New Leaders Council

Gratitude: We are thankful for the communities that inspire change, the leaders who advocate for justice, and the collective power to build a better future together. Acknowledging Truth: This holiday invites us to reflect on the impact of colonization, honor the resilience of Indigenous peoples, and commit to sharing their stories with respect and responsibility. Taking Action: Turn gratitude into action by amplifying Native voices, supporting Indigenous-led causes, and learning the true history. Together, we can honor the past and create a more just future. Honor the Past. Lead for the Future. You are on Native land. ID: Thanksgiving inspired infographic with text above and a map of the United States with a legend for all is Native land.

This season, we’re reflecting on what we’re most grateful for—and at New Leaders Council, that’s the incredible network of proximate leaders, advocates, and supporters like you who believe in our mission. Your commitment to empowering local leadership inspires us every day, and we’re so thankful for the difference you make. At NLC, we know that leadership starts with connection. Over the years, thousands of Fellows have stepped into their first NLC Institute session, eager to grow, share ideas, and make an impact. For many, it’s the start of a transformative journey where they find not just skills and tools, but a community of changemakers who become lifelong partners in their work. What inspires you about NLC’s mission? Share a favorite NLC story or a reflection about what leadership means to you on social media using the hashtag #IamNLC. Let’s celebrate the experiences, leaders, and moments that remind us of the power of working together. Thank you for being part of this incredible community. Your support fuels the growth of proximate leaders who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. We’re grateful for your belief in the power of local leadership to create lasting change. With gratitude, Karen Pandy-Cherry Acting President and CEO New Leaders Council NLC Broward 2016 ID: Photo of NLC alumni and friends standing on the steps of the historic Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta, Georgia during 2024 NLC Convention

As we get ready to welcome our new Fellows, here's a #MotivationMonday quote from one of our 2024 Fellows: “Everyone here is valued for who they are as individuals and they’ve created a very safe environment that is also challenging.” ID: Two men and a woman standing and listening to one another.

At New Leaders Council, we believe that equitable communities are built by empowering local leaders—leaders who know their communities, who understand, and who drive change from within. As an alum, you are a vital part of this network. Your journey represents the heart of our mission and the vision we share–a world where everyone has an opportunity to thrive. Meet Dyese Davis | NLC New Jersey 2020 Dyese Davis joined NLC to strengthen democracy and empower her community through voting and electoral initiatives. Today, she serves as Chief of Staff in a legislative office and made history as New Jersey’s first Black elected county chair, working tirelessly to show young people that their votes truly matter—especially at the local level. This is the power of NLC. When our alumni succeed, their communities thrive. This #givingtuesday, we’re rallying our alumni around a shared goal to fuel the growth of our collective impact. Over the next couple of weeks, we’re inviting you on a journey with #IamNLC, a six-email series of stories, memories, and updates designed to bring our alumni family together in celebration of the impact we’re making—and the impact still to come. This series is a special opportunity to: ?? Revisit the experiences that shaped you as an NLC Fellow, ?? Learn about other alumni who are creating change in their communities, ?? Discover new ways NLC is growing and continuing to empower proximate leaders. We are excited for your own #IamNLC post soon! https://lnkd.in/gDbevU3H #newleaderscouncil #nonprofit

Here is a little #MotivationMonday for when the news just seems to be a bit too much and you find yourself at a crossroads between choosing to act now or rest. There is no timeline on your resiliency. “You are part of a network that celebrates who you are and is beside you, whether or not you feel resilient today.” - Karen Pandy-Cherry, Acting President & CEO, New Leaders Council ID: Bearded man with glasses and Black woman with locs smiling and talking sitting down.

New Leaders Council would like to wish a Happy Founders Day to the members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. as they celebrate 113 years! Omega Psi Phi was founded on November 17, 1911, at Howard University. ? ? Featured in this photo is Tim Campbell (NLC Arkansas 2023).? ? ID: Purple and gold design. NLC alumni in sororities and fraternities.

We couldn’t resist hopping on the suspect trend! ?? Any of these sound familiar? ?? Does waiting for "the right time" to lead or dreaming of change but avoiding action sound like you or someone you know? The good news? New Leaders Council is here to turn those ambitions into impact. Drop a ?? if you’ve ever been a suspect (we've all been there). When you're ready (because we all deserve rest too), come back from off of the sidelines and start leading the change. ID: Suspect believes something should be done but is waiting on someone else to do it. Suspect wants to change the world now but believes they’re too young. Suspect is vocal about change but only when it’s online. Suspect is ready to lead but just as soon as they have all the answers. Suspect wants to lead the change but hasn’t built a single connection. Suspect has a vision board full of change but avoids the action steps. Suspect talks about impact but hasn’t actually tried making any. Suspect wants to get trained to change the world but won’t apply to New Leaders Council Institute.

A New Kind of Leader is a Kind Type of Leader! We could all use some kind words right now. On World Kindness Day, let’s celebrate those who lead with compassion and care. Tag a leader in the comments who inspires you with their kindness and let them know the impact they’ve made.

New Leaders Council would like to wish a Happy Founders Day to the members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. as they celebrate 102 years! Sigma Gamma Rho was founded on November 12, 1922, at Butler University. Featured in this photo is Ericka Hopson (NLC Atlanta 2017). ID: Blue and gold design. NLC alumni in sororities and fraternities.

Happy Veterans Day! Thank you to all the NLC alumni who have served our country in the military. We also thank your families for their sacrifice and hold you all close in our hearts today. ID: 15.8 million military veterans lived in the United States in 2023. States with the largest population of veterans: Arizona, California*, Florida*, Georgia*, Illinois*, Michigan*, New York*, North Carolina*, Ohio*, Pennsylvania*, Virginia*, Texas*, Washington*. 10% of the total veteran population in the United States in 2023, identify as female. Transgender individuals are two times more likely to have served in the military compared to the general population. 11% of the homeless adult population in the United States is made up of veterans. 30% of veterans in the civilian non-institutionalized population reported having a service-connected disability in 2023. Veterans are 45% more likely to be self-employed than non-veterans, veterans demonstrate strong entrepreneurial leadership, with veteran-owned businesses contributing over $1 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. *New Leaders Council chapter. Sources: Census Bureau, Williams Institute, Statista, National Alliance to End Homelessness, Small Business Administration.