Quotes from NELI FELLOWS
“I have been an executive director for 15 years. I run a nonprofit child care program that is also a business. It is also my passion. NELI has been a phenomenal opportunity for me and a great investment for the organization. The Board sees the investment returns coming back to the organization as I am putting into place many of the goals we have developed and set for the organization,” Sherilynn Kimble, Executive Director, The Caring Center, NELI 2007
“It is remarkable how much NELI has impacted me both professionally and personally. It is wonderful to share the same passions and professional goals with others in the program,” Lori Breen, Director, Sunrise House, Montgomery County Mental Health and Mental Retardation, NELI 2007
“I share with my colleagues at work so much of what I learn in the seminars. Also, I am enjoying the NELI program because of all the people I connect with professionally. The NELI experience has allowed all of us to expand our relationships beyond the class through collaborations and networks. We also support one another, and at our levels it is hard to find support,” Marcus Delgado, Vice President, Human Services, Asociación Puertorriqueños En Marcha, NELI 2007
“The NELI program has been very helpful with developing my communications style, my ability to motivate and lead my staff, and to implement needed systems. The executive coaching, seminars and the peer network have worked to challenge me and move me toward my goals,” Pamela Rich-Wheeler, Executive Director, The Business Center for Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise, NELI 2007
“The NELI program should be required for every executive director.”
Pamela Bryer, Executive Director, Maternal and Child Health of Chester County, NELI ‘06
“I really value the opportunity to step back from the daily grind of just getting the work done. The NELI program allows me to think about how I am doing my work while providing new information to help me do my job better.”
Kate Maus, Executive Director, Division of Maternal, Child and Family Health, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, NELI ‘05
“NELI provides a wonderful opportunity for personal development networking with colleagues and exploring knowledge in areas essential to nonprofit management. The executive coaching sessions have been extremely valuable to my leadership development and career goals.”
Catherine Malkemes, Chief Membership and Program Officer, Girl Scouts of Southeastern Pennsylvania, NELI ‘05
“If I wasn’t involved in the NELI program with the opportunity to sit down and talk to other leaders about my work and what I need to do, I would focus on eight other things that are easier to accomplish.”
Cheryl Cunningham, Executive Director, Chester Education Foundation, NELI ‘05
“I got so much out of the program, more than I could have imagined. NELI game me all the pieces and I put them together.”
Donna Wolf-Palacio, Training and Education Coordinator, Hall Mercer, NELI ‘05
“NELI provided me with the space, theory and support to view organizational challenges and opportunities through fresh eyes. The work in my peer learning community took this one step further, providing me with a regular check-in point to practice learnings, weather setbacks and celebrate victories.”
Melissa Weiler Gerber, Executive Director, Women’s Way, NELI ‘05
“Thank you for your vision and commitment to the NELI Program. In sentiment with my NELI classmates, you have allowed us to grow and unleash the potential within us. We will make you proud!”
Alisa Orduna-Sneed, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell’s office, NELI ‘05
“I have really experienced something life-changing. I entered NELI with serious anxiety about my ability to lead, my interest in leading, and my competence in developing professional relationships. I leave with a great sense of optimism—and a tremendous network of professionals whom I can consult on future challenges, successes, and failures.”
Matthew Rader, Executive Director, The Fairmount Park Historical Trusts, NELI ‘05
“I come back to work from NELI each time completely full of ideas, energized and having learned really valuable new information and techniques. This experience is helping me take my skills to the next level.”
Sheri Cole, Executive Director, The Career Wardrobe, NELI ‘06