Cohort 6 of the Health Leaders Network just completed our nine-month program. We had approximately 30 members, from all over the United States as well as Australia, Canada, England, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica, and Singapore. Backgrounds included architects, designers, developers, healthcare professionals, planners, non-profit leaders, and more.

Though there are no age restrictions, this program also serves as a great opportunity for NEXT members to deepen their connections. According to Cohort 6 member Nick Forest (ULI – Charlotte NC), “This experience has been invaluable. It has expanded my perspective about real estate and community development, while also growing and diversifying my professional and personal network.” For those looking for stronger relationships within the organization, this program is a great option to consider.

The group met bi-weekly online, in both large and small groups. 1:1 connections were also cultivated throughout the program, focused on shared personal experiences. Members also had the opportunity to present something critical to their work or community, both celebrating successes as well as looking for help and creative brainstorming on some of their more complicated challenges.

For many in the cohort, the highlights also included the two in-person meetings. The first happened in Washington DC, and the second happened in Berlin, Germany. These in-depth four-day sessions allowed members to meet with local elected officials and for- and & non-profit developers, tour groundbreaking projects, and explore these communities with a group of their peers who are equally passionate about the built environment, best practices, and the roles we can all play in making things better.

According to Jennifer Wilson (ULI-Colorado), “It has been an inspiring and humbling opportunity to wrestle with these challenges alongside others representing such a wide range of perspectives, areas of expertise, and lived experience.”

Participants ended the program disappointed that it was over – but happy to know that we are now a part of the ULI Health Leaders Network, and will be able to participate in online programming for future cohorts.

Applications for Cohort 7 have already closed, but if you’re interested in the program, the Lewis Center Sustainability Forum will take place on the afternoon of Monday, April 8th, at the Spring Conference. It’s a great opportunity to meet with the ULI staff and to talk to prior Health Leaders about their experience. You can also read more about the program here.