First cohort of Nonprofit Leadership Academy completes training

The inaugural class of the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation’s Generation Next Nonprofit Leadership Academy (Gen
Next) graduated from its 9-month training on May 8 at the Disability Empowerment Center in Phoenix.

Funded by a generous contribution from American Express, Gen Next is a cohort of the Valley’s top emerging nonprofit leaders, chosen to participate in training that provides them with the knowledge and tools needed to take on leadership roles within the nonprofit community. The program is comprised of best practice approaches to leading and managing nonprofits that include renowned professors and practitioner instructors at ASU as well as established nonprofit leaders from organizations that engage with the ASU Lodestar Center.

Those graduating from Gen Next:
• Irene Agustin, Crisis Nursery Inc.
• Caroline Starrs Allen, Center for Progressive Leadership
• Roya Amirsoleymani, Fresh Start Women's Foundation
• Cory Baker, Scottsdale Cultural Council
• Luke Black, Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona
• Leticia de la Vara, ASU Center for Community Development & Civil Rights
• Jany Deng, Arizona Lost Boys Center
• Angela Florez, Friends for the Phoenix Public Library
• Sara Kyler, Food for the Hungry
• Aaron Parrott, Mentor Kids USA
• Donna Powers, Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council
• Matt Sandoval, Valley of the Sun YMCA
• Amy Schwabenlender, Valley of the Sun United Way
• Andrew Schwartzberg, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona
• Duane Shearer, HandsOn Greater Phoenix
• Chela Sullivan, Helping Hands Housing Services
• Heather Walsh, Greater Phoenix Youth at Risk
• Alysson Zatarga, Southwest Behavioral Health.

While many look to improve their job marketability during these challenging economic times, Gen Next is providing valuable opportunities for nonprofit professionals to increase their knowledge and leadership skills.

“Through Gen Next I have learned a lot about my own leadership style and under what circumstances I work most effectively,” says Chela Sullivan, recent graduate of ASU’s Master of Nonprofit Studies program and current Helping Hands Housing Services staff member. “I have also learned that as a manager, I can bring out other people's strength by recognizing their leadership styles as well.”

Jany Deng, another member of the inaugural class, was a recipient of nonprofit assistance 10 years ago when he came to the United States as a refugee from Sudan. He graduates this year from the Gen Next program on his road to being a leader in the nonprofit sector.

“As a recipient of services in the past, I have seen how important organization and leadership are in a nonprofit,” says Deng. “Through Gen
Next, I learned areas that I need to improve on and I also learned areas that are my strengths. This knowledge will help me to be a better co-worker and to provide better services to my clients.”

Laura Capello, program specialist for Gen Next, is thrilled with the success of the first year.

“I have already seen the class members make good use of what they have learned and of the contacts they have made,” says Capello. “They have all become close and have used each other to help them with the challenges and share in their joys of working in the nonprofit sector.”

Amy Schwabenlender, a Valley of the Sun United Way Gen Next participant, says her favorite part of Gen Next was the connections she made with other members.

“The opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals who have similar career desires in the nonprofit sector was of great use to me,” says
Schwabenlender. “It has been not only fun, but beneficial to my work to meet and get to know my classmates. Several of us have found ways to collaborate and share information that was not previously occurring between our
organizations.

Applications for the second Gen Next cohort will be available in June.

The ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation (formerly the ASU Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Management), is recognized as a national leader in undergraduate and graduate nonprofit education, research and technical assistance. The ASU Lodestar Center exists to enhance the quality of life in communities through the advancement of nonprofit leadership practices and provides knowledge and tools to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations, professionals, board members, donors and volunteers by offering a selection of capacity building workshops, conferences, classes, and programs. For more information, visit: http://nonprofit.asu.edu.

Ashley Gilliam, ashley.gilliam@asu.edu
ASU Lodestar Center