The Raymond John Wean Foundation has announced the 15 members of its first Nonprofit Leadership Cohort.

The members, picked from nearly 40 applicants that serve organizations in Warren and Youngstown, will participate in an eight-month course next year that provides coaching, peer-to-peer learning and opportunities to implement skills learned within their organizations.

The curriculum will focus on cultivating key competencies that are vital for personal and programmatic leadership, including transformation and inclusive leadership skills, strategic thinking and planning, financial management and fundraising, team building and cohesion, and board governance and compliance.

The members of the cohort, presented in partnership with Gradient, a consulting firm that focuses on developing human equity, are:

● Alex Hertzer, executive director, Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition.

● Angelica Diaz, executive director, Organizacion Cívica y Cultural Hispana

Americana Inc.

● Audrey Novotny, CEO, Trumbull Mobile Meals.

● Bryant L. Youngblood, Jr., founder, Evolve Innovation Center.

● Christopher Colon, executive director, Thrive Mahoning Valley / Northeast Ohio regional dzirector, Ohio Environmental Council & OEC Action Fund.

● Deon Stubbs, founder and CEO, Hyer Merit Association.

● Elisa Nicole Hosey, re-entry support specialist, Home for Good Re-Entry Center.

● Jalaya Provitt, high school program coordinator, Inspiring Minds.

● Kevin Stringer, community engagement coordinator, Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership.

● Lea Dotson, co-founder, Warren Forward.

● Markisha Parker, executive director, Parker Farms.

● Melissa Phillips, executive director, Sunshine-Warren Homes.

● Michaela Write, mission officer, YWCA Mahoning Valley.

● Norman Carter, founder and executive director, The Carter House Inc.

● Violeta Aguirre, community engagement manager, Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp.

After completing the cohort, which is free to individuals and their nonprofit organizations, participants will have the opportunity to apply for a Wean Foundation Strategic Partners Fellowship. The fellowship enables individuals to grow within their organizations and ensures they are fairly compensated for their advancement.