C-Change
C-Change is a transformative program for advancing mid-career leaders with over 8 years of professional experience to elevate their leadership skills, expand their networks, and learn how to make meaningful impact in their communities.
What is C-Change?
C-Change is a 10-month leadership development program for advancing mid-career leaders in the Cincinnati region. The curriculum combines leadership development with community engagement opportunities, increasing participants’ capabilities for current and future leadership roles. As part of the program, participants also lead meaningful community projects that improve their connectivity to the region while providing an opportunity to positively impact it. This work is done outside of scheduled program sessions. To see class 18, click here! To see class 19, click here!
Program Objectives:
Broaden understanding of personal strengths and leadership skills
Build knowledge about issues that affect our region and how to impact them for positive change
Connect in meaningful ways with peers, community leaders, and important resources for individual and professional growth.
Expand their professional and personal networks
Target Participants:
Advancing mid-career leaders (30s to mid-40s), with more than 8 years of overall professional experience, seeking to activate and enhance their leadership capabilities. Candidates should desire to increase their connection to and impact on the region, expand their professional and personal networks, and continue developing and practicing leadership skills.
Curriculum
Example topics from previous years include:
Leadership and communication style assessments
Refining personal brand and strategic communication skills
Inclusive leadership
City and regional government
Regional history, including a tour of Cincinnati landmarks
Regional challenges and resources
C-Change includes a small group project, centered around economic and workforce development in the region, and applying knowledge from previous sessions to complete said project.
C-Change Class 20 Timeframe:
March 2025 – November 2025
- Program Kick-off: March 26, 2025 | 3-6 p.m.
- Overnight “Venture Out!” Retreat at Camp Joy (REQUIRED): April 3-4, 2025
- Project Work Session: April 9, 2025 | 3-6 p.m.
- Session 1: May 7, 2025 | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Session 2: June 4, 2025 | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Session 3: July 9, 2025 | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Session 4: August 6, 2025 | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Session 5: September 3, 2025 | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Session 6: October 8, 2025 | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Overnight Retreat: November 6-7, 2025
- Graduation Celebration: November 12, 2025 | 4-8 p.m.
Applications:
Applications for Class 20 will open August 19, 2025.
Application Fee:
$50 (non-refundable). Applicants will be asked to pay via credit card at the end of the online application process.
Questions? Contact Andrea Mersmann at amersmann@cincinnatichamber.com
Pricing:
$4,500 for Chamber Members
$5,500 for non Chamber Members
*Partial scholarships may be available for those with financial need, and can be requested within the application. Payment plan options are also available.
Presenting Investor
What past participants had to say...
Being surrounded by all these diverse change makers through this program has opened my eyes to the astonishing dedication my classmates have in not only their careers but in making Cincinnati a better place to live, work and play in. Since joining C-Change, I have been nominated by the Board of Governors and accepted into the Roebling Society within the Metropolitan Club. I feel confident it’s unlocked that next level for me in my career in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Amanda Woeste
My C-Change experience has been rewarding and beneficial to my leadership and networking development. Also, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with other young professionals to support a non-profit on a key project. This has challenged me to think and problem solve differently.
Jack Estael
Not only did C-Change help me in many areas of my personal leadership development, but it also opened up an entirely new network of passionate Cincinnatians that I will continue to stay in contact with for years to come. Throughout the program, I engaged with the city of Cincinnati in ways that I never have before in my 30+ years living here. This experience isn’t replicated anywhere else, and I highly recommend it to any passionate and driven professional.
John Krehbiel
C-change helped me connect to other professionals in the Greater Cincinnati Region in a way that I would not have been able to otherwise. I came home on the first day sharing with my family, friends, and peers about how amazing my day was and how much I knew I would enjoy the program.
Steven Acosta
This has been the best opportunity I have found to connect with individuals in the city that are interested in moving the needle in causes we all care about. I really appreciated how intentional and thoughtful each program session was and truly looked forward to meeting each month.
Bridget Hughes
Discover the Right Leadership Center Program for You
The Leadership Center at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber offers leadership development programs that are built to grow and strengthen the regional talent base by developing civic-minded leaders. If you’re an individual looking to apply or a talent leader interested in sending employees through our programs, let us help you find the programs best suited for your goals.
