Emerging Leaders

ACEC Tennessee's Emerging Leaders is a leadership development experience that equips high-potential professionals with the skills, self-awareness, and practical tools needed to thrive in today's engineering industry. Through a combination of in-person and virtual learning, peer collaboration, and meaningful mentor engagement, participants strengthen their leadership capabilities while applying concepts directly within their organizations. Designed to foster both personal and professional growth, the program helps cultivate a strong pipeline of future leaders who are prepared to make lasting contributions to their firms, their communities, and the engineering profession. This program is best suited for professionals with 2–7 years of industry experience. 

Emerging Leaders Application 

Detailed Schedule 

Program applications are due by August 21st at 5 p.m. 

This cohort will have a combination of Tennessee travel and virtual learning sessions. The 2026 schedule is as follows:

Emerging Leaders | Important Dates 

• Session One (Nashville In-Person) 
  • September 24, 2026 (1pm - 5pm CT) & September 25, 2026 (8:30am-Noon CT)
  • Dinner and activity provided on the evening of September 24 (5:30pm-7:30pm)
• Session Two (Virtual) | October 7, 2026 (8:30am-Noon CT)
  • Virtual session office host in West, Middle and Eastern Regions to be announced soon
• Session Three (Virtual) | October 30, 2026 (8:30am-Noon CT)
  • Virtual session office host in West, Middle and Eastern Regions to be announced soon
• Session Four (Nashville In-Person) |
  • November 19, 2026 (Dinner & Activity | 5:30pm-7:30pm CT)
  • November 20, 2026 (8:30am - 3pm CT) | Graduation

Mentorship Sessions | Important Dates

• Mentorship Session One (Virtual) | October 1, 2026 (9:00am-10:00am CT)
• Mentorship Session Two (Virtual) | October 15, 2026 (9:00am-10:00am CT)
• Mentorship Session Three (Virtual) | November 5, 2026 (9:00am-10:00am CT)
• Mentorship Session Four (Virtual) | December 10, 2026 (9:00am-10:00am CT)