We will post the application for the 2025-2026 cohort of Rising Leaders here by late May 2025. If you would like to receive a notification when the application is posted, please email Mary Ellen Kustin.

United Way of Henderson County created the Rising Leaders program to help the next generation of community leaders gain the skills and tools needed to connect as board members and volunteers with the nonprofit community.

Rising Leaders attend monthly sessions from August through March on topics such as board member roles and responsibilities, fundraising, and nonprofit life cycles. Sessions also include an opportunity to visit nonprofit organizations to experience their work first-hand. The final session includes a speed matching event with representatives from 20 nonprofits networking with each of the Rising Leaders.

Participants include many young professionals, as well as those re-entering the workforce and professionals who are new to the area and have an interest in learning more about local nonprofit participation.

Requirements to successfully complete the Rising Leaders Program are:

Attend at least 5 out of 6 informational sessions and graduation
Attend a board of directors meeting at a Henderson County nonprofit organization and complete a related homework assignment
Complete a group service project

2024-2025 Session Schedule & Topics

August 16, 9am-1pm: Orientation Trolley Tour
- Location: Grace Lutheran (1245 6th Ave W)
September 25, 11am-1pm: Board Basics
- Location: Henderson County’s Main Library (301 N Washington St)
October 23:CANCELED
November 20, 11am – 1pm: Legal Leadership
- Location: Main Library (301 N Washington St) Kaplan Auditorium
(Optional) December 11, 4:30 – 6pm: Holiday Drop-in
- Location: Southern Appalachian Brewery (822 Locust St)
January 22, 11am-1pm: Financial Leadership
- Location: VFW (900 N. Main St)
February 19, 11am-1pm: Fundraising
- Location: Zoom
March 4, 5:30 – 7:45pm – Graduation and Speed-Matching Event
- Location: Grace Lutheran (1245 6th Ave W)

Congratulation to the 2024-2025 Rising Leader Graduates

Jason Apicella
Erika Araiza
Dave Bollen
Kimberly Dunbar
Kylee Rose Fry
Robin Giblin
Kara Gustaveson
Heather Hay
Carrie Israel
Cameron Langford Barlow
Weston Lyon
Jenny Moreno
Marley Moreno-Hollifield
Meredith Sizemore
Emily Vickerman
Glen Watson

Graduates are already making a strong impact in our community. Many of them have been recruited to serve on committees, boards of directors, and in other key roles of local non-profit organizations.

For more information on the Rising Leaders program, please email Mary Ellen Kustin.