United Way of Henderson County created the Rising Leaders program to help the next generation of community leaders gain the skills and tools needed to connect as board members and volunteers with the nonprofit community.
Rising Leaders attend monthly sessions from August through March on topics such as board member roles and responsibilities, fundraising, and nonprofit life cycles. Sessions also include an opportunity to visit nonprofit organizations to experience their work first-hand. The final session includes a speed matching event with representatives from 20 nonprofits networking with each of the Rising Leaders.
Participants include many young professionals, as well as those re-entering the workforce and professionals who are new to the area and have an interest in learning more about local nonprofit participation.
Requirements to successfully complete the Rising Leaders Program are:
- Attend at least 5 out of 6 informational sessions and graduation
- Attend a board of directors meeting at a Henderson County nonprofit organization and complete a related homework assignment
- Complete a group service project
Session Schedule & Topics
- August 16, 9am-1pm: Orientation Trolley Tour
- Location: Grace Lutheran (1245 6th Ave W)
- September 25, 11am-1pm: Board Basics
- Location: Henderson County’s Main Library (301 N Washington St)
- October 23:CANCELED
- November 20, 11am – 1pm: Legal Leadership
- Location: Main Library (301 N Washington St) Kaplan Auditorium
- (Optional) December 11, 4:30 – 6pm: Holiday Drop-in
- Location: Southern Appalachian Brewery (822 Locust St)
- January 22, 11am-1pm: Financial Leadership
- Location: TBD
- February 19, 11am-1pm: Fundraising
- Location: TBD
- March 4, 5:30 – 7:45pm – Graduation and Speed-Matching Event
- Location: Grace Lutheran (1245 6th Ave W)
Congratulation to the 2023-2024 Rising Leader Graduates
- Brandon Adams
- Gina Baxter
- Angela Bollo-Higgins
- Travis Bonnema
- Stephanie Bryan
- Jennifer Cauley
- Eric China
- Rachelle Dugan
- Spring Dungan
- Elana Flanigan
- Jordan Hall
- Julia Haverstock
- Valerie Hoffman
- Katie Hutchinson
- Nakita Jackson
- Meredith Mitchell
- Justice Mullen
- Kristen Ollila
- Yadira Ortiz
- Michelle Reynolds
- Belem Solano Miraflores
Graduates are already making a strong impact in our community. Many of them have been recruited to serve on committees, boards of directors, and in other key roles of local non-profit organizations.
For more information on the Rising Leaders program, please email Mary Ellen Kustin.
Thank you to our generous sponsors whose support allows Rising Leaders program to be free to all participants.
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