ACCP Staff
In today’s evolving corporate social impact landscape, strong leadership isn’t just an asset — it’s essential. Organizations need leaders who can navigate complexity, build cross-functional influence, and champion strategic, values-aligned impact across business units and stakeholders.
That’s why we created RISE: Realizing Inclusive Leadership in Corporate Social Impact, a professional development experience designed to help mid-career CSR professionals step confidently into senior leadership.
What Makes RISE Different
RISE is more than a leadership development program. It’s a strategic journey built around the real challenges CSR professionals face as they advance:
- Peer Community: You’ll engage with a cohort of practitioners who understand both the technical and interpersonal dimensions of leadership in corporate social impact.
- Actionable Learning: Modules integrate practical leadership frameworks with real case examples and tools you can apply immediately to your work.
- Mentorship and Reflection: Guided discussions and mentorship opportunities create space to deepen your leadership voice and sharpen your influence.
- Capstone Project: The program culminates in a capstone project that turns learning into action — an opportunity to produce tangible results that advance your team and your organization.
Why It Matters
Across the field, CSR leaders tell us the same thing: as responsibilities expand, so does the need for confidence, clarity, and strategic insight. Leading cross-functionally, anchoring programs in business priorities, and building trust across stakeholders are all part of the evolving leadership landscape.
RISE helps participants:
- Build strategic leadership skills grounded in inclusive practices
- Lead with confidence across internal and external audiences
- Influence business decisions with clarity and impact
- Navigate complexity with a values-driven compass
What Participants Are Saying
Program alumni consistently highlight how RISE sharpened their ability to:
- Clarify their leadership presence
- Navigate organizational ambiguity
- Elevate conversations with business partners
- Turn strategy into measurable outcomes
The community, tools, and frameworks they gain through RISE become assets they carry throughout their careers.
Hear from Shakira Smiler, Senior Program Officer, Social Impact at Best Buy, on her experience participating in RISE:
Who Should Apply
RISE is designed for mid-career CSR professionals ready to make the leap to senior leadership, whether leading a large team, influencing cross-functional strategy, or shaping enterprise-wide social impact priorities. If you’re looking to expand your strategic influence and lead with greater confidence, RISE is built for you.
Join the Second Cohort
Applications are now open for our 2nd cohort of RISE. This is your chance to grow as a leader, connect with peers facing similar opportunities and challenges, and gain practical tools that elevate both your leadership and your impact.
Learn more and apply for RISE Cohort 2
Visit our program page to explore eligibility, curriculum, and application details: ACCP.org/Programs/RISE
