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ASU Lodestar Center announces Class Nine of American Express Leadership Academy at the ASU Lodestar Center, engaging 32 program participants in the 2016-2017 year
Phoenix, Ariz. (August 3, 2016) – The ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation is pleased to announce the launch of the ninth year of its American Express Leadership Academy at the ASU Lodestar Center. As one of the largest classes in program history, 32 emerging, nonprofit leaders were selected through a competitive application process to participate in this year’s cohort. Funded in part by a generous contribution from the American Express Foundation, the Academy is a cohort of the region’s top emerging nonprofit leaders, chosen to participate in a nine-month training program 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.
This year’s class includes participants from a variety of backgrounds and diverse experiences. Within the applicant pool, we have seen a more diverse representation of nonprofits. More than half of these organizations have never had a candidate come through our program. Building on the American Express Foundation’s continued investment over the past nine years, this emerging leader program offers 360-degree feedback assessments and one-on-one executive coaching. These program enhancements continuously enable the class to leave a lasting and profound impact on the communities in which they serve and volunteer.
"The quality of this year’s class is remarkable as is the range of nonprofit types represented," said Dr. Robert F. Ashcraft, executive director of the ASU Lodestar Center and professor of nonprofit studies in ASU’s School of Community Resources and Development. "Such a class gives me continued hope that our communities will be well served by such a talented and capable cohort who will learn and grow through our proven leadership development program,” he added.
This year's cohort includes:
- Laura Bode, A New Leaf, Inc.
- Jaclyn Boyes, Arizona Women's Education and Employment
- Michael Chang, A.T. Still University
- Monica Charlie, Southwest Human Development
- Elizabeth Clements, Junior Achievement of Arizona
- Akia Compton, MIKID
- Seth Cothrun, Sonoran Institute
- Justin Duran, Child Crisis Arizona
- Julia Estrada, Valley of the Sun United Way
- Julie Euber, TGen-Translational Genomics Research Institute
- Christina Fankhauser, Neighborhood Ministries
- Sierra Haynes, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale
- Daren Heaton, Science of Sport
- Chelsey Keller, Desert Botanical Garden
- Elizabeth Kjar, Sojourner Center
- Kristin Mancuso, RISE
- Heather Mulder, Banner Alzheimer's Institute
- Leanne Murphy, Girl Scouts, AZ Cactus Pine Council
- Kristen Pierce, Arizona Commission on the Arts
- Fred Prozzillo, The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
- Tyler Record, Great Hearts Academies
- Jason Reynolds, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix
- Natalie Salvione, Ballet Arizona
- Tiffany Sandoval, Teacher Retention Project
- Kelli Shepard, United Food Bank
- Michele Shipitofsky, Gabriel's Angels
- Ursula Strephans, Central Arizona Shelter Services, Inc.
- Stacy Strombeck-Goodrich, Arizona Autism United
- Naomi Taylor, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona
- Jessica Ward, Phoenix Collegiate Academy
- Celia Williams, Arizona Serve of Prescott College
- Patrick Winters, St. Joseph the Worker
"Supporting and advancing the development of these high potential nonprofit leaders is at the core of the ASU Lodestar Center’s mission and the goal of the American Express Foundation. We are fortunate to have their investment in these executives," said Cassidy Campana, ASU Lodestar Center program manager for the American Express Leadership Academy at the ASU Lodestar Center. "As these 32 individuals further their development as leaders during this year-long program, Arizona’s nonprofit sector will benefit by having proven talent to ascend and guide organizations that contribute so much to the health and well-being of our community," she added.
Additional thanks to Salt River Project for their continued support of the American Express Leadership Academy at the ASU Lodestar Center. For additional information regarding any of the ASU Lodestar Center’s programs, visit lodestar.asu.edu. If you have questions, please call 602.496.0500 or email nonprofit@asu.edu.
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ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation: The ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation 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, please visit: lodestar.asu.edu.
American Express Leadership Academy at the ASU Lodestar Center: The American Express Leadership Academy at the ASU Lodestar Center operated as the Generation Next Nonprofit Leadership Academy for six years. Now beginning its ninth year at ASU, this highly-effective leadership development program is now the American Express Leadership Academy at the ASU Lodestar Center. Currently, over 30 individuals are selected through a competitive process to participate in the nine-month program beginning in August and ending in May each year. Each program day covers a variety of topics including, but not limited to, public policy and advocacy, collaboration, marketing and media relations, board development, donor relations, and leadership development. The American Express Leadership Academy at the ASU Lodestar Center offers: increased awareness and understanding of the nonprofit sector and issues affecting its growth and prosperity; leadership skills development, cultivation and opportunities for engagement; and a broader network of personal and professional relationships. For more information, please visit: lodestar.asu.edu/leadership.