FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tracy Fulce
Email: info@theeighteffect.com

Contact: Akilah Wilson

Email:

The Eight Effect and ECF Present “The Talent Show”: An Introduction to the Community’s Newest Leaders

Evanston, IL – April 10, 2025 – The Eight Effect is proud to host “The Talent Show,” the culminating celebration and graduation event for the Spring 2025 cohort of Board Bootcamp, on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM at The Aux (2223 Washington Street, Evanston, IL 60202).

More than a traditional graduation, The Talent Show honors the brilliance, boldness, and leadership potential of individuals who have completed The Eight Effect’s signature Board Bootcamp program. Designed to prepare historically underrepresented community members for service on nonprofit boards, city commissions, and other leadership roles, the program emphasizes not just skill-building—but confidence, creativity, and connection.

This second cohort of Board Bootcamp was generously supported by the Evanston Community Foundation (ECF), whose Ubuntu Leadership Institute laid the groundwork for this collaboration. The Ubuntu Leadership Institute is ECF’s newest initiative intended to honor their commitment to cultivating a local leadership ecosystem rooted in values of collaboration, innovation, and community.

“As a Foundation, we spend a great deal of time listening in community and one thing we consistently heard was a call for more leadership development opportunities in Evanston,” said Karli Butler, Vice President of Community Leadership and Investment at ECF. “This feedback is what ultimately led to the launch of the Ubuntu Leadership Institute, and furthermore, our partnership with the Eight Effect to provide board leadership training. From the start, there was an undeniable synergy between the Eight Effect’s approach and the goals of the Ubuntu Leadership Institute. Which is to invest in and support a future where inclusive leadership is the norm—not the exception.”

“Our participants are incredibly talented—not just professionally, but as whole people,” added Tracy Fulce, Co-Founder of The Eight Effect. “The Talent Show is our way of celebrating their full selves—their voices, gifts, and leadership journeys—and inviting the community to witness and cheer them on.”

Attendees will enjoy delicious treats from Chicky’s Creations and reflections from the Board Bootcampers. It will be a fantastic showcase of what’s possible when leadership is rooted in relationship and community.

Event Details:
What: The Talent Show – Board Bootcamp Graduation Celebration
When: Wednesday, April 17, 2025 | Doors open at 6:00 PM
Where: The Aux – 2223 Washington Street, Evanston, IL 60202
Tickets: Free with RSVP at https://www.ticketfalcon.com/e/theeighteffecttalentshow/

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About The Eight Effect:

The Eight Effect is a woman- and Black-owned consultancy and facilitation collective rooted in asset-based community development. Through its flagship program Board Bootcamp, The Eight Effect empowers individuals to lead authentically and impactfully—transforming the face of civic and nonprofit leadership in Evanston and beyond.

About the Evanston community Foundation:

Founded in 1986, the Evanston Community Foundation’s mission is to mobilize community resources to drive systemic social change and build a thriving and resilient Evanston. The Foundation achieves this by:

·         Investing in the community with a sustainable and long-term perspective.

·         Empowering leaders to foster innovation and collaboration.

·         Prioritizing community voice and choice.

About the Ubuntu Leadership Institute (ULI):

Launched in 2024, the Ubuntu Leadership Institute (ULI) is an ECF initiative designed to expand local leadership development opportunities for Evanstonians.

Rooted in the legacy of the Foundation’s flagship leadership development program- Leadership Evanston- ULI serves as a local hub for accessible leadership development programming.