greater Tucson Leadership
Since 1980, Greater Tucson Leadership (GTL) has been where Tucson's changemakers get their start. We recognize, develop, and engage driven leaders to be catalysts for change - through immersive programs grounded in nationally recognized leadership curriculum and the Gallup CliftonStrengths Assessment. From high school students discovering their strengths to professionals stepping into public office, more than 1,500 GTL alumni are leading in every corner of Southern Arizona - in boardrooms, classrooms, nonprofits, and City Hall. Your leadership journey starts here.
Connect - Every GTL experience is built on relationship: with your cohort, with respected community leaders and speakers, with our alumni network, and with the GTL team that walks alongside you. You won't just meet Tucson's leaders - you'll join them.
Learn - Our locally tailored, strengths-based training goes where no classroom can: behind the scenes of the institutions, industries, and issues shaping our region. Curated learning experiences from diverse expert perspectives - delivered with the organizational excellence and hospitality GTL is known for - create an open, inclusive space where even the difficult conversations move us forward.
Lead - You'll leave with a deeper understanding of yourself, your strengths, and your community - and the confidence to lead with purpose in exactly the right spaces to create the change you want to see.
Our Programs
Lead Tucson Our Flagship Program
Tucson's premier leadership experience since 1980, Lead Tucson is a ten-month immersive program connecting emerging and established leaders with the issues shaping our region. Join more than 1,500 alumni who've turned monthly Issue Days into lifelong impact.
Civic and Political Leadership Academy
This six-month, nonpartisan academy gives future public servants a comprehensive understanding of local government, campaign strategy, and civic leadership. Whether you aspire to run for office or lead change from where you are, CPLA opens the doors.
Tucson Youth Leadership Academy
TYLA is a completely free leadership and career-readiness program for Title I high school students, built in partnership with the Pima County School Superintendent's Office. Students discover their strengths, explore careers, and complete real-world job shadowing with Tucson professionals.
Our Initiatives
Every month, we shine a light on an extraordinary community member nominated by their peers — from nonprofit champions to quiet difference-makers. Honorees are surprised with a special reveal and celebrated at our annual Community Impact Awards.
Tucson's longest-running celebration of community leadership, the Community Impact Awards honors the Man and Woman of the Year, GTL Alumni of Excellence, and more. Our 73rd annual event drew 360+ attendees — and debuted the new Youth Leadership Excellence Award.
Graduation is just the beginning. The GTL network is 1,500+ leaders strong, and we keep it connected all year - through our annual alumni reunion, Camp GTL, leadership book clubs, game nights, and desert hikes. Reconnect, grow your network, and keep the momentum going.
"GTL is a transformative experience unlike any other learning opportunity I've had in my life! You will be amazed by the treasures, both people and organizations, that exist in our beautiful community." - Julie Evans
