LFM Program Overview
To close equity gaps and increase student success, California community colleges require middle leaders who can lead substantial transformation efforts that go beyond system-maintaining to system-changing practices. To do so, middle leaders need to develop and deepen their skills and strategies to “lead from the middle” by thinking systemically, acting collaboratively, and leading courageously with urgency and care. Developing middle leaders cannot be incidental, and colleges cannot rely on emerging leaders to find their way to independent professional learning. Given their essential role in the change process, colleges must invest in leadership development opportunities for their middle leaders. This type of leadership development requires support, dedication, and time.
Since its inception in 2013, LFM has addressed a gap in the professional development of middle leaders within the California Community Colleges (CCC) system. In 2024, LFM continues to be the only comprehensive change-focused leadership development program created by and for middle leaders within the CCC system. For the past 11 years, LFM has nurtured and developed the capacity of middle leaders across the state who can think systemically, act collaboratively, and lead courageously. LFM has blossomed into a thriving community of peers, working across the CCC system to support an ethos of collaborative learning, knowledge co-creation, collective leadership for collective action, and a deep commitment to equity and social justice.
As the LFM program continues to evolve, we embarked on a strategic redesign in 2020–21—a collaborative effort between LFM’s leadership and alumni. At that pivotal time, we faced the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, America’s reckoning with race, and significant budget cuts. During this time of upheaval, we recognized the urgent need to formally articulate our program’s mission, vision, and core values. We felt a deep sense of responsibility to establish a guiding “North Star” that would steer our decisions and actions moving forward. Our goal was clear: to ensure that LFM continues to support and equip community college middle leaders with the essential leadership skills and strategies to promote student success and increase equitable outcomes in an ever-evolving and complex environment. We invite you to join the LFM community and be a 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.
-
Demonstrating deep committed to social justice (equity, inclusion, diversity, and antiracism)
-
Co-creating knowledge
-
Embodying authenticity
-
Embracing diversity in individual and collective leadership
-
Upholding humanistic values (compassion, empathy, trust, respect, integrity)
-
Taking courageous action (risk-taking)
-
Fostering collaboration
-
Driving innovation (creative, agile, adaptability)
-
Building resiliency (adapting to change, persistence)
-
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: