Emerging Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator

The Emerging Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator (ENLA) is a selective, rigorous, and immersive leadership development program. The mission of ENLA is to cultivate a robust and diverse talent and leadership pipeline for the nonprofit sector in the greater Capital Region.

Intended outcomes of the program include to:
  • Expand and diversify the pool of qualified, equipped, confident, and committed leaders to serve the greater Capital Region's nonprofit sector
  • Enhance collaboration and partnership among nonprofits now and in the future as a result of a strong, trusted, and diverse ENLA alumni network
  • Improve the management, leadership, and professional performance of participants, so as to strengthen the organizations they currently serve and open career pathways

​ENLA Fellows engage in team-building, professional soft skills workshops, and technical trainings facilitated by subject-matter experts, participate in small peer learning groups, and receive one-on-one mentorship and career advisement over the course of six months to prepare for future leadership roles. 

​What WILL YOU GAIN from your experience with the Emerging nonprofit leadership accelerator?

  • Over twenty engaging and interactive professional soft skill and technical trainings on nonprofit management and leadership facilitated by experienced nonprofit sector leaders, consultants, and scholars​
  • Meaningful connections with a cohort of diverse and passionate nonprofit peers
  • One-on-one mentorship and career coaching with nonprofit executives and community leaders
  • Personal, professional, and leadership growth and development
  • A "Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator" microcredential from the University at Albany, State University of New York in the form of a digital badge for LinkedIn, resumes, and online job sites, etc.)
  • A certificate of completion from the University at Albany's Institute of Nonprofit Leadership and Community Development
  • Membership in the ENLA Alumni Network with access to exclusive social, educational, and special events just for ENLA alumni in the region
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UAlbany Microcredential for Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator
Successful participants receive a microcredential from the the University at Albany upon completion of the program.

​What IS YOUR COmmitment?

  • ​Active participation in more than 75 hours of programming over six months  (topics include: human resources, finance, development and fundraising, marketing and communications, team-building and supervision, project management, leadership and culture, diversity/equity/inclusion, board roles and board management, and more)​
  • Active engagement with a small Peer Learning Group (PLG)
  • Preparation of a PLG project
  • Monthly mentor meet-ups
  • Personal and professional goal-setting
  • Occasional readings, reflection, and self-assessment

​Applicant Qualifications:

  • ​Currently working as a mid-level manager (e.g., program director, coordinator, associate or assistant director, etc.)  at a nonprofit organization
  • Have at least 5 years of professional experience - 2 minimally in the nonprofit sector
  • Have completed an undergraduate degree or possess a mix of equivalent experience and/or education

​Application Process and TimeLine for ENLA 2023:

  • December 10 - Online application opens 
  • December 14, 19, & 20 - Optional info sessions. Would you like to learn more?  Register to join us and learn more!
    • December 14, 12:00 - 12:30 PM
    • December 19, 4:00 - 4:30 PM 
    • December 20, 3:30 - 4:00 PM
  • January 20 - Application deadline (with rolling admission)
  • January 3 - 23 - One-on-one interviews with select candidates
  • January 25  - Registration and enrollment forms completed
  • January 27 - Program launches

​Program Dates:

ENLA 2023 will meet for full Fridays on a bi-weekly basis from January 27 - June 16.  Three to four additional weekday post-work evening events will be required - dates to be announced. Training days will run from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM on the following dates:
  • January 27
  • February 10
  • February 24
  • March 10
  • March 24
  • April 7
  • April 21
  • May 5
  • May 19
  • June 2
  • June 16 - Closing Ceremony

2023 Program registration cost:

Registration covers all program costs including training workshops, mentorship, special events, supplies, and materials. Coffee, tea and lunches are included each training day. Our hope is that organizations will support the development of their emerging leaders. ENLA is offered on a sliding fee scale. Scholarship funds are available and may be requested on the application.

program leadership:

ENLA has been under the direction of Pam Skripak, Executive Director of UAlbany's Institute of Nonprofit Leadership and Community Development, since 2018. Daquetta Jones, Director, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives with the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region joined the leadership team in 2022. Click to read the bios below.
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A photo of Daquetta Jones sitting on a stool.
Pam Skripak, MPH, Executive Director
​Institute of Nonprofit Leadership and Community Development
Daquetta Jones, MSHSA
Executive Coach / Leadership & Nonprofit Advisor

TEstimonials:

Read what ENLA alumni have had to say about the program.  Click here!

​Our commitment to diversity:

We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse cohort and encourage individuals identifying as Black, indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA, all gender and gender identities, people with disabilities, religious minorities,
​and/or under-represented identities to apply.

Thank You to Our Program Underwriters

ENLA is a partnership between the University at Albany's Institute of Nonprofit Leadership and Community Development
​and the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region.