News from the Community: Celebrating 10 Years of Emerging Nonprofit Leaders

On the 14^th of June 22 rising nonprofit leaders representing 20 different local organizations were congratulated by community leaders, nonprofit peers and the City of Richmond’s Mayor on “a job well done” as the 10^th class of the Emerging Nonprofit Leaders Program (ENLP) commenced.

Photo Credit: Kim Lee Photography

During the graduation ceremony, the leaders were awarded certificates and personal tributes, while Mayor Levar Stoney thanked them for their “commitment to the community”.

From left to right: Sherrie Brach Armstrong, CEO of The Community Foundation; Kathleen Demro, Vice President of Community Engagement, The Community Foundation; Levar Stoney, City of Richmond Mayor; Susan Wilkes, ENLP Lead Faculty. Photo Credit: Kim Lee Photography

Susan Wilkes was also given a special recognition for her commitment over the past 10 years as Lead Faculty for the program.  She said this about the 10^th class, “the level of camaraderie and commitment of the ENLP ‘10 was impressive.   I loved the way they contributed actively to each other’s learning and growth, and were able to apply everything we discussed to bettering themselves and their organizations.  So many in the group are already making a tremendous difference in our community.  With what one called the “power boost” of ENLP, they are going to have a strong upward leadership trajectory!”

Photo Credit: Kim Lee Photography

The Emerging Nonprofit Leaders Program is a dynamic eight-month experience for the next generation of nonprofit leaders in the metro Richmond area. During the program, participants foster a deeper understanding of their leadership capacity, advance their understanding and practice of leading in the nonprofit sector, and strengthen their network of nonprofit colleagues.

The program has demonstrated measurable results, building a cadre of talented leaders for the future of the Greater Richmond community.

In addition to participating in engaging sessions on topics including strategic leadership, organizational change, collaboration, and coaching others, participants:

• Experience team building through a rigorous and challenging outdoor course setting
• Increase awareness of their leadership through a thorough assessment process
• Benefit from individual leadership coaching, provided by professionals with experience in leadership development and nonprofit management
• Interact with five local exemplary Executives-in-Residence in a forum where they share their experiences and perspectives

Sherrie Brach Armstrong, President & CEO of The Community Foundation praised the program, saying, “our local nonprofit sector depends on a strong, well-supported network of leaders to create a better future and lasting results for our community. The Emerging Nonprofit Leaders Program creates connections among individuals who have a desire to create positive change and further empowers them to grow in their careers. We congratulate the Class of 2017 and look forward to the many ways they will help shape our region in the years to come.”

The program also offers periodic alumni networking and continued learning experiences, including a new offering this year called “Transforming RVA.” Throughout the spring, 11 ENLP alumni participated in a series of small-group discussions with transformational leaders in the  field, including Damon Jiggetts of Peter Paul Development Center, Tanya Gonzalez of The Sacred Heart Center, Lisa Frieman of the Institute for Contemporary Art and Jon Lugbill of Sports Backers. Together, the group explored their own sources of inspiration, how they inspire others through a common vision, how to sustain themselves through challenging times and how they use innovation and collaboration to facilitate positive change for our region. With continuous learning as a cornerstone to the ENLP program, graduates are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities.

Any nonprofit professional interested in applying for ENLP in the future should attend an upcoming information session on July 11^th or 26^th.

The Emerging Nonprofit Leaders Program 2016-2017 class. Photo Credit: Kim Lee Photography

The 2016-2017 Emerging Nonprofit Leader Graduates are:

• Rishonda Anthony, Coordinator of Client Services, project: HOMES
• Chris Beach, Executive Director, Relationship Foundation of Virginia
• Rachelle Butler, Systems of Care Project Manager, United Methodist Family Services
• Annette Cousins, Vice President of Community Engagement, The Community Foundation
• Sudeshna Das-Menezes, Director of Volunteer Services, FeedMore, Inc.
• Whitney Guthrie, Director of Community Engagement, Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity
• Charles W.A. Johnson, Community Volunteer
• Eleanor S. Jones, Community Engagement Officer, The Community Foundation
• Adina Keys, Clinic Director, Goochland Free Clinic and Family Services
• Ryan E. Morris, Director of Advocacy and Outreach, YWCA Richmond
• Shawn M. Nicholson, Chief Operating Officer, Pathways
• Jocellyn Perry, Director of Quality Assurance, Richmond Residential Services
• Sara Rosenbaum, Director of Operations, Jewish Community Federation of Richmond
• Erika Schmale, Regional Coalition Manager, Homeward
• Bryan Schubring, Director of Sport and Competition, Special Olympics Virginia
• Crystal J. Sekerdy, Systems Coordinator, Better Business Bureau Central Virginia
• Elizabeth H. Thomas, Director of Development, Richmond Animal League
• Kathryn Thompson, Executive Director, Southside Transformation Opportunities for Residents and Youth
• Courtney Vaughan, Director of The Founders Center, Commonwealth Autism
• Mariya Vysotskaya, Executive Director, Dancing Classrooms Greater Richmond
• Sarah J. Westphal, Marketing and Training Specialist, Youth of Virginia Speak Out
• Lynn B. Williams, Development Manager, CrossOver Healthcare Ministry

Congrats ENLP class of 2016-2017!

Photo Credit: Kim Lee Photography