In my three years at the Evanston Community Foundation, I’ve watched colleagues go through our Leadership Evanston program and come out inspired and energized. This year, it was finally my turn, and from day one, I knew I was part of something special.

Each Leadership Evanston cohort is carefully curated to reflect the heart of our city. Our 33rd cohort included nonprofit leaders, police officers, Rotarians, small business owners, faith leaders, and community volunteers — a group as diverse and dynamic as Evanston itself.

Over ten months, we met twice a month, gradually building trust, connection, and a shared sense of purpose. What struck me most was the network we built. Leadership isn’t just about vision, it’s about relationships. It’s about knowing who to call when a challenge arises and being willing to show up when others call on you. I saw firsthand how alumni of this program continue to support one another long after graduation, collaborating to solve real issues in our community. Our cohort was no different.