The Tallahassee Chapter of New Leaders Council held its annual fundraiser on April 26.
Tallahassee NLC, the chapter which consists of 11 alumni, anticipates on graduating 12 more fellows in June 2015.
A good showing of community leaders, business owners, students and NLC fellows gathered at the outdoor patio of the Wine Loft to support the event.
The mission of NLC is “to recruit, train and promote the next generation of progressive leaders,” according to its website.
Joy Dixon, NLC Director, was overjoyed about empowering the next generation.
“I’m very proud of this years class of fellows for putting on an amazing event, in which they were able to connect young professionals and leaders with people who are more established in the community,” Dixon said.
The organization’s goal was for the 2015 NLC graduating class to raise enough donations to cover the educational cost for the following class.
Many leadership organizations can cost anywhere between $1,000 to $3,000 to join, but NLC has found a way to pay it forward by hosting fundraiser style events.
Future candidates with limited funds but have a desire to become leaders in their community won’t have to worry about program costs.
“We want to be a pillar here in the community for young progressive folk,” Kristin Broner, NLC Fellow, said. “It was my first rodeo working with peers and there is a specific hierarchy group in a peer organization.”
With 40 chapters across the United States, NLC continues to expand its scope and build a nationwide movement. Additionally, 2016 applications will open in August 2015.
First time attendee Jaron Johnson, a 22-year-old Florida A&M University economics student, felt a need for the networking event in the community. “It’s nice to meet like-minded professionals,” said Johnson. “I’ve met a few new people and [received business] cards.”
The next event will be the Second Annual Reubin Asknew Progressive Leader Awards reception, in which progressive business, nonprofits and community leaders will be recognized.
For more information email jdixon@newleaderscouncil.org or visit www.newleaderscouncil.org