The Cohort is an immersive eight-month experience for mission-driven professionals ready to grow, connect, and lead lasting and impactful change in aging services.
Blending in-person and virtual learning with real-world application and deep peer connection, The Cohort equips emerging and mid-level leaders to expand their influence, sharpen their mindset, and make a meaningful impact.
As part of The Leadership Collective—a growing suite of development programs by LeadingAge Texas—The Cohort empowers participants to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose in a rapidly evolving field.
Application Deadline: August 31, 2025
Acceptance Notifications: Sent by September 15, 2025
Tell Me More
Over the course of three in-person sessions—hosted at LeadingAge Texas member communities across the state—and three virtual sessions for continued connection, participants engage in immersive learning, guided reflection, and applied leadership practice.
Facilitated by experienced leaders from within the LeadingAge Texas network, participants will explore two core leadership themes: mindset and influence. Each session is grounded in relevant content, including books, articles, podcasts, and videos thoughtfully curated to deepen learning and broaden perspective.
At the heart of The Cohort experience is the Propel Project—a self-directed exploration of a challenge, opportunity, or area of passion within the aging services field. Participants will spend the program diving into their chosen topic, culminating in a public presentation at The Showcase, held during the LeadingAge Texas Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO. This platform offers the chance to elevate their ideas, gain visibility, and invite collaboration from leaders across the state.
Following the completion of The Cohort, participants will receive a one-year membership to The Masterclass, continuing their leadership journey through the broader Leadership Collective community.
🗓️ 2025–2026 Program Schedule
Note: Dates and locations subject to change as needed.
Session 1 (Virtual) October 16, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Session 2 (In-Person) November 13–14, 2025 | Dallas–Fort Worth Area
Session 3 (Virtual) December 11, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Session 4 (In-Person) February 19–20, 2026 | Austin Area
Session 5 (Virtual) March 13, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Session 6 (In-Person) April 9–10, 2026 | San Antonio Area
The Showcase (In-Person) May 13, 2026 | Renaissance Austin Hotel (held during the LeadingAge Texas Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO that runs May 13-15, 2026)
Tuition & Expenses
Program Tuition: $2,900
Due upon acceptance and includes:
- All six sessions
- Full-conference registration for the 2026 Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO (which includes The Showcase on May 13, 2026)
- All program materials and learning content
- A one-year membership for The Masterclass program
NOTE: Travel and lodging are not included in tuition and should be covered by the participant’s sponsoring organization.
Our Faculty
Nicole Gann
President & CEO, Juliette Fowler Communities | Chair-Elect, LeadingAge Texas Board of Directors
Nicole Gann serves as the lead facilitator for The Cohort. With a wealth of executive experience both outside of and within the aging services field along with her passion for cultivating purpose-driven leadership, Nicole walks alongside participants throughout the program—mentoring, guiding, and graciously challenging them to grow.
Amanda Wiedenfeld
Vice President of Leadership Development, LeadingAge Texas
Amanda Wiedenfeld is the staff liaison for The Cohort and facilitates select sessions throughout the program. With over a decade of experience developing leaders across the aging services sector, Amanda designs and curates the program to support meaningful growth, connection, and learning. Her thoughtful, energetic approach helps create the foundation for a transformative participant experience.
Additional guest faculty and thought leaders join throughout the program to support learning themes and enrich the experience.
Good-to-Know Before Submitting Your Application
Applications are open through August 31, 2025.
In addition to standard contact information, the application will require the following components:
Intro Video (90 seconds or less) to be uploaded via Google Drive.
We want to know who you are! Use this brief video to share:
- What drew you to aging services
- What it’s like to work with you
- What makes you unique
- Where you are in your leadership journey
No need to overthink it—use your phone, be yourself, and speak from the heart.
Written Narrative
Tell us about a challenge, opportunity, or topic in aging services you care deeply about.
What do you want to learn more about, and how could you begin to lead change in this area?
Two References
Submit the names and contact info for two current or former colleagues or leaders who can speak to:
- What it’s like to work alongside you
- Why they believe The Cohort is the right next step for your growth
Commitment Forms
Both you and your sponsoring organization will be asked to sign an agreement outlining:
- Attendance and participation expectations
- Protected time for full engagement
- Responsibility for tuition and travel
- Support for your Propel Project and program experience
