The Defense Community Leadership Academy (DCLA) is an immersive two-day learning and networking event to develop leaders and equip them with the latest tools and strategies for growing capacity to support military families at the local level. DCUC is proud to sponsor a program that lives up to its leadership development and defense community relationship-building reputation.
Carol Wylie, Community Relations Representative, Scott CU, attended the 2018 inaugural leadership academy not understanding how she belonged at the academy. After the initial day of presentations she realized exactly why she was in that room and how defense credit unions could step in and answer the call to support our military communities. Wylie was invited back to speak at the 2019 DCLA and had the opportunity to discuss what defense credit unions are and how they serve the community.
“I was delighted to be able to come back again this year – this time as a speaker. After attending the first DCLA, I knew it how important it was to tell attendees about what their defense credit unions could do for them. From providing financial education to offering donations for their organizations to volunteering to help at their events, defense credit unions do as much as they can to support our military families, said Wylie.”
DCLA trains emerging defense community leaders to expand their leadership toolbox and improve the quality of life and community support systems for our service members and their families.
Past attendees have praised DCLA for its impact on their networking and community leadership abilities. Brittany Boccher, 2017 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, shares first-hand appreciation of DCLA’s training and networking value.
“I have had the unique opportunity to attend numerous summits, conferences and academies and the Defense Community Leadership Academy was by far the most impactful,” Boccher says. “I’ve valued DCLA for providing networking opportunities with community partners around the nation, and for its useful resources to add to my toolbox as I assist in better serving my local and national military spouse community.”
“Most important, this academy was the first event I attended that was full of useful and legitimate information to truly make a more successful leader,” Boccher says. “It was the best use of my time and it is important for the connection I made and relationships I’ve built through DCLA,” she adds.
For more information on Association of Defense Communities
For more information on Scott Credit Union
For more information on AFI Military Spouse of the Year