Voyagers Program

The ACT-IAC Voyagers program is unlike any other leadership development program and provides participants with:

• A facilitated open and trusted partnership with a 1 to 1 ratio between government and industry who collaborate in a not for attribution environment that allows both sides to “walk in the others shoes”
• A mentoring program with a member of the Fellows community.
• Stretching your comfort zone while teambuilding with your cohort in presenting Voyagers Got Talent
• Experiential leadership training based on OPM’s Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)
• Enhanced leadership and communication skills to help empower your team and organization
• Opportunity to collaborate with other high achievers who are facing similar challenges and helping their agencies and organizations to develop meaningful solutions
• Led by practicing senior government and industry professionals
• Up to 50 Continuous Learning Points

The successful Voyager will have:

• In general 7-14 years of experience in progressively responsible positions across a multitude of business activities, government candidates should be Grade 11-13, and newly promoted GS 14's
• Mid-level career experience with a path to senior leadership in the next 6-10 years
• A well-rounded background in their discipline and experience across a range of business activities
• The ability to dedicate 10-15 hours per month for Voyagers activities during the program duration and attend all required sessions in person.
• Candidates who have recently “switched” from government to industry or industry to government, should have at least 1 year of experience “on the other side” as the program is designed to share what it is like to walk in each others’ shoes.
• Be recommended by a sponsor within their organization or agency

Participant fee is $4750 for government and $5495 for industry. 

This includes all meals, facilities and overnight accommodations for the offsites outside of the DC area. ACT-IAC understands and is accustomed to helping agencies navigate uncertain budgets for more information contact Sarah Hughes, Manager of Professional Development at shughes@actiac.org.  

*Please note only one person per industry member company should apply and can be accepted.  Industry applicants must be from a member company in good standing.

This is a highly competitive Program and agencies/companies are encouraged to nominate only their strongest candidates.

"Voyagers illuminates the path open to mid-career professionals to affect real change towards accelerating mission outcomes in government and provides the mentorship required to navigate that path successfully." 

Frederick Freeman, USDA, Voyagers 2024 Graduate

"Voyagers '24 was an amazing opportunity to connect with colleagues across government and industry and learn from experts in fun and educational ways on what it takes to be a high-quality leader."

Richelle Young, FAA, Voyagers 2024 Graduate

"What may seem like a 'check the box' activity, really turned out to be a truly formative experience for both my personal and professional life."

Stacy Langbauer, Acuity, Inc., Voyagers 2024 Graduate

"For all those that approach leadership and development programs with a healthy dose of skepticism, I hope I can reach you. When I was approached to consider applying for Voyagers, I was admittedly skeptical because by this point I'd had my fair share of leadership or leadership adjacent programs under my belt--having joined AmeriCorps right out of undergrad, followed by the Peace Corps, and recently having completed a two-year acquisition development program at GSA, but honestly I can say that Voyagers surprised me. Every single time I had exposure to the cohort, I walked away wanting to be a better version of myself both personally and professionally. The access to the leadership team was also a unique draw that I realize now I wish I had taken advantage of from the get-go. These people genuinely care about your growth and it is palpable at every engagement. I am approaching my graduation as a Voyager as the beginning. The ability to call on any of these people with questions or concerns is invaluable and I plan to tap into this network for years to come."

Joan Baer, GSA, Voyagers 2024 Graduate

"Reflecting on my experience in the ACT-IAC Voyagers Leadership Program, I cannot express enough how transformative it was for me.  Being part of this unique program helped me time and time again to take the leap of faith and get out of my comfort zone.  I was fortunate to meet other professionals and learn from their experiences.  Through interacting with others and building trust, I discovered a sense of camaraderie that truly supported my situational leadership development. The tailored training led by Industry and Government experts and executives, hands on leadership experiences, contributing by giving back to the community, and the opportunity to network with others was invaluable.  I am very passionate about sharing the impact of the program, because it changed my life.  It could also be the catalyst that enables you to shift back and forth from being an introvert to semi/full blown extrovert."

David J. Valenciabonilla, Department of Veterans Affairs, Voyagers 2023 Graduate

“The ACT-IAC Voyagers Program facilitated a tremendous amount of professional growth in my development as a leader, emboldened problem-solver, and innovative thinker. Furthermore, I experienced substantial personal growth as I gained confidence and strengthened the soft-skills necessary to lead a life of impact and purpose. My collaboration with my colleagues was essential in revealing best practices, lessons learned, and lasting wisdom that I will continue to actively incorporate in delivering mission excellence. The networking opportunities are expansive and important, but being part of a community of forward-thinking and passionate professionals within the industry is what truly distinguishes ACT-IAC’s development programs. I look forward to putting all of the growth that I experienced and lessons that I learned to use in my current and future endeavors.”

Eric Smuda, QinetiQ US, Voyagers 2023 Graduate

“When I joined the ACT-IAC Voyagers Program, I was uncertain about what awaited me. However, I quickly formed strong connections with my fellow Voyagers and Leaders within the program. Through this experience, I gained insights into my own leadership style and learned valuable techniques for collaborating with individuals who possess different leadership styles. Additionally, I had the privilege of collaborating with government and industry professionals on innovative and educational initiatives. Overall, the ACT-IAC Voyagers Program has significantly contributed to my personal growth as a leader.”

Shannon Fields, DHS/Transportation Security Administration, Voyagers 2023 Graduate

"The Voyagers has been totally different than I imagined, instead of a dry, mass designed professional development program, Voyagers focused on helping me as an individual and providing a fun supportive environment to learn and grow my leadership skills."

Marie Palmer, USDA, Voyagers 2023 Graduate

“Participating in the Voyagers program was one of the most challenging yet rewarding professional development endeavors I've accomplished in my career. It was enriching, enlightening, fun, challenging, and sometimes uncomfortable, and through it I experienced personal and professional growth. The network I've been plugged into as a Partner reaches far and wide, and I am so thankful to be a part of that. The opportunity to connect with government counterparts is so unique to this program and will be an experience I continue to reflect upon moving forward in my day-to-day work.”

Jamie Mullaney, Jefferson Consulting Group, Voyagers 2022 Graduate         

“The Voyagers program is an experience all to itself! I have made so many connections and friendships that I never imaged making before V22! Almost a year after my graduation from the program, I still stay in constant contact with my ACT-IAC mentor and my V22 co-pilot. I am thankful to be a part of this larger-than-life group of amazing leaders!

Astria Newman-Weathers, Department of Health and Human Services, Voyagers 2022 Graduate

“The Voyagers Program allowed me a chance to make professional connections outside of my traditional workplace. It gave me a rare opportunity to learn about our industry as a whole and the various jobs, roles, and functions - both inside and outside of the government - that make our entire ecosystem work.”

Simone Mannello, Zscaler, Voyagers 2022 Graduate

“The Voyagers Program provided me the opportunity to meet and connect with so many wonderful industry and government associates. I learned from each and every one of them as they brought their authentic selves to this program. Every event and meeting for the program was special and always had something to take away to become a better person/leader in my personal and professional life. I enjoyed all the meetup and in person events, including Voyagers Got Talent and the Gettysburg offsite, and they will always remain special to me. I always remember and appreciate the energy and enthusiasm of our ACT-IAC coordinators who always made the events special. I am very happy and proud to be a lifelong ACT-IAC Fellow.”

Sangeeta Kumar, USCIS, Voyagers 2022 Graduate    

“The ACT-IAC Voyagers leadership course transforms not only your professional skills, but also your personal growth, by empowering you with the knowledge and tools to inspire. An absolute blast from day one and beyond graduation, learning and being around the Top Guns from industry and government has been pivotal development for my career!”

Zach Jenks, VerticalApps, Voyagers 2022 Graduate 

“As a career civil servant, I found the Voyagers Program opened my eyes to some of the challenges our counterparts in industry face when working with the federal government. Additionally, the year-long program opened the door to a community where I was able to gain professional relationships and friendships that will last a lifetime. I absolutely recommend the program for those looking to build their network and gain invaluable leadership skills.”

Ryan Hoesing, General Services Administration, Voyagers 2022 Graduate

"Voyagers gave me the opportunity to connect with leaders across government and industry in an environment where you openly discuss challenges and problems, get honest feedback and be transparent about your experiences. The ability to learn from my peers' experience is invaluable and helped me to identify areas where I can strengthen my own skill set. The relationships and network I built have extended far beyond the program."

Erin Fitzgibbons, Octo Consulting, Voyagers 2022 Graduate