31 Local Nonprofit Professionals Selected for Emerging Leadership Program

A diverse collage of nonprofit professionals against orange, yellow and blue backgrounds
Nonprofit Leadership Center

Although a growing body of research shows that inexperienced and unprepared first-time managers can be costly for organizations, many individual contributors continue to be promoted into management roles without the proper training, mentoring and support.

A new manager recently shared this with us as he takes on a new role: “It is the first time my position has existed at my nonprofit, and I’m concerned about how to best develop and support my team members.” 

The Nonprofit Leadership Center’s Certificate in Leadership program exists to fill the significant gap in management transition for nonprofits. 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.

Today, we’re thrilled to introduce the fall 2024 Certificate in Leadership class. Participants were nominated to apply by community and organization leaders, and their applications were reviewed as part of a rigorous selection process.

Meet the Fall Certificate in Leadership Class of 2024

A diverse collage of 29 nonprofit leaders' head shots against orange, yellow and blue backgrounds

Aaron Neal, Director Data Analysis, United Way Suncoast                

Abigail Garcia, Program Manager, Beth-El Farmworker Ministry, Inc.

Allie Markham, inspHire Program Manager, Abe Brown Ministries, Inc.

Amar Vora, Quality Assurance and Logistics Coordinator, Family Healthcare Foundation              

Amber Pinkham, Clinical Supervisor of Outpatient and Detox Services, Operation PAR

Cameron Macleish, Executive Director, 360 Eats                             

Chanel Murray, Director of Financial Stability, United Way Suncoast  

Colleen Walker, Reach Program Manager, Pace Center for Girls       

Erika Asad, Interim Director of Operations, Synergy Health Centers, Inc./Tampa-Hillsborough Action Plan, Inc.

Esther Mathew, Director, Grant Management, Metropolitan Ministries

Gordana Krone, Director, Grant Development, Metropolitan Ministries

Heba Goodwin, Director, Program Innovation, Metropolitan Ministries

Isabela Solis, Connecting Kids to Care Supervisor, The Family Healthcare Foundation      

Jessica Kushner, Sr. Program Manager, NAMI Pinellas                      

Katie Rockman, Director of Development, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties    

Kay Schmid, Director of Patient Care, St Pete Free Clinic                  

Kayla Zambito, Director of Take Stock in Children, Hillsborough Education Foundation  

Kelli Serio, Digital Media Manager, WEDU PBS                                 

Krystle Pitts, Director of Programs, Ryan Nece Foundation               

Lisa Washington, Wellness & Prevention Manager, Synergy Health Centers, Inc./Tampa-Hillsborough Action Plan, Inc.          

Lizette Tabares, Special Projects Senior Program Manager, Central Florida Behavioral Health Network  

MariaElena Moore, Director Polk, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida

Nga Luong, Director of Operations and Analytics, Gulf Coast JFCS     

Niki De Jesus, Director, Individual Philanthropy, United Way Suncoast    

Paige McKinney, Director of Accounting, United Way Suncoast        

Rosie Agudelo, Regional Program Manager, Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay    

Sabrina O’Neal, Coastal Bay Properties Operations Manager, Tampa Hillsborough Action Plan/Coastal Bay Properties    

Sam Jenkins, Associate Director, Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions

Sarah Hughart, Donor Relations Manager, Ronald McDonald House Charities Tampa Bay, Inc.   

Victor Melendez, Center & Summer Camp Director, Artz 4 Life Academy, Inc.   

Zoe Blair-Andrews, Director of Grants Management, St. Pete Free Clinic           

“Being new to my position, I want to be able to have the right skills to help my team be successful and my organization thrive.”
Erika Asad, a Black woman with long black hair wearig a red top
Erika Asad
Interim Director of Operations, Synergy Healthcare Center

Skilled & Confident Leaders, Proven Impact

Certificate in Leadership graduates report measurable increases in skills that are critical for long-term success and impact:

  • After the program, 100% of participants agree they can 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 agree they understood their leadership style and could develop a plan to enhance their skills after the program, up from 77% before the program began.

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