TALI & CMU Launch Academy to Close Executive Diversity Gap

PITTSBURGH, PA – February 19, 2026 – The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI), in a strategic partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s (CMU) prestigious Tepper School of Business, today announced the launch of its 2026 National Executive Leadership Academy (NELA). The program welcomes 23 accomplished senior leaders from across the nation, embarking on an intensive journey designed to propel them into the highest echelons of corporate leadership.

This initiative arrives at a critical juncture for American businesses. Despite years of diversity pledges, the path to the C-suite remains disproportionately challenging for Black professionals. Recent studies starkly illustrate this reality: Black workers, who constitute 13% of the U.S. labor force, are nearly invisible at the top, with Black CEOs leading only 1.6% of Fortune 500 companies in late 2024. The leadership pipeline shows deep-seated fractures, with research highlighting a "broken rung" where Black women, for example, see only 54 promotions to manager for every 100 men.

NELA aims to directly confront this systemic issue by equipping Black leaders and their allies with the strategic tools, executive coaching, and influential networks necessary to shatter these glass ceilings.

A Blueprint for Executive Excellence

The National Executive Leadership Academy is TALI’s flagship offering, developed as a powerful collaboration between a community-focused nonprofit and a world-renowned academic institution. The curriculum, delivered by faculty from the Tepper School and other top business schools, is rigorous and relevant. Over the next five months, the 2026 cohort will engage in a mix of virtual and in-person sessions, including a key two-day convening in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Coursework is meticulously crafted to address the nuanced challenges of executive leadership, covering topics such as defining a personal leadership brand, navigating global management and strategy, and building networks of influence. Upon completion, participants earn a valuable certificate from Carnegie Mellon's Tepper School of Business, a credential that signifies a mastery of advanced business concepts.

"Congratulations to the 2026 National Executive Leadership Academy (NELA) cohort," said Evan Frazier, President and CEO of The Advanced Leadership Institute. "Each year, I am inspired by the depth and breadth of national and regional talent that comes together through this program. Through NELA, TALI continues to strengthen the pipeline of successful leaders in Pittsburgh and across the country."

The sentiment is echoed by the program's academic partner, underscoring the shared commitment to fostering a new generation of leaders.

"The National Executive Leadership Academy represents a powerful collaboration between The Advanced Leadership Institute and Carnegie Mellon University," said Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou, Dean of the Tepper School of Business. "By continuing this work, we believe we are contributing to a more effective and forward-looking corporate landscape. We look forward to engaging with the 2026 cohort."

Forging the Future: A Cohort of Changemakers

Following a robust application and review process, 23 leaders were selected for this year's academy. They represent a diverse cross-section of American industry, hailing from the Greater Pittsburgh region and cities across the United States. The cohort includes executives from major corporations like FedEx, First Energy, and Covestro; tech innovators from Duolingo; retail leaders from American Eagle Outfitters and Giant Eagle; and pivotal figures in healthcare and community organizations such as UPMC and Seton Hill University.

This diversity is by design, creating a rich environment for peer networking and cross-industry learning. Participants like Abe Amawi, Director of Operations at First Energy, and Mopewa Ogundipe, a Senior Engineering Manager at Duolingo, will spend the next several months sharing insights and challenging one another, building bonds that extend far beyond the program's conclusion.

The program officially commenced on February 16, with the first week featuring a dynamic blend of expert-led sessions at Tepper. The week culminates in the TALI Community Welcome Reception on February 19, an event celebrating the new NELA and Emerging Leaders Program cohorts and connecting them with TALI's extensive alumni network of over 300 professionals.

An Ecosystem of Investment and Impact

Executing a program of NELA's caliber requires significant resources, and TALI is backed by a formidable coalition of Pittsburgh's leading corporate and philanthropic institutions. The program's Lead Founding Underwriters include the BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania and the Richard King Mellon Foundation, with further substantial support from entities like the Henry L. Hillman Foundation, Highmark Health, PNC, and UPMC.

This deep financial backing is more than just philanthropy; it is a strategic investment in talent and regional competitiveness. For sponsors like Giant Eagle, Duquesne Light Company, and Wabtec, supporting TALI and NELA is a tangible way to act on diversity and inclusion goals, helping to build a robust pipeline of executive-ready talent that can drive innovation and organizational resilience.

Research consistently shows a strong correlation between diverse leadership teams and superior financial performance. By investing in the cultivation of Black executive talent, these companies are not only fostering a more equitable society but are also making a sound business decision that promises long-term returns.

As the 2026 cohort begins its transformative journey, the impact is expected to ripple outward. The leaders emerging from NELA are poised not only to advance their own careers but also to champion inclusive practices within their organizations, mentor the next generation, and contribute to a corporate landscape that better reflects the world it serves.