News

The Deadline to Apply for Open Buffalo’s Emerging Leaders Class of 2025 Has Been Extended 
 
Calling all up-and-coming change agents! The application process is still open to join the ranks of over 175 Emerging Leaders and counting. Get your application in today! The opportunity closes April 15. 
 
This four-month, cohort-based Emerging program trains social-justice-minded individuals in leadership skills, community organizing, advocacy campaigns, media and public relations, research, Western New York socioeconomic history, and more. Post-graduation support also connects alumni to pipelines where they can access leadership roles in government, education, and the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Acceptance to the program is equivalent to a $6,000 scholarship to ensure that finances are not a barrier to advancing your leadership skills.  
 
Graduates of the program include powerhouse leaders like activist and organizer India Walton (2015), entrepreneur and CEO of That Brown Bag Minority Business Directory Shantelle Patton (2017), Buffalo Common Council Member Zeneta Everhart (2020). Could your name be on our graduate list this year? 
 
Here’s what a few 2024 graduates had to say about the program: 
 
“Emerging Leaders has allowed me to view the world on a larger scale. Before I used to see things at face value and now I can see the intersectionality in all of the issues that we as a community face.” - Jennifer Arroyo 
 
“I am more confident in my abilities, have learned new skills to utilize, received a better understanding of why it is important for me to take up space and not diminish my light. I don’t have to be in the front to lead, my impact can and will have a ripple effect of community change.” SayVette Brice 
 
“I gained valuable skills in articulating my thoughts clearly and confidently while presenting to an audience. I learned techniques to engage my listeners more effectively, fostering stronger connections with my colleagues and enhancing their support for my ideas.” - Willie Griffin 
 
This year’s cohort will run from August through November, including a rustic retreat August 1-3, 16 weeks of workshops, a Buffalo history bus tour, and a proposal project that prepares leaders to implement their vision for positive change. 
 
[Apply Button w/ this link] https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=J9mv3ZL_cEuP3_gU6myrMV4kyKmDYNRJmGTDucy3w1xUMzNKQ1pSVkg4UE5KSk9MQVJSQ0ZNVVgd1VCQlQCN0PWcu 
[Download Application Questions] Application Questions 2025.pdf 
 
Have questions? Contact Leslie Nickerson, Director of Leadership Development, at leslie@openbuffalo.org or 716-243-8777 x104 for information.