Stanford LGBTQ Executive Leadership Program

At the end of July, I was proud to attend and graduate from Stanford University’s LGBTQ Executive Leadership Program, a program designed to grow and prepare LGBTQ+ leaders for the C-Suite. I was surrounded by approximately 60 of the best and brightest LGBTQ+ professionals from around the world as folks from England, Australia, Argentina, Germany, Brazil, and more converged on Palo Alto to share their numerous experiences.

Melissa Price wears a Stanford University Executive Education zip-up sweater while pointing to it.
Reflecting (and maybe doing a little photographic bragging) after an amazing week at Stanford University for its powerful LGBTQ Leadership Program.

The most meaningful facet was the actual connection with people like me who understood the struggles often faced as a minority. Discussions were deep, covering topics centered on LGBTQ+ leadership and, more broadly, executive leadership. LGBTQ+ topics included how to build inclusive workplaces and the strategy behind vulnerability in LGBTQ+ leadership. Meanwhile, broader topics applicable to any executive included usage of humor and design thinking. However, all topics integrated the LGBTQ+ perspective into the research and discourse.

As I said earlier this year on LinkedIn, I’m proud to now be a Stanford alumna. The conversations were at an educational level that just felt deep, nuanced, and insightful. Beyond the educational fulfillment, there was a soul fulfillment, exactly what I needed for a year of great change in my life.

I’d like to thank Stanford University for accepting me to their Stanford LGBTQ Executive Leadership Program, and I look forward to being part of the program’s alumni as the program evolves into the future.