Growing Leaders for Lasting Change: The Community Leadership Institute welcomes sixteen emerging leaders

This month we welcomed the newest cohort of sixteen emerging leaders to the Community Leadership Institute (CLI). Representing communities across King and Pierce Counties, fellows bring experience in everything from public health and environmental justice to education, housing, youth development, disability advocacy, communications, and public policy. Together, they reflect the diverse expertise, lived experience, and commitment to equity that strengthens our region's movement for lasting change.

What is the Community Leadership Institute? The six-month fellowship trains emerging leaders the nuts and bolts of local government processes, such as municipal budgeting, parliamentary procedures, and lawmaking, as well as advocacy, storytelling, and communication skills. After graduation, fellows apply for and are placed on strategic boards, commissions, and task forces at the city and county level. 

During a panel discussion, CLI Alums Nichelle Curtis-McQueen, Tatiana Brown and Barbara Tisi shared stories on how the program has supported their leadership journey long after the sessions ended. For Nichelle, CLI provided the foundation for making a career in macro-social work, "As an adjunct professor, I regularly connect students who are interested in policy change to the CLI fellowship, showing that there are alternative paths in the field beyond the clinical science route." 

For Barbara, CLI became more than a leadership program. “I went into CLI wanting to know the ways I can better serve my community,” she said. “The relationships I've built through this program have been incredible. I've gotten opportunities I never thought of for myself.” Those experiences are what keep her coming back each year to connect with grassroots leaders, learn what's going on, and stay engaged in the work happening across communities.

Tatiana recollects how Sage notified her of an opening in the Washington Environmental Justice Council and encouraged her to apply. She got accepted and three years later, now serves as the youngest elected co-chair of the council. "CLI puts you in this bigger heart of courage. Listen to that support network, and if you feel like you can't do it, still go for it."  

State Representative Edwin Obras of the 33rd LD presented the keynote address and spoke of the importance leadership programs like the Community Leadership Institute, "This is not just another training program; it's one of the most strategic investments our region makes in the future of racial and social justice work. Policy change requires people at the table, not just allies, not just advocates, but people in the room with a seat, with a voice. CLI exists to build that pipeline deliberately and intentionally." 

He ends his speech with some advice to the upcoming cohort.  "From my heart to yours, show up fully, ask questions, and build relationships. This community will be yours long after these sessions end. Don't wait after it's over to start thinking about where you want to serve."