Emerging Leaders

The Emerging Leaders program offers professionals 40 years old and younger unparalleled networking opportunities with senior leaders.  

AFCEA is unique in the way it includes young members in leadership, management and planning throughout the association and its chapters.  

Emerging Leaders have board-level representation in AFCEA International. They also have an invaluable opportunity to work with others who will become future leaders in industry, military, government and academia.
 

 

 

 


Disruptive by Design Podcast Series!
Check out SIGNAL Media's Disruptive by Design podcast series where AFCEA's Emerging Leaders share their voices about the trends they're seeing in technology, how they navigate being an early career professional and what's at stake for defending U.S. and allied interests around the world. Interested in writing an article for the Disruptive by Design column or being featured in a podcast? Contact Kimberly Underwood for more information.

 

 

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Benefits of Membership for Emerging Leaders
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BUILD YOUR NETWORK
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One of the easiest ways to foster personal and professional growth is to join AFCEA and become involved. With many chapters worldwide, the opportunities to network, learn and lead are limitless.

Learn and grow professionally by taking advantage of the many educational opportunities available through your AFCEA benefits. Leverage discounts on events and online courses, explore technologies, expand your knowledge through SIGNAL Media, learn directly from experts, obtain scholarships and more!

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BECOME A LEADER
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Leadership opportunities with AFCEA range from running a whole event to holding a position on your chapter's board, to being in charge of a membership recruiting campaign or participating in AFCEA International committees, such as the IDEA Committee, Membership Committee or the EPIC Committee. Or help drive the direction of the Emerging Leader program by becoming involved in the Emerging Leaders Advisory Council. 

The skills you develop transfer to your work, making you a better employee with more leadership and management skills.

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YOUR COMPANY BENEFITS
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Membership saves your company money on professional development, business development and market visibility. You also have more access to decision-makers and are able to better understand customer needs, which helps to open business opportunities for your organization.  

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WRITE FOR SIGNAL MEDIA
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The Disruptive by Design column in SIGNAL is open to AFCEA’s Emerging Leaders to share innovative ideas regarding disruptive technologies. Being published helps expand visibility, strengthens your resume and can lead to opportunities based on the thought leadership and expertise you share.

WRITE FOR DISRUPTIVE BY DESIGN

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ADVANCE YOUR CAREER
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Whether you are in the military, work in industry, transitioning from one career to another, or just trying to land your first job, involvement with Emerging Leaders can help.  Learn new skills, find mentors, engage with industry decision-makers, grow your personal brand, win awards and strengthen your resume.

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EARN RECOGNITION AND AWARDS
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Involvement with AFCEA rewards you personally and professionally. The Distinguished Young Professional, Emerging Leadership and 40 Under Forty awards highlight individuals making a difference in their industry, their organizations and AFCEA. Chapters also win awards for Emerging Leaders Chapter and Model Emerging Leaders Program.  

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GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY
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Most of our AFCEA chapters host events to raise funds for scholarships. As a member, you will have multiple ways to get involved. You can be part of the planning committee, attend the event and help present the scholarships to the winners. Some fundraising activities that chapters have sponsored include 5Ks, Cycle for STEM, Bull and Oyster Roasts (or similar) and golf tournaments.

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HAVE FUN
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The Emerging Leaders in AFCEA have fun. Many social and sporting events and receptions at AFCEA gatherings are aimed at the interest of the Emerging Leaders. Emerging Leaders provide input in the organization as well as the activities focused on their demographic, and while doing so, they create lifelong friendships with people across the world. 

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Alisha Kelly
When I joined AFCEA, I did not understand just how much the organization would affect and change my life. I’ve had more opportunities than I could have imagined, both in AFCEA and professionally. You truly get what you put into the organization, and I look forward to my future here.
Alisha Kelly
Vice President, Business Development; Trace Systems
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Justin Newell photo
I joined AFCEA with the original intent to get to know people in the industry. Little did I know that I would build deep friendships, have access to countless mentors, and would have the opportunity to give back, grow and develop the greater community of professionals in our industry.
Justin Newell
Growth Lead, Military Health and Veterans Affairs; LMI
AFCEA EMERGING LEADERS
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