The 2022 Catalysts for Change Leadership Program (C4CLP) was an unforgettable experience. Daquetta P. Jones, Director of Equity and Inclusion Initiatives and John Eberle, President & CEO had the distinct pleasure of participating and learning alongside 15 inspirational and collegial leaders with a desire to serve in a governance capacity within a local nonprofit organization. Each came with incredible passion and a depth of community leadership that was already inspiring positive change and elevating the community. It was an honor to be with such devoted, experienced, fun, and passionate community leaders over the course of 10 weeks in 2022. In every session, our knowledge deepened, our voices were found and heard, thoughts were challenged, and friendships formed. We enjoyed amazing and diverse food from local restaurants and were changed by our shared experience. As of April 2023, six of the 2022 Catalysts are serving on nonprofit boards! Thank you, 2022 Catalysts, for your impeccable attendance, your dedication to taking this journey and entrusting the Community Foundation and over 25 partners to deliver a superb board development training program; and an experience!
We received incredible feedback from our 2022 Catalysts and are looking forward to how these improvements will further enhance the program and provide an elevated experience for the 2023 Catalysts! It is with great pride to introduce our Inaugural Catalysts Alumni Committee members (CAC): (From L to R) Zilpa Oduor, Co-Chair, Project Manager, Abt Associates; Siara Ramos, Co-Chair, Digital Project Manager, WDI/ CEO, ASLCC, LLC; Charlene Holmes, Owner, Imana Borena; Brenda Baddam, Esq., Assistant Attorney General, NYS Office of Attorney General; Damon Heath, Director, DEIB Initiatives, Union College; Jon Coller-Takahashi, Registrar, Columbia-Greene Community College; Gladys Valverde, Advisory Associate, KPMG; Balqees Sayed, Funding Specialist, Livingston Energy Group; Dayonna Bowles, Instructional & E-Learning Services Program Coordinator/Administrator, Northeastern Regional Information Center; Ginny Casper, Assistant Director, International Programs, Union College; Paul “Batman” Collins-Hackett, Executive Director, The Red Bookshelf; John Eberle, President & CEO, CFGCR; Daquetta P. Jones, Dir., Equity & Inclusion Initiatives, CFGCR; and Stephen Sheffer, Philanthropy Manager, United Way of the Greater Capital Region.
The CAC purpose is to engage the Catalysts Alumni in the Catalysts Selection process, enlist C4CLP as a facilitator or panelist, build community and explore opportunities for collaborations, workshops and connecting Catalysts and community leaders to support local and regional nonprofits.
