Young Leaders Council

Meet Lee Mullins, one of our Spring 2026 Young Leaders Council graduates!

Like many YLC alumni, Lee joined the program to grow as a leader and make a greater impact in the community. Through leadership development, nonprofit board training, and meaningful connections, YLC helps emerging leaders build the skills and confidence to serve.

Fall 2026 applications are now open for our Nashville and Williamson County cohorts.

If you're ready to strengthen your leadership skills, connect with other community-minded professionals, and prepare for nonprofit board service, we'd love to have you apply for the fall program.

Applications close July 15, 2026. Learn more and apply at www.youngleaderscouncil.org.

Why does nonprofit board leadership matter?

Nonprofits play such an important role in our community, and strong boards help those organizations grow, stay sustainable, and make an even greater impact. Board service is also a great way to build leadership skills, learn more about the needs of our city, and connect with others who care about making a difference.

The YLC training program prepares emerging leaders for nonprofit board service through hands-on learning, community connection, and real conversations about leadership, governance, fundraising, and more.

Applications for the Fall 2026 YLC Program are now open, and we’re excited to offer both a Nashville Cohort and Williamson County Cohort.

If you’ve been looking for a way to get more involved in the community while growing as a leader, we encourage you to apply!

APPLY TODAY for the Young Leaders Council Fall 2026 Training Program! 🎉

This fall, we are excited to offer TWO opportunities for emerging leaders to get involved and make an impact through nonprofit board service:

▪️ Nashville Cohort
▪️ Williamson County Cohort

YLC equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to serve on nonprofit boards while building meaningful connections across the community. Participants gain hands-on training in nonprofit governance, leadership, fundraising, financial stewardship, and community engagement.

If you are looking to grow as a leader while making a difference in Middle Tennessee, this program is for you. Apply today at WWW.YOUNGLEADERSCOUNCIL.ORG and take the next step in your leadership journey!

YLC alumni and friends of alumni are invited to participate in the most fun and interactive Golf Tournament in Nashville, the 5th annual Dayclub Charity Golf Tournament on July 20th at Temple Hills Golf Club!

With activations, drinks and food at every hole, there is truly no other tournament like this one.

Hosted by NFL celebrities and Nashville leaders, this high profile event not only is great networking but raises money for an important cause, The Aloe Family, which empowers under-resourced kids and adults in sustainable ways locally in Nashville and internationally.

Use code YLC at discount to save 10% on a team or sponsorship! Visit www.thealoefamily.com/event/ to learn more and register!

Applications are open for the YLC’s Fall 2026 training program!

YLC equips emerging leaders with the knowledge, skills, and connections to serve effectively on nonprofit boards and make a meaningful impact in our community. Through our 11-week training program, participants gain hands-on insight into nonprofit board leadership while building relationships with other engaged professionals across the city.

This fall, YLC will host a Nashville cohort and a Williamson County cohort, giving participants the opportunity to connect and learn alongside leaders in these communities.

Applications close July 15, 2026 at midnight. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the next generation of nonprofit board leaders! Learn more and apply today at www.YoungLeadersCouncil.org.

Yesterday, YLC’s nonprofit friends gathered at AllianceBernstein for the 2026 Appreciation Luncheon, celebrating the incredible nonprofit partners who work every day to strengthen and serve our community. We are so grateful for the organizations and leaders who continue to make Nashville a better place through their dedication, passion, and impact. 💚

A special thank you to Elle Benson for sharing an inspiring keynote that encouraged and energized everyone in the room, and to Mallory Yoder for taking the time to speak about her experience in the nonprofit board space following her YLC journey.

We are also incredibly thankful to the AllianceBernstein team for their generous hospitality and to the volunteers who help make events like this possible behind the scenes.

And finally, thank you to Roland’s Photography for capturing such a wonderful afternoon!

Thank you to the YLC Board for making my final Board meeting truly special today! It has been an honor and a pleasure working alongside you to advance the work of YLC. Thank you for my thoughtful gifts, delicious cake, and beautiful flowers. Most of all thank you for supporting and encouraging me along the way. To everyone that sent in a note of encouragement - thank you!!! It truly means a lot, and I am eternally grateful 💚

Thank you to everyone that joined us yesterday for YLC's Spring Impact Series event! We hope you left just as inspired as we are about the future of nonprofit leadership and our ability to connect more effectively with our boards. Thank you to our awesome moderator, Tina Doniger (Saddle Up!), and speakers, Jennifer Chalos (Cumberland Region Tomorrow); Collen Mayer (The Store); Dr. Leah Melber (Adventure Science Center); and Viva Price (Youth Encouragement Services).

And finally, thank you to our friends at Pierce PR for partnering with us on this great event and serving as YLC's strategic communications partner.

Check out YLC's April e-newsletter for updates on:

- Spring Grads and the Alumni Happy Hour
- Spring Cohort Giving Campaign Effort
- Invitation to the YLC Nonprofit Appreciation Luncheon - https://conta.cc/427juIx
- Fall 2026 Applications - https://conta.cc/3vPVNnD
- Thank you note from Kim James

Visit the link below to view the April e-newsletter:

https://conta.cc/4ul4h2C

Corrected - April 2026 - Council Connection Email from Young Leaders Council       The Council Connection April 2026 Congratulations Spring 2026 Graduates! Each year, Young Leaders Council (YLC) welcomes the best and brightest young professiona

Feeling the strain in the nonprofit board room? You’re not alone.

Join us for the Young Leaders Council Spring 2026 Impact Series on Thursday, April 30 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Thistle Farms. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. for networking and connection with fellow nonprofit leaders and community members. Only a few tickets remaining!

Hosted in partnership with Pierce Public Relations, this engaging panel will explore how high-performing boards are shifting from burnout to clarity, collaboration, and impact.

Hear from an incredible panel of nonprofit executives, including:
• Jennifer Chalos, Executive Director, Cumberland Region Tomorrow
• Collen Mayer, CEO, The Store
• Dr. Leah M. Melber, President & CEO, Adventure Science Center
• Viva Price, Executive Director, Youth Encouragement Services

Moderated by Tina Doniger, CEO of Saddle Up!

Whether you're a seasoned board member or just beginning your leadership journey, this event is designed to strengthen your approach, expand your network, and inspire new ways of thinking about board service.

Click this link to purchase your ticket today! https://zurl.co/ZIgVo