Presented by Rise Private Wealth Management, the Rising Stars Leadership Program is an empowering journey designed to inspire and cultivate the next generation of leaders in New Hampshire. This immersive experience goes beyond skill-building; it’s about shaping visionary leaders who are deeply connected to the fabric of our state and ready to take action.

Participants will engage in six transformative, in-person sessions from February through June 2025, where they will not only hone their personal and professional leadership skills but also gain a profound understanding of New Hampshire’s unique opportunities, challenges, and potential.

Guided by the expert coaching of Sojourn Partners, a Bedford-based leadership firm, participants will learn from changemakers across the state—leaders who are shaping the future of New Hampshire. Through hands-on experiences, collaboration, and mentoring, the program will challenge participants to think critically, lead boldly, and build strong networks with fellow young professionals who are equally passionate about making an impact.

The Rising Stars Leadership Program provides a rare opportunity to experience New Hampshire through a new lens—one that highlights its vibrant communities, thriving industries, and natural beauty. Graduates of the program will emerge not only as more effective leaders but as advocates for the state, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and relationships to drive meaningful change and foster innovation in their careers and communities.


2025 Session Days

The Leader in You
February 2025

In this kick-off session, participants will explore individual and overall leadership traits and aspirations, while gaining an understanding of the unique talent that each leader in a cohort contributes. 

Leading Others & Building Your Network


March 2025

This full-day session will see participants learn and practice core skills of creating a safe environment, listening, asking powerful questions, and holding accountability. Participants will also identify their career and leadership aspirations, brand, and networking plan. 

Live Free or Die
April 2025

Gain a greater understanding of what makes New Hampshire so unique from some of the Granite State's most well known and accomplished residents

Moving Mountains


May 2025

Meet, learn from, interact with, and be inspired by other young Rising Stars who have made a real difference in New Hampshire. Afterward, use the lessons learned, as well as a unique four-step model, to create your own plan to make a positive impact here in New Hampshire. What mountain will you move?

Pushing for Progress
June 2025

For all the state’s strengths, New Hampshire faces an array of challenges that threaten our ability to attract and retain desperately needed younger talent. Learn more about these challenges, what is being done about them, and how you can help push for progress.

Integration and Graduation
June 2025

You've learned the skills a leader needs both in the workplace and in the community, as well as some of the challenges facing our communities. Taking all you have learned, determine what goals you will set for yourself and how you will work to implement them.  


Rising Stars Leadership Program: Your Questions Answered

Webinar based on 2024 RSLP Cohort experience. Content and structure subject to change.

What Rising Stars Leadership Program alumni are saying…

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who should take part? The Rising Stars Leadership Program is geared toward those in the early stages of their careers in New Hampshire who want to grow as leaders in both their organizations and their communities.

  • Rising Stars Leadership Program participants can be selected by their employers and registered via the “join” buttons on this page or by emailing Stay Work Play Executive Director Corinne Benfield at corinne@stayworkplay.org. Participants may also sponsor themselves for this program and will follow the same process to join.

  • Tuition is $1,800 for employees of Stay Work Play Board of Advisors member organizations and $2,000 for employees of non-yet-member organizations or individuals. Tuition covers all instruction, materials, coffee, and snacks. Lunches during, and transportation to/from in-person session days, are the responsibility of the participant.