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Leadership Academy
Ohio REALTORS® Leadership Academy — ORLA 2.0
Developing stronger leaders. Building stronger communities. Advancing the REALTOR® profession.
Applications are open now through Nov. 6, 2026.
What is ORLA?
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The Ohio REALTORS® Leadership Academy (ORLA) is an immersive leadership development experience designed for members who are ready to grow personally and professionally, expand their influence, and take a more active role in shaping the future of their association, communities, and profession. Beginning with ORLA 2.0, the Academy features a newly redesigned curriculum focused on the skills today’s leaders need most—from emotional intelligence and communication to advocacy, wellness, public speaking, professional success, and relationship-building. Through five in-person sessions, collaborative team experiences, interaction with accomplished ORLA alumni and industry leaders, and graduation during the Ohio REALTORS® Annual Convention & Expo, participants will build practical leadership skills they can put to work immediately. The redesigned program reflects Ohio REALTORS®' commitment to cultivating leadership at all levels and empowering members to create positive change. |
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Program Goals
ORLA 2.0 is designed to help participants:
- Develop greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence to lead and communicate more effectively.
- Strengthen their ability to build relationships, collaborate and lead teams.
- Gain a deeper understanding of REALTOR® advocacy and the role members play in advancing the profession.
- Build confidence as a speaker, presenter and spokesperson.
- Explore strategies for achieving professional success while serving in leadership roles.
- Develop habits that support whole-life wellness, resilience and sustainable leadership.
- Create meaningful connections with classmates, alumni and leaders from across Ohio.
- Apply leadership skills beyond the classroom in their business, association and community.
- Prepare for future leadership opportunities within Ohio REALTORS®, local associations and the REALTOR® profession.
The ORLA 2.0 Experience
ORLA 2.0 includes five in-person learning sessions, required virtual sessions, and a graduation experience, with intentional opportunities to continue learning, collaborating, and building connections throughout the program. The redesigned format places greater emphasis on leadership development through meaningful coursework, practical application and small-group team experiences.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Leadership development doesn't stop when a session ends.
Throughout ORLA 2.0, participants will work in small groups between sessions, continuing conversations, completing assignments and applying what they have learned. These team experiences are designed to strengthen relationships, accountability and collaboration while allowing participants to put new leadership skills into practice.
Who Should Apply?
ORLA 2.0 is designed for Ohio REALTORS® members who are ready to challenge themselves and make a meaningful investment in their development.
Strong candidates are members who:
- Have an interest in growing as a leader, regardless of whether they currently hold a formal leadership title.
- Are willing to learn more about themselves and how they work with others.
- Want to become more effective communicators, collaborators and advocates.
- Are prepared to actively participate in sessions, team experiences and assignments.
- Value learning from classmates with different experiences and perspectives.
- Want to make a positive impact within their association, community and profession.
- Are committed to supporting their fellow ORLA classmates throughout the experience.
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A Network That Continues Beyond GraduationGraduating from ORLA isn't the end of the experience. ORLA alumni are part of a growing statewide network of REALTORS® who continue to contribute to their associations, communities and profession. ORLA 2.0 places renewed emphasis on keeping alumni connected, creating opportunities for continued engagement and allowing graduates to help identify and encourage future leaders. |
Graduation
ORLA 2.0 concludes with a dedicated graduation ceremony held during the Ohio REALTORS® Annual Convention & Expo. Graduates will be recognized for completing the Academy, and a class-selected participant will deliver a graduation speech representing the ORLA class.
Application & Selection Process
Interested members are invited to apply for the 2027 ORLA 2.0 class.
Application Deadline: November 6, 2026
All applications must be submitted by this date to be considered
Candidate Interviews: November 19-20, 2026
In-person interviews will take place over these two days.
Ready to Lead?
Leadership isn't defined by a title. It's reflected in how you communicate, how you influence others, how you respond to challenges and how you use your skills to make a difference.
ORLA 2.0 Program Tuition
$1,800
Per participant
Participation in ORLA 2.0 requires an investment of time and financial resources. In addition to the $1,800 tuition, participants should plan for potential additional expenses associated with attending each session.
These expenses may include the cost of one hotel night and a meal on the evening before a session. (Meals during the session are paid for by Ohio REALTORS®)
Hotel Accommodations: For participants who agree to share a hotel room with another Academy participant, Ohio REALTORS® will cover the hotel accommodations for the night of the session. If you choose to have your own room you are then responsible for all hotel nights.
Applicants are encouraged to consider the full commitment associated with the Academy when applying.
Requirements
Requirements: You must be a REALTOR® good standing and have held your license for 2 years by the time of application submission.
Class Size: Each class will be comprised of up to 12 participants
ORLA 2.0 is an opportunity to discover what kind of leader you can become.
Your leadership journey starts here.
ORLA 2.0 Application Link
Applications for the 2027 Ohio REALTORS® Leadership Academy are due November 6, 2026.
Get in Touch
Contact:
Stacey Dawson
Director, Internal Events & Merchandising