A Holiday Note from Kim James….  

I am excited to report that 2022 proved to be a phenomenal year for Young Leaders Council! One that allowed us to finally convene for in-person training and events; reconnect with YLC alumni; develop new partnerships; and find innovative ways to accomplish our mission. We are also excited to welcome Rachel Reyes back to the YLC team! Rachel will serve as program manager, playing a key role in managing the logistical planning, outreach, and communications efforts necessary to successfully facilitate the YLC training program. 

Over 37 years ago, some truly exceptional leaders saw an opportunity to create this unique organization. They intended for YLC to be a bridge that would train talented young professionals to effectively serve the local nonprofit community. Because of these visionaries, YLC has facilitated training for more than 3,000 individuals – many of whom have made an indelible contribution to the growth and success of local nonprofit agencies. These founders changed the Nashville landscape and paved the way for the important work that YLC continues to do today. 

YLC is truly thankful for them and for the opportunity to equip and empower the next generation of nonprofit board leaders. Whether you supported YLC this year by making a financial contribution, by participating in our training program, attending a YLC event, or by keeping us in your thoughts as we transitioned back to in-person training this year – we are grateful for you! And as we close out 2022 and prepare for the new year, I hope that you will continue to support and invest in the future of this great organization. None of this important work happens without YOU! 

Happy Holidays! 

Kim James 

Executive Director l Young Leaders Council 

 

Leadership Luncheon 2022

Leadership Luncheon 2022

Young Leaders Council hosted its 2022 Leadership Luncheon on Thursday, November 17th at the Music City Center, welcoming over 300 alumni, corporate partners, and community leaders. The Luncheon featured an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation moderated by Erika Glover (Fox17 News) with Marcus Whitney(Jumpstart Nova), Courtney Ross (Amazon), and Tiffany Kerns (CMA Foundation) on leadership and innovation.

The 2022 recipient of the Young Leader of the Year Award, Gary Gaston, was announced during the event as well as YLC’s Legacy of Leadership Award Winner, Hal Cato. Both Gary and Hal are YLC alumni and highly accomplished leaders who have made an indelible contribution to the growth and prosperity of the Nashville nonprofit community.

The Leadership Luncheon was presented by Asurion and Amazon and received generous sponsorship support from Tractor Supply Company, Jack C. Massey College of Business at Belmont University, The Memorial Foundation, HCA Healthcare / TriStar Health, Turner Construction, people3, LBMC, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Dollar General, and FirstBank.

YLC is truly grateful for everyone that joined us for the Leadership Luncheon and for your continued investment in its mission and programming over the years.

Photos provided by Emanuel Roland with Roland’s Photography and Padrion Scott with P. Scott Photography

YLC Hosts Inaugural Legacy Council Reception

YLC Hosts Inaugural Legacy Council Reception

Young Leaders Council recently hosted an invitation only reception for members of the Legacy Council on Wednesday, November 16th at Sinema Nashville. The Legacy Council is part of a new alumni engagement initiative focused specifically on leveraging and reinforcing existing relationships with individuals that have a heightened connection to the impact and mission of YLC, including past board members, major donors, and recipients of the Young Leader of the Year Award.

The Legacy Council Reception was sponsored by Amazon, LBMC, and Joshua Livingston – YLC’s former Board Chair who played an instrumental role in laying the groundwork for the Legacy Council initiative. Thank you to all who attended this monumental event.

Photos provided by Emanual Roland with Roland’s Photography

Congratulations Fall 2022 Graduates!

Congratulations Fall 2022 Graduates!

Nashville Class 79

Congratulations to the graduates of the Young Leaders Council fall 2022 Nashville Class 79 and Williamson County Cohorts! Seventy-nine dynamic individuals participated in YLC’s fall training program, where they developed the knowledge and skills deemed crucial in the nonprofit leadership environment. Participants engaged with local nonprofit organizations and were able to build a network of future community leaders seeking to make a direct impact in Middle Tennessee. As participants are preparing to transition into their yearlong board internship, YLC is excited to watch them support the work of our nonprofit partners and continue the legacy of service and leadership for our great community.

To view a full listing of the 2022 fall participants, please click on the appropriate button below: 

Williamson Class 2022 

Fall Impact Series 2022

YLC hosted its first Fall Impact Series Half-Day Conference on Thursday, September 29th at the Family & Children’s Service – Honey Alexander Center. The Fall Impact Series was sponsored by Amazon and offered attendees an opportunity to network and hear unique perspectives on pressing topics related to nonprofit board leadership from recognized community leaders.

Photos by Roland’s Photography

The Conference featured two discussion tracks, including a conversation with highly accomplished nonprofit board and executive leaders focused on “Driving Mission and Board Success”. Beth Torres, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee; Perri duGard Owens, Board Chair for the Nashville Children’s Theatre and President & CEO of duGard Communications; and Cullen Douglass, Board Chair for Family & Children’s Service and Wealth Management Advisor with Northwestern Mutual, served as panelist for session one. Sarah Rochford Benfield, YLC Board Chair and Business Analyst Executive Support for HCA Healthcare, served as moderator.

Photos by Roland’s Photography

Session two focused on identifying “Strategies to Build and Maintain an Equitable and Inclusive Leadership Environment.” The conversation featured perspectives from notable education and philanthropic leaders such as Dr. Maya Bugg, CEO of the Tennessee Charter School Center; Kaki Friskics-Warren, Executive Director of the Maddox Fund; and Samuel Jackson, VP of Programs & Grants for The Healing Trust. Dr. Candace Warner, Founder & CEO of people3, Inc. served as moderator.

Photos by Roland’s Photography

YLC is grateful for the generosity support provided by Amazon and for the thoughtful discussion and suggestions shared by our panelists. 

Would you like to share your feedback for future Impact Series topics? We would love to hear from you! Please email your suggestions to Kim James at kim@youngleaderscouncil.org.

YLC Welcomes Fall 2022 Cohorts

Young Leaders Council is thrilled to welcome 79 diverse professionals for the fall 2022 training program. This dynamic group of individuals represent a broad range of business, nonprofit, education, and philanthropic organizations. This semester, training is facilitated through the Nashville Class 79 and Williamson County cohorts. For a total of 11 weeks, participants will convene weekly to expand their knowledge of topics such as nonprofit financials, legal responsibilities of a board, and effective meetings and communications to name a few.

YLC’s fall training began on September 7 with an Opening Session sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and hosted at the company’s beautiful Brentwood, Tennessee location. Derek Young, President and CEO of Young Motivation Group provided a keynote address to inspire and motivate the fall participants as they begin this important journey and develop the skills and knowledge to become successful nonprofit board leaders. 

Williamson Class 2022 | Photos by Roland’s Photography

YLC is grateful for the generous contribution from Tractor Supply Company and for the support from our Annual Presenting Sponsors, Asurion and AmazonTo view a full listing of the 2022 fall participants, please click on links to the respective cohorts below:

 Applications for the spring 2023 program will open on October 15 and will close on February 1. Early application is encouraged. For more information on the YLC program, please visit our website.

Kim James & friends at Tractor Supply | Photos by Roland’s Photography
Derek Young | Photos by Roland’s Photography