Community Foundation for MetroWest Logo
Group of people sitting around a table speaking with each other, with computers in the background.

Emerging Leaders Academy

We believe in supporting the next generation of leaders in MetroWest because effective leaders can build strong organizations and organizational ecosystems, which help our communities thrive. Unfortunately, nonprofit staff rarely have the opportunity to intentionally chart a course to grow as leaders. Through the Emerging Leaders Academy, we introduce new and hone existing skills, an expanded professional network, and the opportunity to reflect and grow as leaders for local nonprofit and town agency staff. 

Join us for the Emerging Leaders Academy Zoom information session on Wednesday, June 26th at 11am. 

 

Register

About the Program

The Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA) is an eight-session series that provides a substantial and accessible introduction to leadership development. The program is intended for professionals with between five and ten years’ experience and is best suited for those who have taken on new leadership responsibilities or those who have a goal of advancing as leaders in the near future.  

 

This program helps participants develop self-awareness, insights, and skills that are essential for succeeding in any role. The focus is not on operations but on learning to be authentic, inclusive, and highly effective leaders who can make a powerful contribution to an organization’s mission. The program is once again being led by Bob Greene, MS, ACC. 

Participants can look to gain:

  • Increased insight regarding your leadership style, strengths, and areas for growth 
  • Clear developmental goals with action steps to meet those goals 
  • Increased effectiveness with professional communication, supervision, and team-building 
  • Increased understanding of how to be effective in complex organizational systems 
  • Strengthened networking skills and an enhanced professional network 

The ELA emphasizes the following learning themes throughout the program: 

  • Identifying your unique development journey 
  • Self-awareness and mindfulness 
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion 
  • Effective workplace communication 
  • Melding reflection with action 

There is no tuition or fee associated with participation in the ELA. 

What to Expect

Participants will attend four 2-hour virtual sessions and four 3-hour in-person sessions at the Foundation’s offices in Natick. Attendance at all sessions is expected. 

In addition, participants are expected to complete at-home assignments and review documents to help put learning into action between each session and maximize the group’s time together. Over the course of the program, each participant will have two individual coaching sessions (by Zoom or phone) with the program’s facilitator and will participate in peer networking activities. There will also be a variety of guest speakers to enhance conversations and learnings.  

September 18, 9:00am-12:00pm – In Person 

September 25, 9:00-11:00am – Virtual 

October 9, 9:00-11:00am – Virtual 

October 16, 9:00am-12:00pm – In Person 

October 23, 9:00-11:00am – Virtual 

October 30, 9:00am-12:00pm – In Person 

November 6, 9:00-11:00am – Virtual 

November 13, 9:00am – 12:00pm – In Person 

Who Should Apply?

We want to engage a diverse cohort that reflects our communities and adds to the vibrancy of the leadership pipeline and learning community in MetroWest.  

The Emerging Leaders Academy is ideal for those applicants who: 

  • Are currently employed by a nonprofit or a town agency located in MetroWest or serving the region. Examples of town agencies that would be well-aligned with this program are councils on aging, youth and family services, and conservation departments. 
  • Have between five and ten years of experience working in the nonprofit sector. 
  • Demonstrate leadership experience and/or potential. 
  • Are willing to actively participate, commit to challenging themselves, and are open to learning from the facilitator, guest speakers, and their peers. 
  • Have a desire to engage and collaborate with the greater MetroWest community and nonprofit ecosystem. 

The Foundation reviews applications based on five criteria: 

  • Personal leadership objectives 
  • Professional experience in the nonprofit sector 
  • Community experience 
  • Quality of applicant’s responses to application questions 
  • Quality of letter of recommendation 

If you do not fit all of the criteria listed above but you feel that this program is appropriate for you in your current career stage, please apply! The Foundation will consider all applications, especially those from candidates who have had less access to leadership development programming in the past. 

Questions?

For additional information about the program, contact Alyssa Berkson, Program Manager at the Community Foundation for MetroWest.

Get in Touch