proud to say that over the last 20 years, the impact is far greater than one might expect for a small organization as each cohort creates a deep connection to the community, to their classmates and to those who call Waukee home.

Whether you’re looking to join the next class and grow your leadership presence or support growing leaders, learn more about the Waukee Leadership Institute online or stay up to date with the program and class on Facebook.