On February 27, 2025, the Leadership Institute of North Central Washington celebrated the graduation of its inaugural cohort, marking a significant milestone for 26 students from Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties who aim to build their civic leadership skills and strengthen their commitment to community engagement. The City of Wenatchee formally recognized the occasion by proclaiming February 27 as Leadership Institute of NCW Day during a City Hall proclamation at the Wenatchee City Council meeting.   

Following the City Hall recognition, the graduation ceremony took place at the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center, where graduates, families, and community leaders gathered for an evening of celebration. The event featured a keynote address from Zulema Gomez, Director of Capacity Building at the National Parent Leadership Institute, speeches from graduates Juan Pablo Suárez, Ivon López Ramírez, and Sarah Fitzgerald, remarks from District 12 Representative Mike Steele, and the presentation of certificates to graduates. The event also honored the dedication of program facilitators, guest speakers, and partner organizations who contributed to the success of the Leadership Institute’s first year.  

The Leadership Institute of NCW was designed to empower community members to become advocates for children, families, and communities. This 20-session training program, held at Wenatchee Valley College, uses curriculum developed by the Parent Leadership Training Institute, a national program founded 30 years ago to build the civic capacity of parents, families, and local residents to improve community outcomes. The program follows a structured approach that begins with a retreat to build relationships and set a shared mission, followed by a ten-session course on personal leadership development focusing on advocacy and communication skills. Another ten-session segment examines civics, public policy, how states and cities work, budgets, and media studies, offering a deep dive into understanding government structures.  

The desire to offer such a program was a direct result of Our Valley, Our Future’s Action Plan, “Game Changer” initiative, developed with feedback from over 2,500 local residents seeking to ensure local civic leadership is reflective of our community and to encourage participation in making our communities better for all. A Civic Design Team was formed with representatives from CAFÉ, Catholic Charities, Chelan-Douglas Coalition for Health Improvement, Hispanic Business Council, Communities in Schools NCW, Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council, Community Foundation of NCW, Interfaith Justice Coalition, NCW Equity Alliance, Our Valley Our Future, Rural People’s Voice, Parque Padrinos, Thriving Together NCW, Wenatchee Valley College, Wenatchee Valley Dispute Resolution Center, Wenatchee World, and Sage Step Consulting. 

“Strong leaders, with the tools and passion to participate fully in society, are key to strong communities. We spent over two years researching and evaluating program curriculum from all over the country to ensure that anyone who had the commitment and passion to get more involved in strengthening the social fabric of our communities would have an opportunity to enhance their skills.  It was important to all of the partner organizations involved to deliver an outstanding high-quality program.” said Beth Stipe, executive director for the Community Foundation. “We’re so grateful for the City of Wenatchee to recognize the efforts of so many community organizations the hard work these graduates have done and will continue to do to impact our community.” 

As part of the program requirements, graduates must design and implement a Community Project that they are passionate about. Some notable leadership initiatives included creating a safe space for open discussions about emotional well-being, development of inclusive 4-H clubs fostering cross-cultural relationships, and improving veteran services. Other projects focused on establishing after-school programs, creating community gardens for school families without land access, and developing strategies for increasing community participation in decision-making processes.  

“This program didn’t just give me tools to help climb proverbial mountains – it gave me a crew and network to do it with, including the safety net of supportive people at the base,” one participant shared. Another reflected on how the program strengthened their confidence, allowing them to use their voice without fear. “My whole life would not be the same without this program. It changed the way I think, and now I know how to use my voice without being afraid.” 

The Leadership Institute of NCW will expand to Grant County in 2025 and Okanogan County in 2026. The program is open to all adults with a passion for improving their community, welcoming individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. Whether a parent, educator, business owner, community advocate, or someone passionate about strengthening their community, this program offers the tools, network, and support needed to turn ideas into action. No prior leadership experience or specific education is required.  

Those interested in joining a future cohort or learning more about the program can visit https://cfncw.org/leadershipinstituteofncw/ for updates and application details. 

VIEW GRADUATES’ COMMUNITY PROJECTS