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LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

The Leadership Institute is YNPN Chicago’s flagship program for emerging leaders in the nonprofit sector. Within this transformative experience, promising nonprofit leaders from the Chicago area will unite to stimulate mutual growth, foster collaboration, and cultivate enduring relationships that extend well beyond the program's duration. Participants will gain invaluable access to seasoned nonprofit leaders who will serve as mentors and guest speakers. Upon completing the Leadership Institute, graduates will depart with the essential skills, heightened self-awareness, and a robust network of connections that will empower them to lead the nonprofit sector into the future..

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

PROGRAM GOALS

Participants will graduate with the skills to successfully lead teams, oversee projects, and contribute to overall organizational growth.


The curriculum has two distinct focuses:

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  • Self-reflection

    • Understand personal strengths and weaknesses 

    • Build effective communication skills

    • Develop one’s own leadership style

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  • Skill building 

    • Assess the needs of your organization for growth and development

    • Learn best practices of thriving nonprofits 

    • Apply learning to current workplace

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MEET THE FACILITATOR

Kate Gannon (she/her)

Capacity Building Program Manager | Chicago Jobs Council

Kate Gannon is an experienced trainer and facilitator in the nonprofit field, with a particular focus on Workforce Development.


Kate has led on-the-job training programs for justice-involved adults re-entering the workforce, career changers, and high school-aged youth.  Much of her experience has been with the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Windy City Harvest training programs.  In her time with The Garden, Kate led experiential learning opportunities on the farm and in the classroom with a focus on growing social-emotional skills, career exploration, and job readiness. Kate currently specializes in training nonprofit and workforce development professionals as the Capacity Building Program Manager at the Chicago Jobs Council.


Kate is passionate about contributing to a more sustainable, more equitable workforce system. She is also an avid runner, home gardener, and a devoted pet parent.

MEET THE 2023 COHORT

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ALEXANDRA GREENWALD 

(SHE/HER/HERS)

Director of Marketing and Communications | Chicago Scholars

Alexandra Greenwald is the Director of Marketing and Communications at Chicago Scholars, where she leads a team of three to manage the organization’s website, social media, PR, and all other external communications. Previously, she held positions at Gamaliel Network, The University of Chicago, and ABC7 Chicago. Originally from Ohio, Alex holds a B.A. from Kenyon College and an M.A. from The University of Chicago Divinity School. When she’s not at work, Alex spends time with her cats, Critter and Goose, attempts to craft, and cooks with her husband, Chris.

Are you a past Leadership Institute cohort member? Join the LinkedIn alumni group below and stay connected!

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