2025 Rising Leaders Celebrated

Rising Leaders graduates (Nonprofits First)

(Press Release) (West Palm Beach, FL) – August 22, 2025 — Nonprofits First proudly celebrated the graduation of its 2025 Rising Leaders class on Friday evening at the stunning National Croquet Center, where over 75 guests gathered to honor the next generation of nonprofit changemakers.

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This year’s ceremony featured a powerful keynote address by Virginia Savietto, Palm Beach County School Board Member and Nonprofits First Board Member. Callie Sharkey, Director of Education and Training at Nonprofits First, facilitated the program and proudly introduced the graduates. Trudy Crowetz, President and CEO of Nonprofits First, reflects on the graduates’ journey: “These Rising Leaders are not just stepping into roles—they’re stepping into purpose. Leadership is not about titles; it’s about action, empathy, and vision. Their passion, creativity, and commitment to service are the heartbeat of our sector’s future. These graduates are proof that when we invest in people, we invest in the future of our communities.”

 Service-Learning Projects That Made a Difference

As part of the program, Rising Leaders collaborated with local nonprofits to tackle real-world challenges through innovative service-learning projects:

• Myla's Beleaf: Identified a game-changing CRM system and developed a strategic list of potential partners, which included a plan for building lasting relationships.
• Opportunity Early Childhood Education & Family Center: Delivered a comprehensive Board of Directors Training Manual, Onboarding Plan, Recruitment Plan, and Succession Plan.
• Community Partners of South Florida: Developed a staff mentorship program aimed at enhancing employee retention and cultivating a culture of growth and support.
• Sounds of Success Summer Camp of the Arts: Created a summer camp curriculum that was successfully implemented this season.
• Freeprenuers: Standardized the BraSense program curriculum and forged a new partnership with the Junior League of Boca Raton.

The Rising Leaders program, launched in 2005, is Palm Beach County’s premier leadership development initiative for emerging nonprofit professionals. Over the course of eight months, participants gain practical expertise in leadership fundamentals such as emotional intelligence, communication, team motivation, and public speaking. The program also explores advanced competencies, including influence and persuasion, ethics, conflict resolution, negotiation, project management, and leading organizational change. With a strong emphasis on servant leadership and real-world application, Rising Leaders engage in dynamic sessions, interactive exercises, and a collaborative service-learning project that empowers them to drive meaningful impact in their communities.

Nonprofits First extends its deepest gratitude to its educational partners and supporters, including the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, the Quantum Foundation, and Allegany Franciscan Ministries, whose contributions make this transformative program possible.