Emerging Leaders Program Alumni Network

Your Community Beyond the Program

Learn how you can stay connected, keep leading, and shape the program for future cohorts.

What Stays Open to You

How alumni keep growing with SWCS.

1 | Leadership Opportunities

Step into an ex-officio board seat, local chapter leadership roles, serve on a national committee, volunteer for SWCS events, or help mentor the next cohort of leaders.

2 | Professional Development

Keep engaging in learning opportunities developed for you, including exclusive webinars, conference sessions, free resume reviews, and eligibility for a $500 Alumni Award.

3 | Community

Stay in the loop with fellow alumni and participants through networking sessions and events. Keep conversations and connections moving forward after your cohort year ends.

We want to hear from you long after you've graduated. Share your wins, your feedback, and help change the future of the program. Staying connected isn't just good for you. It's how we keep the whole field of conservation professionals supported and growing.

Our Previous Cohorts

➤ 2026
Our third and largest class of SWCS Emerging Leaders started their experience in September 2025. The experience culminated at the sold out 81st SWCS International Annual Conference in St. Louis, Missouri in July 2026.
- 2026 ELP Class
- Guide for Emerging Leaders at the 81st SWCS International Annual Conference
➤ 2025
The second class of SWCS Emerging Leaders began their journey with the program in September 2024. The Society incorporated the feedback and mentorship of the first class into the next year’s learning modules. Alumni returned to host networking sessions and learning webinars. SWCS added five new webinars on time management, effective communication, leading others, hosting webinars, and the value of community organizing. The experience culminated at the 80th SWCS International Annual Conference in Costa Mesa, California in August 2025.
➤ 2024
The inaugural class of SWCS Emerging Leaders kicked off their program in September 2023. Their program culminated at the 79th SWCS International Annual Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in July 2024. Participants spanned 36 states/territories/provinces and represented a wide range of disciplines. As a part of the program, these leaders hosted several local conservation events and initiatives in addition to participating in existing SWCS projects and events.