The Community Foundation serving Richmond and Central Virginia (TCF) is excited to announce the selected participants for the 2016-2017 cohort of Emerging Nonprofit Leaders.  Earlier this summer, TCF announced the merge with the capacity building programs of the Partnership for Nonprofit Excellence through a strategic restructuring of the two organizations, which includes the Emerging Nonprofit Leaders Program.  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.”

What is the Emerging Nonprofit Leaders Program (ENLP)?

Now in its 10^th year, the Emerging Nonprofit Leaders Program is a dynamic eight-month experience for the next generation of nonprofit leaders in the metro Richmond area. In this engaging program, participants have the opportunity to 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.

Susan Wilkes, who has been the lead faculty for ENLP over the past 10 years said, “On October 18th, twenty-two rising stars in the nonprofit sector will gather for the launch of ENLP 10!  I’m thrilled with the leadership potential in the new cohort and with the impact a decade of this powerful program is having.  Having spoken nationally about the program, I’m proud of the uniqueness of our focus on emerging leaders and the distinctive nature of leading in the nonprofit sector.  Very few days go by that I don’t hear or read about something awesome one of our nearly 200 alumni are doing to make our community stronger and more vibrant.”

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

ENLP Class 9 in June 2016 after Graduation. Photo Credit: Kim Lee Photography

Selection Process

Nonprofit applicants were selected based on their potential to make a significant future contribution to the nonprofit community through assuming higher and increased levels of leadership, show substantive history of involvement in the nonprofit sector through employment, volunteerism, or board service and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development, continuing education, and lifelong learning.

In early September, a committee comprised of local nonprofit leaders, past ENLP Alumni and Community Foundation Staff thoroughly reviewed applications to ensure that the 10^th cohort met above criteria and that the group would be a diverse and comprehensive representation of the local nonprofit sector.

The 2016-2017 Emerging Nonprofit Leader Participants

• Rishonda Anthony, Coordinator of Client Services, project: HOMES
• Chris Beach, Executive Director, First Things First of Greater Richmond
• Rachelle Butler, Systems of Care Project Manager, United Methodist Family Services
• Annette Cousins, Senior Program Manager, 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, Academic Program Manager, Blue Sky Fund
• Eleanor S. Jones, Senior Program Manager, 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!