top of page

AMLAZ Program

Advancing Minority Leadership in Aquariums and Zoos

Satya-Akquia.jpg
Sinlan-Poo-Photo-AB-980x735.jpg
IMG-20231211-WA0027-Option-2-259x300.jpg
  • 360° feedback reviews
  • one-on-one leadership coaching
  • ​management skills accelerator course
  • group learning sessions
  • industry networking
  • completion of a project
This 8-month, high-impact program accelerates the growth of BIPOC, mid-level leaders through:

MIAZS is pleased to partner with Leadby with generous sponsorship from Canopy Strategic Partners to present AMLAZ, a professional development opportunity for MIAZS Members who manage or lead at least one direct report at their institution. 

AMLAZ takes place February through September and requires a commitment of roughly 8-10 hours a month from participants, who are expected to actively practice and apply their new knowledge and skills in their day-to-day responsibilities of managing and leading others. 

 

Applications for AMLAZ open every fall in September/October. Applicants must have support of their direct supervisor, who must also complete a short questionnaire in order for the applicant to be considered. 

Some sponsored spots may be available for applicants in need. The cost of participating in AMLAZ is $3,500. Institutions are encouraged to invest in their leaders' development by covering the cost of AMLAZ. 

​​

AMLAZ 2026

COHORT

2026 cohort photo - Carter.jpg

 

Carter Carter

Director of Grounds 

WOODLAND PARK ZOO

TKE03655 - Greer Darden.JPG

 

Greer Darden

Terrestrial Husbandry Supervisor

CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER

Sponsored by MIAZS

Cherie Dumas Headshot - Cherie Nobles.jpg

 

Cherie Dumas Nobles

Research Program Manager

AUDUBON NATURE INSTITUTE

Sponsored by Canopy Strategic Partners

GS1.jpg

 

Dr. Gregory Scott

Sr. Associate Veterinarian &

Clinical Residency Coordinator

GEORGIA AQUARIUM

Sponsored by Canopy Strategic Partners

20231025-_EricaP - erica.jpg

 

Erica Polanco

Zoological Animal Manager II

FRESNO CHAFEE ZOO

Sponsored by TKM Foundation (SSA)

20260116_100256.jpg

 

Leia Simelton

Manager of Learning

BIRMINGHAM ZOO

Sponsored by TKM Foundation (SSA)

PXL_20251211_175631240 - Noel Fong.jpg

 

Noel Fong

Animal Care Department Curator

AQUARIUM OF THE BAY

Sponsored by Private Donation

Staci_Wong - Staci Wong.jpg

 

Staci Wong

Interpretation Manager

AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

DSC_8566 - Yasmine Gaudin.jpg

 

Yasmine Gaudin

Assistant Supervisor of Day Camps & Family Programs

PHOENIX ZOO

Sponsored by Canopy Strategic Partners

Application details for AMLAZ 2027

will be available in fall 2026.

bottom of page