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Leadership Fellows at The Trust

Today’s practitioners. Tomorrow’s leaders.

Kahlii Thompson, director of Ocean Bay CDC Older Adult Center, was a Leadership Fellow in the spring of 2023.
Leadership Fellows at The Trust is a 12-session professional fellowship program created by The New York Community Trust to support and develop the next generation of nonprofit leaders working in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester.

Launched in 2015 in partnership with the Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College, the program addresses a clear need within the nonprofit sector: many nonprofit executives are stepping down, and strong new leaders are needed to take their place.

Each year, the program brings together a diverse group of mid-career nonprofit professionals who are passionate about equity and social justice. Over 12 weeks, fellows take part in hands-on learning focused on key areas like leadership strategy, financial management, and organizational health. The experience helps them grow their skills, tackle real-world challenges, and become more effective leaders in their communities. 

Through this program, The Trust continues its commitment to building a strong, inclusive, and resilient nonprofit sector for future generations. 

"What truly set this program apart were the connections I made with other fellows. Being in community with other nonprofit leaders—sharing our challenges, lessons, and aspirations—was powerful. The fellowship created a network of peers who uplifted and inspired me, and whose support I continue to carry with me in my leadership today.”

Kahlii Thompson, Spring 2023 Cohort, Director of Ocean Bay CDC Older Adult Center

Facts about the program

46%

of alumni received a promotion within a year of completing the program.

90%

of supervisors said participation in the program improved their employees’ leadership abilities.

75%

of alumni told us they became more involved in their organization’s strategic decision-making.

“The Leadership Fellows program gave me the opportunity to explore how leadership can be dynamic. I was able to better understand how my strengths can support the impact I want to achieve within my organization.”

Isabelle Montesinos Romero, Fall 2024 Cohort, Development Manager at Queens Museum

Nominate Someone

Leadership Fellows offers promising mid-career nonprofit professionals the knowledge to contribute to the public good. Nominations for the Fall 2025 cohort are open until July 11.

Learn More