Apply for the 2026 Cohort of the Virginia Library Leadership Academy

The Virginia Library Association is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 cohort of the leadership development program, the Virginia Library Leadership Academy. Applications are due November 15, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

What is VALLA?

VALLA is a leadership development and mentoring program that is individualized, regular, and accessible. It includes a combination of a 2.5-day in-person workshop at no cost to participants, followed by virtual group mentorship sessions. The in-person workshop will be facilitated.

Below are the learning objectives and leadership topics that will be covered throughout the workshop:

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and develop an empathetic, advocacy-based leadership style;
• Create and describe a flexible leadership vision;
• Discuss and respond to long-standing and contemporary challenges in the LIS field and practice;
• Demonstrate decision-making skillsets through a lens of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging; 
• Recognize or establish self-preservation behaviors that maintain or enhance capacity for improved personal and/or organizational health; and 
• Generate and maintain a cohesive community of leadership and advocacy support and improved practices.

Leadership Topics:

• Change Management
• Visioning
• Communication/Interpersonal relationship building through an EDI lens
• Cultural Responsiveness
• Individual leadership development plans
• The art of reflection
• Decision making
• Networking & Community Building

VALLA is for any individual who is interested in developing their leadership style and skills, regardless of where you are in your career, your position in the library, or what your career plans are. We believe leadership occurs at every level. VALLA values the many leadership styles and stages within Virginia Libraries and aims to meet individuals where they are in their leadership journey. 

VALLA is NOT for those who are interested in developing their management skills. For resources to support management development, please see VALLA Additional Development Resources here.

VALLA 2026 Workshop Information

The in-person VALLA workshop will be held Sunday, March 22, 2026 (Check-in) - Wednesday, March 25, 2026 (Check-out) in Harrisonburg, VA. In an effort to get the most out of the time in person, the planning group has developed an intensive schedule, utilizing all time together. 

Sunday evening will consist of a dessert reception. Monday and Tuesday schedules will include morning, afternoon, and dinner collaborative working sessions. Wednesday morning will include two working sessions before departure.

By applying, participants agree to complete assigned pre-work; attend, participate and engage in the full in-person 2.5 days of sessions; and commit to 11 months of development and mentorship for a commitment of approximately 2 hours per month. Members will be added to a cohort Basecamp where they will be expected to engage and interact with one another and mentors over the course of 11 months. Attendance at post-workshop monthly meetings is required.

FAQs

What will I need to do to prepare for VALLA?

A number of readings and journal prompts will be provided ahead of time to be completed by the first day of the workshop.

What is the address for the in person workshop?

Hotel Madison & Shenandoah Valley Conference Center
710 S. Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 2281

How much will it cost?

The cost for attendance is $0.00 for participants. Hotel rooms and meals will be covered free to participants, through breakfast on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, with the exception of dinner on Sunday, March 22nd. 

Travel costs will be the responsibility of the participant.

How will I meet with my mentor post-workshop?
Meetings will be conducted via Zoom.

VALLA 2026 In-Person Workshop Facilitator

The collective care leader for library workers, workplaces, and organizations, Kaetrena Davis Kendrick earned her M.S.L.S. from the historic Clark Atlanta University School of Library and Information Studies. Her award-winning research on low-morale experiences in libraries is recognized as groundbreaking and validating for library employees at all levels. In her daily and long-term work, Kendrick has transformed library programs, services, and culture via creativity, leadership, and advocacy. A practitioner of Critical Hope, Kendrick is committed to centering well-being, creativity, possibility, and empathy in the workplace, and promoting career clarity and rejuvenation to workers. In 2019, Kendrick was named the Association of College and Research Libraries’ Academic/Research Librarian of the Year, and she is the 2024-2025 Follett Chair with the Dominican University School of Information Studies.