Phoenix, Ariz. (April 24, 2015) – Class VII of the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation's American Express Leadership Academy is graduating from their nine-month development program on May 8th at the ASU Kerr Cultural Center. Funded in part by a generous contribution from American Express and Salt River Project, the American Express Leadership Academy is a cohort of the Valley's top emerging nonprofit leaders, chosen to participate in training 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 graduates are part of an impressive cohort of leaders who are committed to improving the quality of life in our communities,” 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. “The talents of this year’s class gives confidence that the notable array of organizational missions they represent will be superbly advanced to enhance community well-being,” he added.

Building on the American Express Foundation’s continued investment over the past six years, Class VII expanded from a previous cohort size of 25 participants to over 30 robust and diverse participants from across Arizona and included several programmatic enhancements such as 360-degree feedback assessments and one-on-one executive coaching.

“Thanks to the investment by American Express, this year’s program and its participants have been extraordinary. In just these nine months, we have seen impressive skill and leadership development. Some of these leaders experienced transformational breakthroughs in their work that will benefit their nonprofits and their careers,” said Cassidy Campana, ASU Lodestar Center program manager for the American Express Leadership Academy. “Training with a cohort of leaders for a year is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we are eager to see the impact these alumni will have on Arizona,” she added.

Graduates from American Express Leadership Academy Class VII are:

• Monica Attridge, The Centers for Habilitation
• Sarah Benatar, Coconino County   
• Stephanie Brewer, LISC Phoenix   
• Lisa DeGroodt, Scottsdale Cultural Council 
• Tamara Delmar, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale       
• Sarah Duncan, Caring for Canines
• Seth Fritsch, Maricopa County Department of Public Health
• Edny Gonzalez, Helping Families in Need   
• Jessica Gonzalez, City of Phoenix, Burton Barr Central Library               
• Katie Greisiger, Southwest Human Development       
• Christopher Hamby, Theater Works               
• Ryan Lewis, Valley of the Sun United Way   
• Vivien Mann, Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development
• Veronica Martinez, Planned Parenthood Arizona       
• Dana McGuinness, ASU Gammage              
• Jacquelin Mireles, Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development             
• Carrie Monica, Southwest Behavioral Health Services              
• Stacy Moreno, Rio Salado Community College          
• Bobbi Rose Nez,  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona  
• Jenny Oby, Great Hearts Academies
• Beth Parknowitz, St. Luke's Episcopal Church
• Lesley Rich, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona               
• Torrey Rogers, Epi-Hab Phoenix    
• Danielle Shaw, Phoenix Children's Hospital Foundation          
• Tim Smetana, STARS
• Joshua Stine, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix    
• Lauren Svorinic, Desert Botanical Garden    
• Jowan Thornton, St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance          
• Sarah Tisdon, Not My Kid  ­­­_­­
• Kelly Wiehe, Literacy Connects
• Elena Zee, Arizona Council on Economic Education

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.

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 seventh 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 Arizona State University 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/amexleadershipacademy.