Young Leaders Council

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Young Leaders Council

YLC’s programming consists of a series of eleven interactive training sessions, which address fundamental board skills.

Young Leaders Council (YLC) provides board leadership training to prepare young professionals (typically between the ages of 25-40) to successfully serve on nonprofit boards. Young Leaders Council (YLC) was founded in 1985 by the Council of Community Services, in partnership with the Frist Foundation (formerly the HCA Foundation) and the United Way, to address an emerging and immediate need to b

roaden and strengthen Nashville’s volunteer leadership base. Each session is facilitated by an industry expert and reflects on success indicators such as collaboration, diversity and the role of catalyst deemed crucial for today’s nonprofit leadership roles. The training is followed by the completion of a one-year internship with a nonprofit community organization. During the internship, the YLC participant will serve as a non-voting member of the organization’s working board. Participants are typically between 25 and 40 years of age and represent a broad range of corporate, civic, and volunteer backgrounds. Participants may be nominated by YLC alumni, their company’s management or may be self-nominated with management’s recommendation.

08/17/2026

Come meet YLC’s new CEO, Ellen Peterson, at our Fall 2026 Impact Series on Thursday, September 24, from 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at the Junior League of Nashville!

Enjoy an engaging keynote conversation with Ellen, moderated by Julia Bonner-Zade, President of Pierce Public Relations.

Ellen brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience and will share her leadership journey, vision for YLC, and perspectives on leadership, nonprofit board service and community engagement. Come get to know Ellen and hear what’s ahead for YLC!

Early Bird: Register by September 1 and save $5
Standard tickets: $25
Tickets include admission and lunch.

Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/young-leaders-council-fall-impact-series-2026

Questions? Contact Rachel Reyes at [email protected].

08/04/2026

YLC is seeking passionate, community-minded leaders to serve on our board and shape the future of our organization.

Serving on the YLC Board of Directors is an opportunity to advance our mission of developing and connecting the next generation of nonprofit and community leaders while making a meaningful impact across Middle Tennessee.

If you're ready to help guide YLC's vision and support the growth of civic leadership in our community, we encourage you to apply.

Apply here: https://zurl.co/SkwUr

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on September 18, 2026.

08/03/2026

Young Leaders Council is pleased to welcome Ellen Peterson as our new Chief Executive Officer!

With more than 20 years of executive leadership experience, Ellen has dedicated her career to strengthening nonprofit organizations through strategic leadership, fundraising, organizational development and community engagement.

As CEO, Ellen will lead YLC's mission of developing and connecting Nashville's next generation of nonprofit and community leaders. Her leadership will focus on expanding YLC's impact, strengthening community partnerships and preparing diverse professionals to serve effectively on nonprofit boards.

Please join us in welcoming Ellen Peterson! We look forward to the leadership and vision she will bring as we continue building stronger nonprofit board leadership across Middle Tennessee.

07/30/2026

Join our friends at I Am Next for Songs for the Next, an evening of hit songs, great stories, and second chances at Stable Reserve in Franklin. This will be an unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, and impact. Featuring acclaimed Nashville songwriter Marcus Hummon, who penned hits such as “Cowboy Take Me Away” and “God Blessed the Broken Road,” alongside acclaimed singer-songwriters Chris Sligh who penned “ Here Comes Goodbye” and Becca Rae, who’s written songs for superstars like Megan Maroney and Kameron Marlowe, guests will enjoy an intimate songwriter round filled with the stories behind the songs.

Proceeds benefit I Am NEXT, a Nashville-based nonprofit dedicated to helping youth aging out of foster care build stable, independent futures through housing, workforce development, transportation, mentoring, and life-skills support.

Every ticket purchased helps create opportunities for young adults transitioning out of foster care and empowers them to write the next chapter of their story. Your sponsorship helps provide housing, stability, and life-changing support for youth at Greenview Apartments.

Join us for an inspiring evening of music, community, and hope—and help ensure that the next generation has the support they need to thrive.

Tickets Here:
https://donorbox.org/events/942712/steps/choose_tickets

07/15/2026

Last chance! YLC Fall 2026 applications close TONIGHT at 11:59 p.m.

If you've been thinking about investing in your leadership skills, making a meaningful impact in your community, and connecting with likeminded young professionals, now is the time to apply for the Fall 2026 program!

YLC's 11-week leadership training program equips emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge, and connections to serve effectively on local nonprofit boards. Following the program, participants are matched with a nonprofit organization for a one-year board internship, putting what they've learned into action.

Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Cohorts offered this fall:
-Nashville Cohort
-Williamson County Cohort

Apply before midnight tonight and take the next step in your leadership journey! Visit www.youngleaderscouncil.org to apply today!

07/08/2026

One week left to apply for YLC Fall 2026! This is your reminder that applications are due NEXT WEEK on July 15th! Don't miss your chance to invest in your community and leadership journey.

Through YLC's 11-week leadership development program, you'll:
-Build valuable leadership skills
-Learn how to make a meaningful impact through nonprofit board service
-Be matched with a local nonprofit for a one-year board internship

Grow professionally, give back, and connect with other emerging leaders. YLC is the place to start!

Applications close July 15 at midnight. Visit www.youngleaderscouncil.org to learn more and apply!

07/01/2026

Only TWO WEEKS left to apply for Young Leaders Council's Fall 2026 cohorts!

Ready to grow as a leader, expand your network, and make a meaningful impact in your community? YLC's 11-week leadership development program equips emerging leaders with the skills and connections needed to serve on nonprofit boards across Middle Tennessee.

Choose the cohort that works best for you:
📍 Nashville Cohort
📍 Williamson County Cohort

No previous board experience required, just a passion for leadership and community engagement.

Applications close on July 15 at midnight, so don't wait! Apply today and take the next step in your leadership journey.

06/24/2026

When Kendra Standberry joined Young Leaders Council, she brought more than a decade of experience as an educator and a passion for creating meaningful community impact. Through YLC, she gained the tools, connections, and confidence to expand her leadership beyond the classroom and into nonprofit board service and community advocacy.

The YLC experience prepares you to serve and it connects you with a network of passionate professionals who are committed to making Middle Tennessee stronger.

Are you ready to grow your leadership, expand your network, and make a lasting impact in your community? Join our Nashville or Williamson County cohort and begin your journey toward becoming a more effective community leader.

Fall 2026 applications are now open. Deadline to apply is July 15, 2026 at midnight!

Apply today: www.youngleaderscouncil.org

06/18/2026

If you're looking to grow as a leader, expand your network, and make a meaningful impact in Middle Tennessee, Young Leaders Council can help you get there!

For over 40 years, YLC has equipped emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to serve effectively on nonprofit boards and strengthen our community.

This fall, we are offering two cohorts options:
Williamson County Cohort - Tuesdays, 8:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m.
Nashville Cohort - Wednesdays, 8:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Don't miss your opportunity to join the next generation of community leaders.

Application deadline: July 15, 2026. Reach out to Rachel Reyes with questions at [email protected].

Learn more and apply: www.youngleaderscouncil.org

06/16/2026

Hannah Bock, YLC Spring 2026 alumni, shares about her experience in the program.

YLC equips professionals with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to serve effectively on nonprofit boards and make a meaningful impact in Middle Tennessee. Through leadership development, hands-on learning, and a powerful network of peers and community leaders, participants leave prepared to lead with confidence.

If you're ready to grow as a leader while making a difference in your community, now is the time to apply!

Fall 2026 applications are open now through July 15, 2026 at midnight. Learn more and apply at www.youngleaderscouncil.org

Address

2200 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN
37212

Website

http://www.youngleaderscouncil.org/

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