boardservice Archives - Young Leaders Council

Alumni Spotlight: Alexandra Nelson

May 1, 2025 | All Alumni, Nashville Alumni

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.

Alumni Spotlight (Dr. Kyla Stripling and The Well Coffeehouse)

Mar 1, 2024 | All Alumni, YLC News

Dr. Kyla Stripling, Ed.D., is the Senior Director of Strategy and Transformation for Amsurg and a graduate of the YLC 2023 Junior League of Nashville Cohort. Kyla is currently serving her YLC board internship with The Well Coffeehouse, an organization committed to Turning Coffee Into Water and focused on finding sustainable solutions to poverty. The Well Coffeehouse turns profits into hope by using its revenue to make a difference in local and global communities.

We recently caught up with Kyla, who also serves as a board member for a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Council, to learn more about her experience as a board internship work for The Well Coffeehouse and how it differs from the work of the for-profit board she supports.

In what ways has your YLC training helped prepare you for success as a nonprofit board member?

YLC helped hone my leadership abilities, deepen my understanding of nonprofit operations, and enhanced my community engagement skills. Through YLC, I learned valuable project and volunteer management techniques and how to foster effective teamwork and collaboration. The training emphasized adaptability, problem-solving, and reinforced a strong commitment to ethics and social responsibility as a board member. These skills are critical for navigating the challenges of nonprofit governance and help to ensure that I effectively contribute meaningfully to the organization’s mission.

You also serve as a for-profit board member for the DEI Advisory Council. How has that experience been different or similar to your experience as a nonprofit board member for The Well Coffeehouse?

Serving on a mission-driven nonprofit board differs from a for-profit company’s DEI board mainly in focus and objectives. Nonprofit boards are dedicated to advancing specific social, environmental, or humanitarian goals, measuring success by their impact and community service. In contrast, DEI boards within for-profit entities balance promoting inclusivity and equity with achieving business goals, aiming to enhance performance through diversity. Thus, the nonprofit board experience centers on mission fulfillment, while DEI board service intertwines social justice with business outcomes.

How can other YLC alumni support the mission of The Well Coffeehouse?

I encourage YLC alumni to support The Well Coffeehouse by following the organization through social media, patronizing one of its five Nashville area locations, shopping in the online store, or donating to support an upcoming water project.

Now Accepting Applications

Jun 3, 2020 | News, Nonprofit News

Interested in Applying for YLC this fall? Now is your chance!

Contact admin@youngleaderscouncil.org for application process questions or issues.

Applications are open for YLC Fall Classes – Nashville 75 and Williamson Class – with the goal for our meetings to be in-person. Click here to apply and send this info along to co-workers or friends who might be interested as well. Demand is higher than ever for seats in YLC classes. We accept applicants on a first come, first serve basis, and accept students in rounds. For example, Round 1 admits will include students who applied for previous classes but were wait-listed. They will have 7-10 days to secure their seat, and then we will make Round two decisions, Round three decisions, etc. So, do not delay! Plus, our application is easier than ever to complete. Applying takes 10 minutes on our website. Once you send in our application, you will receive instructions to create a video interview. Once you send your video in for review, we will respond with admission decision. It is that easy! If you have other questions about our admission process, please contact YLC program manager, Rachel Blue, with questions | admin@youngleaderscouncil.org | We are happy to help! Applications will be accepted until July 20 or until the class is filled, whichever comes first.