Internet2 Community Leadership and Culture Initiative

About the Initiative

Born out of the community’s shared challenges—like navigating career growth, talent retention, and staffing—the Internet2 Community Leadership and Culture (I2CLC) Initiative focuses primarily on nurturing emerging talent and creating safe, welcoming spaces where collaboration and innovation can flourish. The initiative promotes dynamic leadership and professional development opportunities through community representation, connection, and collaboration, and is dedicated to strengthening the research and education (R&E) IT community by supporting the individuals who make it thrive.

Through professional development, leadership opportunities, and community-building, I2CLC helps individuals grow and connect in meaningful ways. At its core, the initiative reflects Internet2’s broader commitment to creating a culture where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to succeed.

This commitment comes to life through a range of programs and partnerships, including:

The I2EL Scholarship application to attend TechEX25, Dec. 8-12 in Denver, Colo. will open in mid-August.

• Emerging Leaders Scholarship: Provides recipients with a valuable opportunity to connect with a broad network across the R&E community (C-suite leaders, technology managers, faculty, researchers, and students) to build lasting relationships and advance their careers.
• Student Engagement: Supports undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students through community-building, networking opportunities, and skill development initiatives that prepare them for success beyond graduation. This is made possible through discounted registrations to Internet2’s flagship events, Community Exchange and Technology Exchange.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborates with regional and national organizations that share our mission, helping to amplify our impact. 
• Community Support & Engagement: Enhances peer networking, coaching, and engagement programs that strengthen connections and promote retention across the R&E community.
• Communications and Transparency: Regularly shares updates and outcomes with the Internet2 community and the public, highlighting progress and effective approaches to improving access and opportunity.

Read more about it and apply.

Internet2 Emerging Leaders Program

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I2CLC Steering Committee

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“Discussions around leadership and mentorship gave me a fresh perspective on the kind of leader I want to become. I’m confident it will serve as the foundation for me to step up and embrace leadership opportunities more often in the future… It was rewarding to feel heard, learn from my peers, and see how open and supportive the entire community is in helping one another.”

Valerie Slujalkovsky Torchio, Network Engineer at Rochester Institute of Technology

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Internet2 Community Leadership and Culture Initiative?

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