8 Nonprofit Fellows Selected for United Way’s First-Ever Deputy Director Learning Circle
10-month program aims to strengthen the competencies of rising nonprofit leaders
A cohort of eight nonprofit staff from a diverse group of local organizations has been selected by United Way of Rhode Island to participate in its inaugural Deputy Director Learning Circle. The new leadership development series was designed specifically to strengthen the competencies of individuals who aspire to become executive directors. Those selected are:
- Stefanie Engelhardt, Social Enterprise Greenhouse
- Stephanie Geller, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT
- Morgan Leonard, Clínica Esperanza/Hope Clinic
- Marc Mainville, Mentor Rhode Island
- Sarah Martino, Center for Health and Justice Transformation
- Rosey Ok, Alliance of Rhode Island Southeast Asians for Education (ARISE)
- Monica Rollet, Interfaith Counseling Center
- Will Tregaskis, Rhode Island Pride
The program is offered at no-cost to participants, and each nonprofit staff represents an organization with an annual budget of $5 million or less.
“Professional development for staff is vital to all organizations, but it is especially critical for modest-sized nonprofits whose staff often fill multiple roles and who have a plethora of institutional knowledge,” says Roshni Darnal, United Way’s director of community investments. “Investing in and nurturing their ability to lead can make a tremendous difference, not only on the work, but how that work impacts our communities. This is all about strengthening our state’s nonprofit sector for today and for the future.”
Through the Deputy Director Learning Circle, the eight participants will have an opportunity to hone their skills with a focus on staff leadership, financial management, board development, strategic planning, and marketing and communications. The cohort will meet monthly through June 2023, with the first session taking place on Friday, September 9.
The program is led by Michael Fournier. For nearly a decade, Michael has provided volunteer consulting to numerous grassroots nonprofits in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, primarily in the areas of capacity building and executive coaching. Previously, he spent 35 years serving in senior leadership roles with YMCAs in Manchester, New Hampshire and Providence, Rhode Island.