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Internet2 Community Leadership and Culture Initiative
Whether you’re just beginning your professional journey or ready to take the next step, the I2CLC Initiative is here to support your growth.
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:
- 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.
Interested in the Internet2
Emerging Leaders (I2EL) Scholarship?
Read more about it and apply.
“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
Still have questions about the
Internet2 Community Leadership and Culture Initiative?
Contact:
Taleitha is the Community Relationships Program Manager for Internet2. She has over 18 years of experience working in and with government entities. She also has experience in higher education and the private sector. Taleitha is passionate about engagement, partnership, collaboration, and programming that supports the development and growth of individuals and organizations she serves.