News

Since 2015, the program has trained more than 150 changemakers in leadership skills, community organizing, advocacy campaigns, media and public relations, research, Western New York social history, and more. It connects participants with mentorship and networks to build their platform and their power, as well as a pipeline to leadership roles in government, education, and the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. 

Click here for the 2024 Application

The Emerging Leaders Program is changing the face of leadership in WNY with its focus on social justice. While other leadership programs come with a hefty price tag, Emerging Leaders is offered at no charge to ensure it is accessible to all. Graduates of the program include household names like Masten District Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart (2020), community activist and organizer India Walton (2015), and Poet Laureate of Buffalo Jillian Hanesworth (2017).  

Of the impact of the Emerging Leaders Program, Zeneta Everhart said, “Connections, connections, connections! I had the honor to work with so many amazing leaders from the Buffalo community. They taught me so much, and I believe helped me to grow as a person.” 
 
This year’s cohort will run July through November, including a Beaver Hollow retreat July 19-21, 20 weeks of workshops, a Buffalo history bus tour, and a proposal project that prepares leaders to implement their vision for positive change in their communities. Applications open March 1 and close April 30. 

Click here for the 2024 Application
 
Contact Leslie Nickerson, Director of Leadership Development, at leslie@openbuffalo.org or 716-243-8777 x104 for information.