The Leading from Within program is designed to develop aspiring Executive Directors and CEOs in a nine month long program that includes peer support, experiential learning, and leadership development. This training program is interactive and has expert trainers to discuss topics such as Personal Leadership Style, Leading your Team, Working with your Board, Financials, Fundraising/Networking, Strategic Planning, Imposter Syndrome, Mentoring, and more. The program will be held entirely in person this year.

NonProfitConnect is committed to recruiting a diverse cohort of participants for all of our programs. The goal of the Leading from Within program is to prepare current talented nonprofit middle and senior level managers for positions as Executive Directors or CEO’s within the next five years.

Individuals living or working in Mercer County, New Jersey will be prioritized.

Participation Fee Scale for Organizations Based on Budget:

· Under $500K: $300

· $500K-$1,000,000: $750

· $1,000,000-$5,000,000: $1250

· Above $5,000,000: $1800

Program Dates:

  • September 9, 2025 | Topic: Leading Yourself
  • October 14, 2025 | Topic: Emotional Intelligence
  • November 4, 2025| Topic: Leading Your Team and Mentoring
  • December 2, 2025| Topic: Working With the Board and the Imposter Syndrome
  • January 6, 2026| Topic: Financials
  • February 3, 2026 | Topic: Leading Your Organization
  • March 3, 2026 | Topic: Stakeholders and External Facing Responsibilities
  • April 7, 2026 | Topic: Developing Strategy
  • May 5, 2026 | Topic: Program Conclusion

*All sessions will take place from 9:00am – 12:30pm IN PERSON. Location being finalized but in Mercer County.

Testimonials

“This training was a game changer, a purposeful and thoughtful program to encourage professional development and deep thinking about goals. I so appreciate the opportunity to participate and being so carefully matched with a phenomenal mentor.”

-LFW Participant

“Leading from Within is a great opportunity to develop leadership skills but to also build a community for professional growth.”

-LFW Participant

Thank You to Our 2025-26 Mentors

  • Nathalie Nelson – Younity

  • Michelle Schwalbe – Jewish Family and Children Services of Greater Mercer County

  • Gregory Paulson – Trenton Health Team

  • Laura Wall – CASA of South Central New Jersey

  • Jessica Nitti – Embright Education

  • Karen Andrade-Mims – Former President & CEO of The Father Center of New Jersey

  • Michele Russo – Young Audiences of New Jersey and Eastern PA

  • Kim McNear – Anchor House

  • Carolyn Biondi – Well Beyond

  • Reginald Coleman – Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County

  • Joyce Campbell – Former CEO of Trenton Area Soup Kitchen

  • Kimme Carlos – Princeton AlumniCorps

  • Pam Gregory – Former CEO of Princeton Blairstown Center

Nonprofit Succession Planning Resources

Thank You to Our Generous Leading From Within Sponsors