LEAD Institute: Investing in Leadership

Guest Blogger: Alexandra Dami
Director of External Programs Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services, LEAD Participant

Each month, LEAD brings together a group of nonprofit leaders to develop our skills on topics such as strategic planning, program evaluation, employee supervision, and leading a team. Each topic, diverse and robust, allows the LEAD cohort to apply the lessons to our own professional and personal lives in order to become better rounded people.

It’s a fantastic blend of staff, expert speakers, and nonprofit leaders all mixed together with a dash of inspiration, a bunch of collaboration, and a whole lot of connection. It’s a recipe for a stronger community.”

Supporting One Another

It’s so important to be an authentic leader and lead from where we are as individuals to support our collective organization. Interacting with the people of LEAD makes it a truly special experience. We are encouraged to workshop our thoughts and ideas in a collaborative setting. We question: what is easy, what is hard, and how we can get better at doing the hard things?

An Investment

One thing that I appreciate about LEAD Institute is the opportunity to really invest in myself and my future as a nonprofit leader. After our monthly seminars, I find myself sitting with the lessons taught and really applying them to Jacob’s Heart, the nonprofit where I serve. I see the direct benefit that it is having on not only me but those that I interact with at Jacob’s Heart.

LEAD is a sound investment in improving the quality of life for children with cancer now and in the future.” – Lori Butterworth, Founder and Executive Director, Jacobs’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services.

Alex Dami is a participant in LEAD Institute, a year-long program of the CFMC’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence that builds the skills and leadership of successful nonprofit managers serving the diverse communities of Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties.

Apply for LEAD 2020

LEAD invites nonprofit Executive Directors with up to 3 years of experience and managers or directors on a path to greater leadership to apply for 2020 LEAD.  Application deadline is September 13, 2019. Full details: www.cfmco.org/lead or attend an Information Session to learn more.