With well over 3,500 YLC alumni making a difference through board service, it’s always a joy to catch up with one of our graduates and hear about the amazing work they’re doing to support the local nonprofit community. We recently had a chance to connect with YLC Nashville Spring 2024 graduate, Dr. Mackenzie J. Millet, who serves as the Director of Educational Leadership for Millet & Associates, a consulting firm focused on uplifting the full education ecosystem through strategic leadership planning, community engagement, teacher training, and mentorship. Mackenzie was happy to share more about the work she’s doing to support both the Rejoice School of Ballet and the American Heart Association’s Young Professionals Board. Check out our interview with Mackenzie below:
Since graduating from the YLC program, you’ve been super active and engaged in supporting organizations like the Rejoice School of Ballet and the American Heart Association. What inspired you to connect with those organizations and dedicate your time and talents to supporting their mission?
I am a strong believer that the challenges of the world are my opportunities for service. I was blessed with the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors for Rejoice School of Ballet and the Young Professionals Board for the American Heart Association.
Rejoice School of Ballet is a nonprofit serving young people across East Nashville, North Nashville, and Antioch with a simple but powerful belief that every child deserves access to the arts. No student is turned away, and through income-based tuition, need-based scholarships, and free dancewear, Rejoice intentionally removes barriers so all young people can experience a quality dance education. More than a dance school, it is a place where students grow in confidence, discipline, creativity, and pride in who they are becoming; many for the first time through formal arts training. Rejoice is centered on community, opportunity, and hope to help open doors, nurture potential, and ensure that every child who dreams of dancing is met with support and possibility rather than limitation.
I am inspired to serve on the board on the Young Professionals Board for the American Heart Association because of its unwavering commitment to saving lives and advancing heart health for all communities. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women, particularly Black women and this reality is deeply personal to me, as heart conditions run in my own family. Serving in this capacity would allow me to turn my personal experiences into purposeful action by learning, educating, and advocating for prevention and equitable care. I am especially passionate about reaching underserved communities, ensuring access to life-saving resources, and being a servant leader who helps drive meaningful change so that more families can live longer, healthier lives.
How has your YLC training helped you as a new leader in the community and particularly in the nonprofit board room?
The training I received through YLC equipped me with both the practical tools and the confidence to serve effectively as a new leader, especially within the nonprofit boardroom. It deepened my understanding of my strengths while helping me identify areas for growth, allowing me to lead with greater self-awareness and purpose. Just as importantly, it connected me to a powerful network of passionate, community-minded leaders who continue to inspire and challenge me. Through this experience, I have learned how to use my voice with intention; advocating for those who may not always be heard and contributing meaningfully to conversations that shape our community. YLC has prepared me not just to sit at the table, but to lead with integrity, collaborate thoughtfully, and make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
What advice would you share with other young professionals who want to be active in the community and serve on a nonprofit board?
My advice to other young professionals is simple: don’t wait, step up and serve! If you see a need, ask how you can help, volunteer your time, and use your voice to advocate for change, especially for those whose voices are often overlooked. I am deeply committed to fostering belonging, strengthening community, and creating meaningful opportunities that support all students; particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. I believe each of us can make that same kind of impact. This work is rooted in my calling to serve, guided by Luke 12:48, “To whom much is given, much is required.” Lead with compassion, show up with intention, and trust that your willingness to serve can truly change lives.
How can other YLC alumni support the work that you’re doing?
Such a timely question! As Chair of Rejoice School of Ballet’s annual fundraiser, Bowling for Ballet, I would love the support of fellow YLC alumni as we celebrate the 5th year of this fundraiser and work toward our $50,000 goal. There are so many meaningful ways to get involved; through donations, sponsorships, attending performances, or simply helping us spread the word about the incredible work our dancers are doing. The fundraiser kicks off in April, with our celebration in July, and every bit of support helps us continue providing access to dance and opportunity for young people across Nashville. To learn more about the organization, please visit www.RejoiceBallet.com.
68 young professionals complete YLC’s fall training program as organization celebrates 40 years
Brentwood, Tenn. – November 24, 2025 – Young Leaders Council (YLC), the only nonprofit in Middle Tennessee committed to broadening and strengthening Nashville’s volunteer leadership base, today announced that 68 young professionals from the Nashville and Williamson County Fall 2025 Cohorts have completed the organization’s nonprofit board skills training program.
This diverse group of emerging leaders are now preparing to serve local nonprofits in meaningful leadership roles. Facilitated by industry experts, the program equips participants with a foundation in critical board skills and leadership.
Graduates completed the 11-week training in November and are now transitioning into year-long internships as non-voting board members across area nonprofit organizations. Through these placements, participants will apply their skills and energy immediately, supporting YLC’s mission to strengthen Nashville’s nonprofit sector by training diverse, committed individuals to effectively serve on boards.
“For forty years, YLC has prepared young professionals with the skills, insight and community focus required to make a meaningful difference in the nonprofit sector. Celebrating this year’s graduates during our 40th anniversary highlights the lasting impact of dedicated and values-driven leadership,” said Kim James, Executive Director of YLC. “These emerging leaders represent the future of Nashville’s nonprofit landscape. They are ready to step in, lead boldly and strengthen our community.”
A complete list of Fall 2025 graduates can be found here.
About Young Leaders Council
YLC was founded in 1985 by the Council of Community Services, in partnership with the Frist Foundation (formerly the HCA Foundation) and the United Way. More than 200 individuals complete the YLC training annually through the Nashville Spring; Junior League of Nashville; Massey College of Business at Belmont University; Nashville Fall; and Williamson County Cohorts. For more information, please visit www.youngleaderscouncil.org.
It’s always a pleasure when we have an opportunity to connect with a YLC graduate and hear about the great work they are now doing to support a local nonprofit organization. We recently caught up with YLC Nashville Class 79 graduate, Alexandra Nelson, who serves as a Senior Supply Chain Manager with Asurion. Alexandra completed her 12-month board internship with The Sexual Assault Center, a nonprofit organization that provides healing for children, adults, and families affected by sexual assault. Check out our interview with Alexandra below:
What drew you to the work of The Sexual Assault Center, and what has been the most fulfilling part of your board experience?
I had the opportunity to tour The Sexual Assault Center facility and meet the staff who work passionately towards the mission to end sexual violence and serve those impacted by it. From just one visit, I could see the positive impact the Center was having on its clients. I felt immediately called to be a part of the organization and help them however I could.
Serving on The Sexual Assault Center’s board has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. As a survivor, it is empowering and encouraging to see members of the board come together and make decisions that directly and positively address sexual violence in our community. Through this experience, I have developed skills I never knew I had, shaping me into the person I am today.
In what way did your YLC training prepare you to be an effective member of the SAC Board?
The most meaningful part of my training was being able to hear from expert speakers on a wide range of topics. The diverse coursework provided valuable insights, from reading financials and understanding legal considerations, to communicating effectively. Every aspect of the training proved useful from my very first day as a board intern and it equipped me to lead with confidence and contribute meaningfully to board discussions.
What advice would you share with other young professionals who want to be active in the community and serve on a nonprofit board?
My advice would be to identify your “why”. It’s important to know what’s truly calling you to community service so you can understand what’s important to you and align with an organization that supports that mission. Then, start with volunteering or giving monthly to the cause that you’re passionate about. As you become more involved with an organization, it will become clear how you can use your unique gifts to help them have a greater impact. If you’re looking to serve on a board, there is no better place to start than with the YLC program. I recommend this training to any person passionate about making a difference.
Alex currently serves on the governing board for The Sexual Assault Center. We are so proud of Alex and the work she is doing to support the organization and their efforts to provide healing and end sexual violence through counseling, education and advocacy. Click here to learn more about The Sexual Assault Center.
88 young professionals complete YLC’s fall training program and prepare to serve local nonprofits
Brentwood, Tenn. – December 3, 2024 – Young Leaders Council (YLC), the only nonprofit in Middle Tennessee committed to broadening and strengthening Nashville’s volunteer leadership base, today announced that 88 young professionals from the Nashville and Williamson County Fall 2024 Cohorts have completed the organization’s nonprofit board skills training program.
After kicking off in September with a celebratory opening session and keynote addresses from Derek Young of Young Motivation Group as well as Julia Bonner-Zade and Bri Carlesimo of Pierce Public Relations, this diverse group of emerging professionals completed YLC’s comprehensive nonprofit board training program, equipping them to serve local organizations in meaningful leadership roles. YLC training is facilitated by industry experts and provides a foundational understanding of topics deemed critical for effective nonprofit board leadership.
Participants completed the program in November and are now set to begin internships as non-voting board members for various nonprofits across Middle Tennessee. Through these placements, graduates will apply their new knowledge to make immediate contributions to dynamic organizations, supporting YLC’s mission of strengthening Nashville’s nonprofit sector by training diverse, committed individuals to effectively participate on the boards of nonprofit organizations and make a difference in the community by replenishing the volunteer leadership base.
Nashville/Williamson County Cohort
“It’s a privilege to witness the growth and connections made by each of our program participants throughout the semester,” said Kim James, Executive Director of YLC. “Each one brings a remarkable passion for making a difference and deepening their understanding of board governance. We’re eager to see how they will shape our community and leave a lasting impact on the nonprofit landscape in Middle Tennessee.”
Nashville Cohort
A complete list of Fall 2024 graduates can be found below:
For over 39 years, YLC has provided intensive, high-quality board leadership training, placing over 3,500 alumni who have made a tangible impact through board service for local nonprofit organizations. Through partnerships with local nonprofit partners, each YLC participant is uniquely challenged throughout the semester to identify their passions and connect with an organization whose purpose and work aligns with that passion to further improve our community. YLC is proud to have the support of philanthropic partners such asThe Frist Foundation,HCA Healthcare Foundation,Truist Foundation, andThe Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation,The Memorial Foundation, Turner Construction Foundation, andThe Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Young Leaders Council is also grateful for the generosity of its 2024 Annual Presenting Sponsors, Amazon, Tractor Supply Company, Parking Management Company, and Asurion.
Over the years, YLC has facilitated training for more than 3,000 individuals, many of whom continue to serve and support our local nonprofit community as board leaders. As participants graduate from the program, many of them transition into a one-year board internship, where they can put their newfound knowledge and skills to use and immediately make an impact in the community.
We recently received an inspiring note from Sarah Lingo, Executive Director for Sister Cities, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation by connecting individuals in Nashville to other people around the world. Sarah shared her experience with one of YLC’s recent alumni, Madison Ayers, a YLC Nashville Class 78 graduate who completed her one-year board internship with the organization. Please see Sarah’s note below.
“Madison has become an important part of our board and our organization. She has participated in many events including helping us prepare for our largest fundraising gala, donating homemade macarons for the event, donating a personal yoga instruction class for our silent auction, and regularly participates in all things we do. In May, she accompanied an official delegation visit to Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq as we explored a possible new sister city relationship between Erbil and Nashville. This was a huge endeavor and one where Madison, as our youngest delegation member, showed an incredible amount of professionalism, cultural competency, and leadership. Madison has consistently shown an effort to reach out to our Kurdish brothers and sisters here in Nashville as well as forge connections with those living in Erbil. I am continuously impressed with her and have come to lean on her as a vital member of our organization, as well as a friend. Though she technically could not vote on the Erbil relationship, she was a strong voice of recommendation for our board to look to when making this major decision. Her participation in this delegation visit was, in simple terms, a really big deal.”
Sister Cities plans to offer Madison the opportunity to become a full board member this fall and expressed sincere gratitude for the work she has done to support the organization over the past year. YLC is truly proud of Madison and her commitment to advancing the mission and global work of Sister Cities.
We love to hear from our alumni and community partners! If you would like to share your stories with YLC, please email Rachel Reyes at Rachel@youngleaderscouncil.org.
Nikki Walker is a graduate of YLC’s Nashville Class 77 and currently serves as the Executive Director for East Nashville Hope Exchange (ENHE), an organization focused on strengthening children’s literacy through the exchange of knowledge and support among families and the Nashville community to affirm the right to read for all. YLC recently caught up with Nikki to learn more about her work and how she’s using her professional passion to make a difference in the East Nashville area.
Please tell us a little about your work with the East Nashville Hope Exchange. How did you get involved with the organization and how does the mission align with your own personal values?
In my role as Executive Director for East Nashville Hope Exchange, I am responsible for the planning, management, and direction of the organization’s operations and programs. ENHE provides programming designed to close the educational “achievement gap” between children from poorer and more affluent families. This gap has increased due to learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Youth literacy rates in the U.S. are at the lowest level in thirty years and are even worse among low-income families and especially for black and brown students.
I started working with ENHE in 2017 as a summer volunteer coordinator and, after transitioning to a new role with a different company, continued to stay engaged with the organization as a program volunteer before joining the Board. The work that I’m able to do through ENHE fuels me each day to ensure that all children have access to a good education, and I will continue advocating until access is no longer a barrier.
How did your YLC training prepare you to effectively serve as a leader in the nonprofit community? Are there elements of the program that have been particularly useful for you in your current role?
YLC provided me with a better perspective of how nonprofit boards work, and how the collective impact of the work affects the organization’s goals and outcomes. Before going through the program, I didn’t truly understand how all of that came together. Now in my current role, the most useful things learned were centered around board responsibilities, understanding the financials, and fundraising. I have learned that these are the most important things to know when leading and driving success for the organization. Gaining knowledge from YLC’s experts in these areas, really prepared me for what I am doing now.
What advice would you share with others looking to elevate their community impact by serving on a nonprofit board or becoming an executive leader for a nonprofit organization?
I would tell them to make sure that the work of the organization aligns with your passion. Truly take the time to learn about the organization, ask meaningful questions, and, if you can, go see the work in action. That will really help you decide whether that is in fact the area in which you want to serve. For those looking to become nonprofit executive leaders, it’s important to invest your time in learning the operational structure of the organization you desire to lead.
It’s always a pleasure when we have an opportunity to connect with a YLC graduate and hear about the great work they are now doing to support a local nonprofit organization. We recently caught up with YLC Nashville Class 79 graduate, 
