Newsroom
ASU Lodestar Center announces Class VII of Generation Next Nonprofit Leadership Academy; engaging 31 program participants in the 2014-2015 year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phoenix, Ariz. (July 23, 2014) – The ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation is pleased to announce the launch of the seventh year of its Generation Next Nonprofit Leadership Academy (GenNext). Thirty-one (31) emerging, nonprofit leaders from the Valley were selected through a competitive application process to participate in this year’s cohort. Funded in part by a generous contribution from American Express and Salt River Project, GenNext is a cohort of the Valley'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.
Building on the American Express Foundation’s continued investment over the past six years, this new class has recently expanded from a cohort size of 25 participants to over 30 robust and diverse participants and will include several programmatic enhancements such as 360-degree feedback assessments and one-on-one executive coaching. These new elements bring the GenNext Academy in alignment with the other nonprofit leadership academies that American Express supports across their country as part of their strategy to expand programming for nonprofit leaders both nationally and abroad.
"There is always excitement to see the talents and motivation of each GenNext class, as they are recruited into their cohort, and this year is no exception," 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. "This year's class exemplifies the best of emerging leaders in our region and they are yearning for the leadership skills and nonprofit management content that our Academy provides," he added.
This year’s cohort represents a wide variety of nonprofit organizations, foundations and associations. As one of the most diverse cohorts yet, Class VII participants represent both small and large organizations focusing on a range of issues from social services to animal welfare to arts and culture.
This year's cohort includes:
|
|
"Following weeks of interviews, we have selected a talented and diverse class of nonprofit executives who will embark on a leadership journey over the next year," said Cassidy Campana, ASU Lodestar Center program manager for the Generation Next Nonprofit Leadership Academy. "The programming, education, leadership training and networking they will be afforded this year is a once in a lifetime opportunity," she added.
“ASU Lodestar Center’s Generation Next program was an amazing opportunity for me to engage and learn from local nonprofit leaders in a safe and thoughtful space. The lessons shared during this program continue to influence and help guide me in my work,” said Jana Smith, recently appointed executive director of the Phoenix Community ToolBank and a GenNext Academy Class IV participant. “The connections made with my classmates have proven to be an added reward of the program, serving to inspire both my personal and professional life, she added.
Additional thanks to Salt River Project for their continued support of the Generation Next Nonprofit Leadership Academy. 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.
###
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.
ASU Generation Next Nonprofit Leadership Academy
Up to twenty-five 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 Gen Next Program 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/gennext.
Media Contact:
Nicole Almond Anderson
(602) 496-0185
Nicole.AlmondAnderson@asu.edu