Seven Local Nonprofit Leaders Chosen for Leadership Learning Lab
Seven local nonprofit leaders have been selected by the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) to attend an eight month Leadership Learning Lab. Facilitated by NorthSky Nonprofit Network, the Leadership Learning Lab seeks to connect and empower nonprofit leaders and give them the skills to strengthen the organizations and communities they serve. Funded by the Frey Foundation and MPACF, the Leadership Learning Lab aligns with the Foundation’s strategic efforts to support capacity building among local nonprofits.
The emerging leaders are Jon Breithaupt, Kate Connors, Ryan Griffus, Samantha Jones, Kaye Peasley, Amy Powell and Kim Seidel.
Jon Briethaupt is attending on behalf of the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy, where he has served as the Executive Director since October 2017. He hopes the program will provide training that will allow him to lead the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy towards growth so they may continue to preserve nature areas in Michigan to ensure a healthier, brighter future for the state.
Kate Connors is attending on behalf of Life Choices of Central Michigan, where she has served as the President/CEO since January 2018. She hopes that the program will allow her to gain knowledge of effective leadership and create a network of other area nonprofit leaders as she takes on her new role.
Ryan Giffus is attending on behalf of the Isabella County Restoration House, where he has served as the Executive Director since September 2016. He hopes this opportunity will allow him to gain an enhanced sense of leadership and a support system of other nonprofit leaders.
Samantha Jones is attending on behalf of Girls on the Run of Central Michigan, where she has served as the Executive Director since July 2014. She hopes that the program will prepare her for the anticipated growth of Girls on the Run and help her lead the organization toward long term sustainability.
Kaye Peasley is attending on behalf of Clothing INC, where she has served as the Director since February 2013. She hopes the Leadership Learning Lab will equip her with the tools to adapt to the growth of Clothing INC and create new, successful fundraising plans.
Amy Powell is attending on behalf of Art Reach of Mid Michigan, where she has served as the Executive Director since July 2016. She hopes this opportunity will give her the tools to guide the organization toward long-term success and allow her to build connections with other local nonprofit leaders.
Kim Seidel is attending on behalf of the Isabella County Child Advocacy Center, where she has served as the Executive Director since 2016. She hopes this opportunity will allow her to become more confident in her ability to secure financial resources and build collaborative relationships.