May 2024

Congratulations to the Spring 2024 Graduates!

Young Leaders Council (YLC) is pleased to have trained a total of 125 young professionals this semester through the Nashville Spring; Junior League of Nashville; and the Jack C. Massey College of Business at Belmont University (Belmont-Massey) Cohorts. Spring training began in early March with an opening session during which a keynote address was provided by Jill Robinson, Assistant Dean of External Relations & Strategic Partnerships for the Massey College of Business and YLC’s 2023 Diane L. Hayes Legacy of Leadership Award recipient.

Spring training concluded on May 15^th as participants prepare to transition into their 12-month board internships with a local nonprofit agency. To view a full listing of the spring 2024 graduates, please click on the appropriate link below:

• Nashville Spring (Wednesday)
• Junior League of Nashville
• Nashville Spring (Thursday) / Belmont-Massey

A graduation reception, sponsored by Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty, was held at Bad Idea in East Nashville on May 15^th.

Spring Cohort Giving Campaign Raises Over $6,200!

In the final few weeks of each semester, the YLC spring and fall cohorts participate in a fundraising campaign to raise valuable funds to support the organization's mission. Team leaders are selected for each cohort and tasked with collaborating to set a fundraising goal and identify creative ways to inspire giving amongst their fellow cohort members.

With so many talented and focused young professionals in the program, it is always fun to watch the friendly competition that ensues and the creative ways that program participants dial into their own connections and personal interests to drive success for their cohort. Collectively, the spring giving campaign raised a total of $6,278.95 in support for YLC, and we are extremely grateful for the team leaders and members of the Junior League of Nashville, Nashville (Wednesday), and Nashville (Thursday) / Belmont-Massey Cohorts for their advocacy and generous contribution to this effort.

Each cohort worked hard to set and meet their goals. However, with a total of $2,728.20 raised, YLC is excited to announce the Nashville / Belmont-Massey Cohort as the winner of the spring giving campaign!

The Nashville / Belmont-Massey Cohort's campaign was led by Grayson Davis (JP Morgan), Vernon Shaw (Second Harvest Food Bank), Bailey Davis (Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce), Deaundrea Walker (Nashville Electric Service), and Abigail McKinley (LBMC). Together they used their exceptional leadership skills to inspire fellow cohort members to give generously and make this semester’s campaign a remarkable success. All funds raised through the cohort giving campaign provide vital support to ensure YLC’s ability to provide quality training for future nonprofit board and community leaders. 

Spring Graduates Share Their Perspectives

Elizabeth Anderson l Elevance Health

Junior League of Nashville

YLC broadened my leadership skill set and simultaneously introduced me to other community and leadership focused individuals in Nashville. The takeaways from YLC will not only aid me in future board service but have also been immediately transferable to my professional career. After each week's YLC session, I left feeling grateful and inspired – grateful for the knowledge shared by seasoned nonprofit professionals and inspired by my peers' enthusiasm to apply their newly learned skills in support of nonprofit organizations across Nashville.

Courtney Hannett l Asurion

Nashville Spring

The YLC program has profoundly enriched me both professionally and personally. I’ve gained invaluable skills in leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement, which I aim to leverage to drive positive change in the community around me. The knowledge acquired has equipped me to advocate more effectively for the causes I care about, and the connections made with like-minded professionals will undoubtedly elevate my network, opening doors to collaborative opportunities and furthering the impact. This journey has not only broadened my horizons but also solidified my commitment to service and community.

Frederick Crumbo l University of Rochester

Nashville Spring

The YLC program has helped me develop a deeper understanding of our community needs and inspired me to actively contribute towards positive change. Moving forward, I hope to utilize my new knowledge and skills so that I may have a meaningful impact in our community by serving the underserved, advocating for important causes, and collaborating with like-minded individuals. The connections I formed throughout the program not only expanded my professional network, but also introduced me to excellent teammates in the nonprofit world.

Vernon Shaw l Second Harvest Food Bank

Nashville Spring

My experience with YLC and the support shown by its alumni and instructors is unmatched. Learning different skills and gaining knowledge from the instructors made the possibility of impacting change for the nonprofit community accessible – both professionally and personally. And last but not least, the networking and relationships that I have gained can only be described as “the sauce on a Memphis style BBQ sandwich” – you can't beat it.

YLC Hosts Annual Nonprofit Appreciation Luncheon

YLC hosted its annual Nonprofit Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, May 9^th at AllianceBernstein in downtown Nashville. The Luncheon was sponsored by AllianceBernstein and serves as an opportunity to honor the valued partnerships that YLC has built within the local nonprofit community over the years.

With more than 80 attendees, this year’s Luncheon featured a dynamic panel discussion with Jill McMillan Palm (Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville), Michael McSurdy (Family & Children’s Service), and Demetrius Short (Transformation Life Center) who shared their phenomenal insight and unique experience as long standing and highly recognized leaders in the nonprofit community. The discussion was moderated by AB’s Vice President and Director of Community and Civic Engagement Patrick McAnally along with YLC’s Executive Director Kim James.

YLC is grateful for the support of the local nonprofit community and for AB’s continued investment in our efforts to build lasting connections and inspire greater collaboration with our partner agencies. 

Photos provided by Roland's Photography.

YLC and Williamson, Inc. Host Informational Mixer

Thank you to our friends at Williamson, Inc. and Harbor + Union for partnering with YLC to host a fun informational event on May 1st! We are truly grateful for the longstanding partnership that has existed between Williamson, Inc. and YLC for the past 11 years. More than 240 individuals that work and/or live in the Williamson County area have been trained through YLC for effective nonprofit board service as a result of the partnership.

Applications are now open for the YLC Williamson County and Nashville Cohorts. To learn more about membership and community engagement opportunities with Williamson Inc., please visit www.WilliamsonChamber.com. Visit Harbor + Union to learn more about their flexible workspace opportunities.

Thank You to our Annual Presenting Sponsors!

Young Leaders Council

2934 Sidco Drive, Suite 110

Nashville, Tennessee 37204

(615) 386-0060