Lead the Way Program

About Lead the Way

Lead the Way is a six-month, in-person leadership development program designed for early-career nonprofit professionals in Southern Nevada.

Participants meet with their cohort every few weeks for interactive learning sessions, work with a coach between sessions, and join small leadership learning circles led by community leaders.

Through learning, reflection, and practical application, participants will strengthen their leadership skills, build meaningful relationships with peers and mentors, and complete a culminating project that demonstrates their growth.

Leadership Isn't About Titles. It's About Influence and Impact.

Lead the Way is grounded in this philosophy: leadership is a mindset, not a job title. This program helps emerging nonprofit professionals develop the skills and tools needed to earn influence, foster trust, and create impact, no matter where they sit in the organizational chart.

What you'll leave with

Participants will leave the program with a stronger foundation in five essential areas of nonprofit leadership:

Personal Leadership & Self-Awareness: Develop a deeper understanding of your values and leadership style, including how your values inform decision-making under pressure.

Communication & Influence: Build confidence in communicating effectively, navigating relationships, and storytelling.

Team Management: Explore practical approaches to motivating and managing people, giving and receiving feedback, and navigating conflict.

Financial & Resource Leadership: Grow your knowledge of nonprofit budgets, the connection between mission and finances, and how to advocate for organizational resources.

Expanding Professional Networks: Learn how to build meaningful professional relationships through values-based conversations and expand your network of peers and mentors within the nonprofit sector.

What happens between in-person sessions

Learning continues between sessions through four key activities designed to keep participants actively engaged throughout the program.

Group Coaching (Virtual): Three-on-one coaching support to clarify your values, set goals, and build your career plan or leadership impact.

Leadership Learning Circles (Virtual): Small groups led by community leaders. Bring a real challenge and leave with a new perspective.

Reflection Journal: Prompts that ask what, not why, to turn your daily experiences into insight.

Culmination Project: Choose one path: tackle a real leadership challenge at work, or build your career growth plan and present it to your community at Culmination Night.

Who should apply

Lead the Way is designed for early-career nonprofit professionals in Southern Nevada who:

Have at least two years of experience in Southern Nevada's nonprofit sector; and
Aspire to move into a leadership or supervisory role within the next 12 to 18 months
Or are first-time managers who have been supervising for less than a year.

Program schedule

In-person learning sessions take place from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

Friday, February 5, 2027: Program Orientation
Friday, February 12, 2027: Leadership & Self-Awareness
Friday, March 12, 2027: Communication & Influence
Friday, April 9, 2027: Leading People & Teams (Part 1)
Friday, April 23, 2027: Leading People & Teams (Part 2)
Friday, May 7, 2027: Financial & Resource Leadership
Friday, June 4, 2027: Professional Networking & Storytelling
Thursday, June 24, 2027: Culmination Night

Dates are proposed and subject to confirmation.

Key dates

Mark your calendar for these important dates in the Lead the Way application process.

Monday, November 3, 2026: Applications Open
Monday, November 16, 2026: Virtual Information Session
Monday, December 7, 2026: Applications Close
Early January 2027: Informal Interviews
Friday, February 5, 2027: Program Orientation

Program cost

We are deeply committed to making our capacity-building programs accessible to all. Nonprofit professionals accepted into Lead the Way can participate at no cost.

If you or your organization are able to contribute to the cost of participation, your support will help us extend this opportunity to even more local nonprofit leaders. Most contributions range from $250 to $1,000.

Ready to Lead the Way?

Join us for an upcoming virtual information session to learn more about Lead the Way, what to expect from the program, and the application process.

Questions? Contact Dr. Sheetal Survase at sheetal@nevadagrantlab.org.

Lead the Way

A six-month, in-person leadership program for early-career nonprofit professionals in Southern Nevada.

Build your leadership around values you can name, and finish with a culminating project that demonstrates your growth.