NLDP Cleveland

10/09/2026

💡 How does knowing yourself help you become a stronger leader?

That was part of the exploration for NLDP Cohort XIX during Session 2: Examining Leadership Styles – Attributes of Good Leaders. Through learning-style exercises and peer conversations, participants explored how greater self-awareness can help them better understand, communicate with and lead others.

Another great day of connection, discovery and leadership growth for Cohort XIX!

10/05/2026

🚨 NLDP News Alert 🚨

Recently featured by Ideastream Public Media, current NLDP Cohort XIX participant El Jay'Em Bey shared a powerful belief: young people deserve spaces where they can exist without being criminalized and where community shows up for them. Through the Teen Executive Council and youth-led events out of The People's Office, she's helping redefine what belonging, leadership and opportunity can look like for Cleveland's next generation. Through youth engagement, resident organizing and community-building initiatives, she is creating stronger connections and empowering others to take action in leading their communities forward.

📰 Read more here: https://loom.ly/U3IC7u0

'Teen takeovers' have a reputation for causing property damage and violence. Cleveland teens are organizing events that give young people more positive ways to direct their energy.

10/01/2026

📣 Shout-out to Shanelle Simmons, graduate of NLDP's Cohort XIII 📣

Shanelle was recently recognized as a 2026 Emerging Leader by Who's Who in Black Cleveland, an honor that celebrates individuals who are making meaningful contributions to their professions, organizations and communities.

Since graduating from NLDP, Shanelle has continued to demonstrate the leadership, commitment and community-centered vision that help strengthen neighborhoods and create positive change across Greater Cleveland. We are proud to see her work and impact recognized through this distinguished honor.

Congratulations, Shanelle! 👏

09/28/2026

NLDP and CDCLP were honored to welcome staff from the Mandel Foundation's Boston office for a day of learning, dialogue and discovery in Cleveland. Through a presentation led by NLDP and CDCLP, staff from both the Cleveland and Boston offices of the Mandel Foundation gained insight into our leadership development work and its impact across the city. Additionally, NLDP and CDCLP staff learned about the leadership programs being run in Boston, sparking shared learning and new ideas for strengthening communities in both cities.

NLDP graduates shared their experiences in the program during engaging roundtable conversations, while CDCLP graduates led a tour highlighting Mandel Foundation investments and neighborhood transformation efforts in MidTown and St. Clair Superior.

Thank you to our graduates for sharing their leadership journeys and helping showcase the power of resident- and community-led change!

09/24/2026

🌟 NLDP 2026 Graduate Grantee Spotlight Series 🌟
Graduate Grantee: Recellanese Williams

Meet Recellanese Williams, founder of Tarajia Resilience, a youth-centered initiative rooted in education and community empowerment. Drawing on decades of experience working with young people, Recellanese created Tarajia Resilience to address gaps in access to academic enrichment, mental health supports and structured summer programming, especially for families facing economic hardship.

Through tutoring, a six-week summer camp and year-round outreach, Tarajia Resilience supports youth development while providing essential resources such as meals, school supplies and community services. Recellanese’s vision is clear: create safe, nurturing spaces where young people can grow academically, socially and emotionally—while strengthening the support systems around them.

💡Learn more about Tarajia Resilience here: https://loom.ly/DuzL5tk

09/10/2026

And, we're back! ✨

NLDP has officially kicked off another year of leadership development, coaching and learning with our new Cohort XIX. Our 22 participants spent the day exploring Cleveland's history, building relationships with fellow cohort members and being introduced to the core components of the NLDP experience.

Participants:
🔹 Learned about the history and development of Cleveland's neighborhoods
🔹 Explored the connection between communication, trust and leadership
🔹 Connected with fellow cohort members through discussion and shared experiences
🔹 Reflected on leadership intentions, active listening and personal growth
🔹 Began forming an understanding of how local history can inform present-day community leadership

Thank you to Dr. John Grabowski, our coaching team and Cohort XIX participants for helping launch another year of NLDP. And, a very special shout-out to six graduates from our recent Cohort XVIII: Tanisha Jordan, Donnell Carey, Eleanor Tye, Tinisha Hairston, Samantha Montanez and Diana Hildebrand for their help in setting Cohort XIX up for success! They volunteered a significant amount of their time to help us prepare binders, pack bags with materials and write notes to our new participants. Thank you, graduates. 💚

08/11/2026

🚫 Recruitment for NLDP's Cohort XIX is officially closed.

We are incredibly grateful for your support and assistance this summer in reaching more community leaders who are making positive change in Cleveland's neighborhoods. As we continue to finalize the 22 members of our next cohort, we are looking forward to introducing you to this group of dynamic leaders in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned and follow Cohort XIX on their NLDP journey!

07/31/2026

🚨 STOP! Don't scroll past this reminder...

There are only hours left to apply to participate in NLDP's Cohort XIX. Join our network of 350+ neighborhood-based leaders who are striving to create positive change in their communities each and every day.

Applications are due at 5pm today. Don't miss out: https://loom.ly/UAUYFOY

07/27/2026

Leadership can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be.

NLDP connects you with hundreds of leaders across Cleveland who share your vision for progress. Together, graduates are building a stronger city, one neighborhood at a time.

⏰ Applications to participate in NLDP's Cohort XIX are due this Friday, July 31st. Don't miss your chance to join the NLDP community: https://loom.ly/UAUYFOY

07/23/2026

This is what Cleveland looks like.

Not the skyline. Not the landmarks.

The people who show up, invest in others and believe our neighborhoods deserve strong leadership.

Our incredible NLDP and CDC Leadership Program coaches gathered at last month's Coaches Retreat to celebrate the work of developing leaders across the city. Behind every coach — and, graduate — of our leadership programs is a shared belief: Cleveland gets stronger when leaders grow together.

Applications for both programs close July 31st. Help us find the next generation of leaders who will continue to shape Cleveland's neighborhoods.

💜 Apply for CDCLP Cohort VI: https://loom.ly/fr2hHJw
💚 Apply for NLDP Cohort XIX: https://loom.ly/UAUYFOY