Click here to apply for the 2025-2026 Rising Leaders cohort!

If you have any questions or concerns, email Mary Ellen Kustin.

If you'd like to learn more about the program, come to our Information Session Drop-In anytime between 4pm and 6pm on Wednesday July 16th at Oklawaha Brewing Company (147 1st Ave E in Hendersonville). 

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
• Attend the graduation 
• Attend a board of directors meeting at a Henderson County nonprofit organization and complete a related homework assignment
• Complete a group service project

2025-2026 Session Schedule & Topics
(Details subject to change)

• August 20, 9:30am-1:30pm: Orientation
  • Location: Henderson County’s Main Library (301 N Washington St)
• September 10, 11am-1pm: Board Basics 
• October 15, 11am-1pm: Outreach
• November 12, 11am – 1pm: Legal Leadership
• (Optional) December 10, 4:30 – 6pm: Holiday Drop-in 
• January 21, 11am-1pm: Fundraising 
• February 18, 11am-1pm: Financial Leadership 
• March 4, 5:30 – 7:45pm – Graduation and Speed-Matching Event

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.

Thank you to our generous sponsors whose support allows Rising Leaders program to be free to all participants.

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