LFM Program Overview
To close equity gaps and boost student success, California community colleges need middle leaders who can drive transformative change that goes beyond system-maintaining to system-changing practices. These leaders must think systemically, act collaboratively, and lead with both urgency and care. Developing middle leaders is crucial and cannot be incidental, and colleges cannot rely on emerging leaders to find their way to independent professional learning. Developing middle leaders is essential, and colleges must invest in structured leadership development that provides the support, time, and knowledge-building opportunities they need to succeed.
Since its inception in 2013, LFM has filled a critical gap in the professional development of middle leaders within the California Community Colleges (CCC) system. As of 2025, LFM remains the only comprehensive, change-focused leadership program designed by and for CCC middle leaders. Over the past 11 years, LFM has nurtured a vibrant community of leaders committed to equity, social justice, and collective action who think systemically, act collaboratively, and lead with courage.
In 2020–21, we undertook a strategic redesign; a collaborative effort involving LFM’s leadership and alumni. This redesign came at a pivotal moment as we navigated the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, America’s reckoning with race, and significant budget cuts. Amid this upheaval, we recognized the urgent need to clearly articulate our mission, vision, and core values. We felt a deep responsibility to establish a guiding “North Star” to steer our decisions and actions moving forward. Our goal was to ensure that LFM remains a vital resource, equipping community college middle leaders with the essential leadership skills and strategies needed to promote student success and increase equitable outcomes in an ever-changing and complex environment. We invite you to join the LFM community and be part of creating meaningful change.
Leading from the Middle cultivates the individual and collective leadership capacity of community college practitioners committed to advancing systemic transformation.
Leading from the Middle will be a renowned catalyst and think tank for transformative leadership in the California Community Colleges that equips middle leaders to create the changes necessary to redress systemic barriers and empower historically marginalized students, leaders, and communities to achieve their dreams.
LFM’s core values are our deeply held beliefs that represent the program’s fundamental driving forces. They define our passion for what we do and how we choose to resonate with and appeal to California community college practitioners.
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Demonstrating deep committed to social justice (equity, inclusion, diversity, and antiracism)
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Co-creating knowledge
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Embodying authenticity
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Embracing diversity in individual and collective leadership
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Upholding humanistic values (compassion, empathy, trust, respect, integrity)
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Taking courageous action (risk-taking)
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Fostering collaboration
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Driving innovation (creative, agile, adaptability)
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Building resiliency (adapting to change, persistence)
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Ensuring quality
What We Offer
The Leading from the Middle (LFM) program provides unique opportunities for community college professionals to engage in experiential learning to explore effective leadership strategies that contribute to fostering inclusive, student-centered institutions. We have both individual and team leadership development options: