KEHA Leadership Academy
The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) is accepting applications for a Leadership Academy to be held March 4-6, 2026. The goal of this third Leadership Academy is to strengthen leadership skills for emerging leaders within KEHA. The academy curriculum will enhance individual leadership skills and empower members to lead the organization now and in the future.
“The KEHA Leadership Academy is a great way to gain leadership skills, as well as to learn more about KEHA’s purpose and goals,” said KEHA President Henrietta Sheffel. “The academy introduces you to a network of friends who support you in your leadership journey.”
This will be the third Leadership Academy hosted by KEHA. The second academy in 2023 had 20 graduates, who all agreed on evaluations that the training enhanced leadership skills and increased confidence in being a leader. The first academy in 2020 had 25 graduates who reported similar results.
“I have heard graduates say things like ‘It was the best experience ever,’ ‘Because of what I learned at the Leadership Academy, I felt I could serve as the president of my county,’ ‘I made so many new friends that’s it’s easier to ask for help,’ and, my favorite, ‘I didn’t want it to end.’ Many of these graduates currently hold key leadership roles at all levels of KEHA,” said Cyndy Humble, KEHA Leadership Development Chairperson and leader of the 2026 planning committee.
The program is designed by a planning committee of KEHA Board members, past academy graduates, and UK advisors. By offering an opportunity for members to enhance and build leadership skills, KEHA anticipates increasing the pool of leaders available to hold county, area, and state level elected and appointed positions. In addition, academy graduates will have increased knowledge and ability to market the organization to potential new members, provide leadership to Extension councils and boards, represent KEHA with partner organizations, and serve as leaders within their communities.
“As a newly elected county president, I was encouraged to attend the Leadership Academy. It gave me the confidence and leadership tools to not only lead in my county but step up to become a State Chair,” said Denise Boebinger, 2020 academy graduate and 2026 committee member.
The KEHA State Board has budgeted up to $10,000 to fund the academy, keeping costs low for participants. This three-day conference held at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park in Carlisle, Ky., will only cost participants $100 plus travel costs. Meals, meeting materials, evening teambuilding activities, and lodging (based on double-occupancy) will be covered by KEHA.
Interested KEHA members will submit a Leadership Academy Application form to the KEHA Area President by Oct. 1, 2025. The area officer team (minus any members applying for the academy) will review all nominations, score using the provided rubric, and determine selections for the area by Nov. 1, 2025. Each KEHA Area may select two nominees and one alternate to attend. The application and additional information are available at https://bit.ly/KEHALeadershipAcademy.
“Take the leap to become a great leader,” said Amelia Godfrey, a 2023 academy graduate and 2026 committee member. “You will be so happy you did it!”
Written by Kelly May, MS, KEHA State Advisor, University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension
August 2025
