The program year kicks off with a three-day, overnight Leadership Development Retreat in September. At this retreat, participants get to know one another, gain an overview of the region, examine their leadership potential, and set goals for the year. Eight monthly sessions from October through May, and several optional sessions follow over the next nine months.

Sessions are designed by Leadership Oakland alums and presenters are experts in their field. Each session is designed to expose participants to current resources and issues to promote an awareness of our county and region as a whole. Sessions are a combination of presentation, interactive exercises and personal and group reflection. Leadership Oakland challenges participants to examine how they might take appropriate action on issues from a personal, professional and/or public perspective. The year long program concludes with a popular evening graduation celebration event.