Leading Up: How to Influence Decision-Makers & Drive Impact

Develop the confidence and skills to effectively influence decision-makers and drive meaningful change within the intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) field with this three-part interactive series. This fully virtual event, spanning three days, will empower participants to navigate organizational hierarchies, communicate with clarity and purpose, and build credibility with leaders at all levels.

Learn practical strategies to advocate for ideas, secure buy-in, and contribute to solutions that advance your organization’s mission and the broader I/DD community. Through expert insights and hands-on exercises, participants will gain practical tools to lead up, foster collaboration, and amplify their professional impact.

What to Expect

Session 1: Understanding Power Dynamics & Building Credibility

Explore the fundamentals of organizational power structures and how to identify formal and informal influencers in your environment. Learn to assess decision-making styles, tailor your approach to different leadership personalities, and build trust and credibility with leaders. Participants will engage in reflective exercises to map influence within their own organizations and gain practical tools to communicate with clarity and respect across hierarchical lines.

Session 2: Communicating for Influence & Advocacy

Discover how to craft persuasive messages that resonate with decision-makers and inspire action. Learn techniques for framing your ideas in alignment with organizational priorities, managing difficult conversations, and handling resistance with professionalism and confidence. This session includes real-time practice and peer feedback to help you refine your messaging and develop language that makes your recommendations compelling and actionable.

Session 3: Driving Impact & Leading Without Authority

Learn how to “lead up” as a strategic leadership skill, leveraging influence to drive initiatives, foster collaboration, and champion innovation—even when you’re not in a formal leadership role. Explore how to build coalitions, cultivate allies, and sustain momentum for your ideas over time. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to turn influence into tangible outcomes that support personal growth, organizational success, and a stronger I/DD community.

Who Should Attend?

This series is designed for professionals across the I/DD field who want to enhance their ability to influence decision-makers, advocate for impactful ideas, and contribute to organizational change. Ideal participants include program directors, senior managers, emerging leaders, fund development professionals, policy advocates, and anyone seeking to build their leadership presence and effectiveness in collaborative environments.

What You’ll Gain

• Clear frameworks for navigating power dynamics and leading without formal authority
• Practical tools for crafting persuasive, impactful communication
• Real-time practice and feedback to build confidence and influence
• Strategies to foster collaboration and secure buy-in for ideas and initiatives
• Insight into how effective “leading up” strengthens leadership capacity and drives lasting impact in the I/DD field

Presenters

• Arlene Bridges, I/DD Product Manager, Relias
• Nadine Daley, Vice President of Engagement, Innovation and Advocacy, The Center for Family Support
• Cherie Young-Simms ’26, Director of Operations, Health & Joy Services

Registration

• ANCOR Members: $125
• Non-ANCOR Members: $300

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