TI has given more than 30 employees the opportunity to participate in Leadership Dallas, providing them with an opportunity to grow as leaders while also offering the region a source of leaders committed to contributing to the community.

TI recognizes the importance of its employees applying their talents throughout the community. To provide employees an educational experience emphasizing critical social and community issues, the company supports local leadership organizations like Leadership Dallas.

Founded in 1975, Leadership Dallas is a key program of the Dallas Regional Chamber that draws the best emerging leaders the region has to offer and hones their abilities to take risks, build confidence and set the example for others.

The program recognizes and attracts leaders who are committed to making a difference in Dallas by providing in-depth education about the workings of the city.

"We have given more than 30 TI employees the opportunity to participate in Leadership Dallas because we want to provide the region with a source of leaders who are committed to helping effect positive change in the quality of life in our headquarters community," said Trisha Cunningham, TI chief citizenship officer. "In return, this program strengthens our employees' networking opportunities, enhances their leadership abilities, and builds their confidence and motivation to become strong leaders not only in the community but also at work."

Each year up to 55 individuals are selected to participate in a 10-month educational program that consists of a two-day retreat, nine monthly day-long sessions, monthly "homework" assignments, and a class project.

Participants receive in-depth exposure to the critical issues facing the greater Dallas community through lectures, discussion groups, on-site visits, simulations and other leadership development activities. Issues to be addressed during the year include human services, government and politics, economic development, health care, criminal justice, education, and arts and culture.

Stephanie Johnson, a program specialist at TI, who graduated from the Leadership Dallas Class of 2012, said the program not only enlightened her about the Dallas region, but she also found a greater appreciation for TI and TI employees and their roles in the area.

"Although I entered the program with the expectation to only learn more about the Dallas area, I also discovered how TI as a corporation is an active contributor to what makes Dallas great and how I can contribute to the areas in which TI supports, such as education and arts and culture programs, to continue the TI legacy of service and volunteerism."

Johnson said the program made her more aware about all that goes in to building quality educational programs, arts and culture venues and seasons, health care, and many other facets of the region that make it attractive for area companies' employees and the families.

During its 35 years, Leadership Dallas has graduated more than 1,800 men and women who continue to provide leadership in the region. Most have gone on to serve on boards, take public office and live and work in the region. Among them, nearly 250 alumnae have achieved the top executive roles at their current organization, 32 have founded their own business, two are former police chiefs, two are former U.S. Ambassadors, one is a former U.S. Attorney and nine are currently serving as elected officials at the city, state or national level.

"Our employees who have graduated from the program have benefitted from a behind-the-scenes experience with the city of Dallas and have grown as leaders," Cunningham said. "Leadership Dallas has provided our leaders with a sense of ownership in the city, and they have gone on to contribute to this community in impactful ways."