Leadership is paramount to succeed in today’s ever-changing world, but there is often a deficit in training and preparation for nonprofit professionals moving into leadership roles. To prepare the next generation of nonprofit professionals to lead our dynamically changing sector, the Nonprofit Leadership Center created the Certificate in Leadership program. This unique, 10-week learning experience brings together nonprofit leaders who are new to managing people or programs in an inclusive, collaborative environment to develop the qualities and skills necessary to lead with authenticity and impact. The program is made possible with generous support from Florida Blue.
We’re thrilled to introduce the 28 outstanding nonprofit leaders who will be part of the Class of 2022. Participants were nominated to apply by leaders in their organization or community, and then their applications were reviewed as part of a rigorous selection process.
Meet the Certificate in Leadership Class of 2022
- Avery Anderson, Director of Marketing and Communications, American Stage Theatre Company
- Christine Bond, Executive Director, St. Vincent de Paul Community Kitchen and Resource Center
- Sarah Bou Zeidan, Finance & Admin Manager, Glazer Children’s Museum
- Jessica Buckley-Lewis, Shelter Manager, The Haven of Hope Villages of America
- Tammi Casagni, VP of Programs and Operations, Dawning Family Services
- Taisha Edwin-Williams, Program Director — Layla’s House, Champions for Children
- Marcia Hall, CEO, Mrbubblez, Inc.
- LaShondria Hart, Founder, Let’s Go Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead, Inc.
- Scott Hinckley, Account Director, Allegiance Group
- Candace Hulcher, Vice President of Business Development, St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce
- Frances Luna, Program Manager, Hispanic Services Council
- Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj, Producing Artistic Director and Resident Playwright, American Stage Theatre Company
- Andrew Maurin, Executive Director, Suncoast Voices for Children
- Molly May, Learning Services Manager, Goodwill Industries Manasota, Inc.
- Erica Moody (Nelson), Director of Operations, University Area Community Development Corporation, Inc.
- Heather Navratil, Director of Governance & Strategic Initiatives, United Way Suncoast
- Genevieve O’Donoghue, Director of Children & Parenting Services, Operation PAR, Inc.
- Xavier Oliver, Volunteer Program Manager, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties
- Alyssa Potter, Program Director, Gulf Coast JFCS
- Rosaida Rolon, Senior Services and Compliance Manager, Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, Inc.
- BJ Santiago IV, Volunteer Operations Manager, Feeding Tampa Bay
- Meagan Smithyman, Associate Executive Director, Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA
- Alejandra Sosa, Prescription Health Program Manager, St. Pete Free Clinic
- Alexandra Srsic, Team Leader — Veterans Team, Bay Area Legal Services
- Carolyn Taylor, Program Manager, Cove Behavioral Health (Formerly DACCO)
- Michael Thomas, Community Collaborations Coordinator, Juvenile Welfare Board
- MaryBeth Williams, Executive Director, Friends of the Riverwalk
- Dr. La’ Toya Worlds-Bell, Director of Residential Programs, St. Petersburg Free Clinic
Powered Through Partnership
The Nonprofit Leadership Center’s Certificate in Leadership program is possible thanks to generous support from Florida Blue.
Florida Blue’s Market Leader of West Florida, David Pizzo, shares why it is so important to Florida Blue to support nonprofit leaders through the Certificate in Leadership:
Making a Career and Community Impact
Graduates from the Certificate in Leadership report measurable increases in skills that are critical for long-term success and impact:
- After the program, 100% of participants agreed they could respond authentically to the changes and challenges facing today’s nonprofit leaders, up from 59% before the program began.
- Participants’ ability to understand themselves and manage their organizational responsibilities increased from 88% to 100% from the beginning to the end of the program.
- 100% of participants agreed they understood their leadership style and could develop a plan to enhance their skills after the program, up from 77% before the program began.
Learn more about NLC’s Certificate in Leadership program here. For questions and more information about the new Certificate in Leadership, contact us atinfo@nlctb.orgor 813-287-8779.