Accepting Applications
CEN Leaders Institute
Designed for nonprofit executive directors and CEOs, the CEN Leaders Institute is an annual intensive leadership development program. Participants engage in high-impact sessions, learn from a proven curriculum, and build a strong peer network to enhance their leadership skills and strengthen their organization.
Application period open for Class 19!
Program Details
When: October 2024 to May 2025 (8 months)
Where: Silicon Valley, CA
Why: Gain practical tools, expert-led training, and a robust support network to strengthen your nonprofit leadership and impact
Tuition: $7,500
Tuition includes monthly facilitation, leadership assessment, and coaching sessions
Scholarships are available for leaders, with a focus on supporting BIPOC induvial and organizations serving BIPOC communities
“Even if you don’t think you need this, you need it. After 21 years of nonprofit work, I found this program to be a phenomenal capstone and would rival any program I would engage in at Stanford or Harvard. This is an incredibly special opportunity to invest in yourself and go there. The time I invested in this program has been a worthy and valuable investment and I am grateful for the support, kinship, training, and coaching I received.”
— Graduate of Leaders Institute Class 13
Elevate Your Leadership Journey
Unlock a world of benefits by joining the program.
Sustainability
The program kicks off with a two-day retreat focused on sustaining yourself as a leader, empowering you to lead your organization for years to come.
Leadership Development
Take a deep dive into leadership style and gain insights through a "360 Leadership Practices Inventory", guided by experts in The Leadership Challenge, developed by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner.
Personal Coaching
Each participant is paired with a dedicated leadership coach for one-on-one sessions, reinforcing the institute's teachings to support their leadership development.
Amazing Speakers
Participants gain insights into leadership through personal journeys of Silicon Valley's most prestigious leaders, shared in a unique and intimate setting.
Past speakers include Rick Williams, Carol Larson, Ned Barnholt, Chuck Geschke, Joe Simitian, and more!
Peer Networks
The Leaders Institute fosters strong connections within each cohort.
Through peer counseling and a well-designed buddy system, participants build lasting bonds, creating a valuable support network for the future.
Join us in honoring Nonprofit Leaders!
The Leadership Institute Graduation unites our community to celebrate the transformative work of nonprofit leaders and highlight the exceptional nonprofit executives who have completed the program.
Friday, May 17, 2025
5:30PM - 7:30PM
Hiller Aviation Museum
“This entire class has been one of the most important, uplifting, and special experiences of my professional life and I am without words to thank you, my teachers, for all you have done through this institute for me personally and for our nonprofit community… what you are doing through this work and the way you all lead in the sector is so important and so necessary.”
— Leaders Institute 13 Graduate
Your Sponsorship Supports Our Leaders
Help empower nonprofits in the Bay Area and beyond to create lasting changes.
1
Provide scholarships for leaders to participate in the nine-month program
2
Ensure ongoing professional development and leadership coaching for each individual
Sponsorship sustains nonprofit leaders and organizations while building community networks. Partnering with CEN offers vital program support and meaningful visibility for organizations. Discover our sponsorship opportunities to make an impact today.
Participants Spotlight
“The Leaders Institute allowed me to build a stronger network and helped me know who to go to for support.”
Vinney Arora
Executive Director @ My Digital TAT2
“It’s a wealth of knowledge taught by passionate staff members and guest speakers.”
Thandiwe Lyons
Executive Director @ Onyxx Village Connection