The mission of the Leadership Academy is to foster leadership within the Montgomery Bar Association by identifying a diverse and inclusive group of present and future leaders and providing them with a program designed to:
- Enhance a broad range of leadership skills, including those relating to effective communication, motivation and connection;
- Develop a strong awareness of individual strengths, weaknesses, behaviors and traits, and the ability to use this knowledge to create strong team dynamics in various professional and personal settings;
- Foster professional relationships within the Bar Association and throughout the greater community;
- Promote opportunities for professional community service;
- Raise the level of awareness and engagement among participants regarding issues facing the legal profession and leaders at large today
Members of the Leadership Academy class will participate in approximately 8-10 meetings and workshops throughout the program year. Program participants will become part of a growing alumni network of leaders who have or will assume leadership positions within the Bar and the community, and who will serve as resources for subsequent Academy participants.
Program Benefits
Participants in the Leadership Academy will have the distinction of being recognized as emerging leaders in the Bar Association and in their communities. In addition, they will earn the following benefits:
- Preparation for future leadership roles in their profession, their communities, the Bar Association and/or their personal lives;
- Opportunities to be featured in Sidebar and other Bar Association publications;
- Discounted rates for MBA programs for the duration of their class year;
- Unique opportunities to connect and interact with Bar Association leadership;
- Networking opportunities which could lead to referrals; and
- Recognition at the Annual Membership Dinner.
For more information, contact Nancy Walsh at nancy@tbdnowllc.com or (215) 896-6970.
Testimonials
I do believe that this program has taught me how to be a better leader and it has really gotten me interested in being a future MBA leader. The communication workshop was especially helpful. It really helped me understand how differently people communicate from one another and has made me more patient with individuals I have to delegate to at work. Learning more about the MBA and what is important to Board Members has made me want to stay involved with the MBA and, eventually, take on more of a leadership role.
-Jennifer Gayle, Esq., 2018; LA 2.0 2020
As a result of the program I have: increased Bar engagement, including promoting it amongst my colleagues; increased Community engagement; greater self awareness; become more in tune with my vulnerabilities; and have made conscious efforts to overcome my fears, etc.
Kristen Feden, Esq., 2017
I have definitely been more engaged with the Bar and attended more events. I have made new friends and connections. I overall feel that the program was very beneficial. I would like to continue remaining engaged with the bar and find a place within the leadership of the bar to become more involved.
-Rebecca Hobbs, Esq., 2017
Participation in the MLA has definitely increased my bar engagement! It’s nice to attend an event and be almost certain that I will see someone there that I know, this has removed a lot of the anxiety and reluctance to participate in events. I feel greater self-awareness and more confident professionally.
-Kesha James, Esq., 2017; LA 2.0 2020
I enjoyed the program thoroughly, am very glad that I applied for it, and would do it again in a heartbeat if given the chance.
-Michael Lyon, Esq., 2017; LA 2.0 2020
Program Director
Nancy O. Walsh
Owner, tbdNOW
Nancy Walsh is the owner/founding member of tbd NOW. Prior to launching her dream business, Nancy was the Director of Engagement, Leadership, and Community outreach at the MBA, where she led leadership and professional development, membership engagement, diversity, community outreach, and access to justice initiatives. The MBA honored her impactful diversity work with the Champion of Diversity award, and the Pennsylvania Legal Action Network awarded her the prestigious PLAN award for her access to justice work throughout Montgomery County. Nancy also developed and continues to run the MBA's diversity and leadership programs.
Nancy spent a decade as an adjunct professor at Arcadia University, where she taught and helped develop their honors Leadership program, as well as courses in writing and expression. She received her B.A. in English and Theater from the University of Notre Dame, her M.A. in English from Villanova University, and her secondary education certification through the graduate program at Holy Family University.
Nancy is happily married to her husband The Honorable Joseph Walsh, with whom she has raised three kind and beautiful daughters, Shannon, Bridget, and Maggie.