Rooted in the 31 year legacy of our Signature Leadership Evanston program, and guided by community voice and choice, we are proud to embark on a new journey of expansion. Ubuntu Leadership Institute is designed to embrace the knowledge and skills of all Evanstonians through inclusive and culturally responsive leadership training and support. Watch here to learn more.
The Evanston Community Foundation has been a hub for community listening, local leadership development training, and hands-on learning for nearly 40 years. Marked by the launch of Leadership Evanston in 1993, the community foundation created a commitment to harness the brilliance and experience of our community to strengthen Evanston. Now, 30 years later, we are proud to have expanded our programmatic offerings to support emerging and established leaders through leadership programming that embraces the knowledge and skills of all Evanstonians.
Founded in 2024, Ubuntu Leadership Institute (ULI) is a resource for impactful and inclusive talent development and leadership training, focused on nurturing socially conscious leaders. Our programs cater to leader in us all, and at all stages of one's journey, providing a unique and tailored learning experience.
Are you a local resident, worker, or student in Evanston interested in developing your leadership skills or learning more about the Evanston community? Then ULI is for you! Our Ubuntu Leadership Institute Initiative is designed to offer leadership training based on community-need and interest. Browse our program offerings for specific eligibility information.
Ubuntu Leadership Institute was created to foster the leader in everyone at every stage of your professional development journey. Whether you're a recent graduate looking to connect deeper with the Evanston community or a more seasoned professional, you can benefit from our unique community-centered approach to leadership and hands-on collaborative opportunities. Read on to see which program is right for you.
"Community made this happen. This institute is a culmination of every conversation, suggestion, and frustration shared with the ECF team. Our hope is that every LE alum who advocated for more programming and points of engagement feel a sense of pride and ownership when thinking of the Ubuntu Leadership Institute. We did this with you, for you, and because of you."
-Karli Butler, VP of Community Leadership & Investment
Open to all Evanstonians, Signature Leadership Evanston (LE) program is a 10-month program that brings together community leaders from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to learn from each other and create lasting change together. This is a non-certificate program that runs from September through June. During that time participants:
Are you an LE Alum looking for more opportunities to connect with the Evanston community? Check out our new LE Alum portal here for more!
Are you a person of color interested in joining a local board in Evanston and you're not quite sure where to start? Our board leadership training is just for you! Learn the ins and outs of board service, connect with local leaders, and increase your impact in Evanston. For more information click here.
Note: In our continued efforts to execute our board approved racial equity strategic plan: Ubuntu in Action, this inaugural cohort will prioritize BIPOC Evanston residents with no board experience.
At the Evanston Community Foundation, we believe every leader deserves a space to grow, connect, and thrive. Through our open-door policy, we work with community members to create opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and support navigating leadership challenges.
Our current tailored affinity spaces include:
-Executive Director Roundtable: A space for local nonprofit executive leaders to connect, share strategies, and find solutions to common challenges.
-Latine Leaders in Social Services Affinity Group: A supportive community for Latine leaders in social services to discuss shared experiences and foster collaboration.
-Black Leaders Affinity Group: A space for black leaders to exchange ideas, build networks, and enhance their impact.
Note: Community listening is the cornerstone of our programming at ECF. If you don't see what you're looking for, or you're interested in starting a leadership affinity space, we'd love to chat!
