Collaborating to develop leaders around the world.

At the UB School of Management, we envision a world of transformational leaders who change society for the better—and with partners on three continents, we’re equipping both new and established leaders with the skills they need to do so.

The school’s Global Programs Office and our Center for Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness (CLOE) offers a series of programs for students at our partner institutions abroad, empowering them to become more effective leaders in any team, organization or community. In addition, School of Management students may participate in some Global CLOE programs as volunteers or mentors, helping them to forge connections across continents and gain insights into other cultures.

Leadership Empowerment Academy Program (LEAP)

LEAP is a global collaboration between the School of Management and the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in Ghana. The yearlong program teaches UCC graduate students about analytical thinking, self-reflection, creative problem-solving and interpersonal relationships, giving them a competitive advantage in the job market.

Throughout the year, students participate in four in-person sessions, typically with three in Ghana and one in Buffalo where they can attend CLOE’s annual leadership conference.

So far, more than 70 students have earned a CLOE certificate and digital micro-credential badge from completing the program.

Virtual LEAP

Five countries, three continents, one mission.

Building on the success of LEAP, the School of Management is now bringing together students from UB and universities in Ghana, Kenya, Latvia and Jamaica to network, advance their skills and make a difference. The one-year virtual program begins with a weeklong orientation in August, followed by monthly meetings throughout the fall and spring semesters, and a week of seminars in January. The program culminates with two weeks of daily virtual sessions in May, as well as the option to attend CLOE’s annual leadership conference in person.

Throughout the program, students lead, empower and grow with one another, while honing critical skills, including how to maintain professionalism in a virtual environment. Participants from each country also work together on a social impact project in their country. Meanwhile, UB LeaderCORE™ students mentor participants from UB, Kenya, Latvia and Jamaica, while LEAP graduates coach participants from Ghana—both enhancing the experience for the participants, and allowing the mentors to put their leadership training into action.

Leadership Training for Traditional Leaders

In Ghana, queen mothers have historically been the custodians of the West African nation’s culture and customs, assisting chiefs in the administration of their communities. But today, more and more women who might once have served as queen mothers are taking on the role of chief themselves—a responsibility that demands focused leadership training.

In partnership with two nongovernmental organizations in Ghana—the Boresah Royal Foundation and OBAAPA Development Foundation—CLOE and the Global Programs team host virtual conferences on cultural leadership and community engagement. During the event, experts from UB and the NGOs share best practices to help traditional leaders, like queen mothers, drive change in their communities.