LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
2025 LI Cohort Participants
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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Applications For The 2026 YNPN Leadership Institute Are Now Closed.
​Thank you for your interest in the 2026 YNPN Leadership Institute. Applications for the 2027 YNPN Leadership Institute will open next fall.
Mentor Applications For The 2026 YNPN Leadership Institute Are Now Closed.
​Thank you for your interest in becoming a Mentor for the 2026 YNPN Leadership Institute. Mentor applications for the 2027 Leadership Institute will open next fall.
Questions about Leadership Institute?
Please contact Jaime Sharp at jaime@ynpnchicago.org
"The Leadership Institute is an incredible experience. The program is perfect for those who really want management and leadership training but just have not had the opportunity at work or want to level up the experience they have. The learnings will definitely apply sooner than you think. Plus you get to meet and learn from some amazing people across the nonprofit sector!"
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–Carlos García León, 2025 Leadership Institute Alumni
"Leadership Institute was instrumental in my growth as a leader. Each month, it felt like the curriculum was speaking directly to me. I could directly apply all of the knowledge I gained to my work and how to practice leadership. If you are unsure about making the commitment, let this be a sign for you to 'go for it'! I am so thankful for my time with my cohort and facilitators."
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–Keilah Johnson, 2025 Leadership Institute Alumni
MEET THE FACILITATOR
Kate Gannon
Associate Director of Capacity Building
Trust for Public Land
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.
