Empowering Nonprofit Leaders: Inside the Launch of the Nonprofit Leadership Academy

On a sunny afternoon at the Our Health campus, the energy is palpable as Janet Michael, host of “The Valley Today,” sits down with Sharen Gromling, Executive Director of Our Health. Their conversation, brimming with enthusiasm and insight, centers on a transformative new initiative: the Nonprofit Leadership Academy. This collaborative program, designed for both nonprofit staff and board members, aims to address the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the nonprofit sector.

Sharen, herself a graduate of the Academy, shares the story behind its revival. “There’s always a lot of turnover in nonprofit leadership, but the past five years have seen even more change,” she explains. Recognizing the need for comprehensive, accessible training, Our Health joined forces with organizations like Navy Federal Credit Union, United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley, the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber of Commerce, Valley Health, Shenandoah University, and the Community Foundation. Together, they’ve crafted a curriculum that covers the full spectrum of nonprofit management—from governance and strategic planning to financial stewardship and storytelling for fundraising.

The Academy’s structure is both rigorous and flexible. Five in-depth workshops, each four hours long, are paired with “digging deeper” lunch-and-learn sessions, allowing participants to absorb information, reflect, and return with questions. Topics range from building a strong organizational culture and understanding the nuances of board-staff relationships, to mastering the essentials of budgeting, audits, and compliance. “We want people to walk away feeling confident they can run their nonprofit for the future,” Sharen says.

Janet, who completed the Academy as a board member, attests to its value. “It gave me the background and structure of how a nonprofit works and why it’s important to be engaged,” she recalls. The program’s inclusivity is a recurring theme—sessions are open to anyone interested, with scholarships available to ensure cost isn’t a barrier. Participants can enroll in the full series or select individual sessions tailored to their roles and interests.

Beyond the classroom, the Academy fosters a sense of community. “You build relationships with people who are in the same boat,” Janet notes. The networking and peer support that emerge from these sessions are as valuable as the formal instruction, creating a local ecosystem of shared knowledge and resources.

The conversation also highlights Our Health’s broader mission. More than just a property manager for local nonprofits, the organization provides volunteer recruitment, technical assistance, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Sharen’s passion for service shines through as she describes initiatives like the community fridge, which supports food-insecure residents with dignity and respect.

As the episode draws to a close, Janet and Sharen discuss upcoming events, including a unique fundraising watch party at historic Audley Farm. Their camaraderie and shared dedication to strengthening the nonprofit sector are evident, leaving listeners inspired to get involved, seek out training, and support the organizations that form the backbone of their community.

In a world where the needs of nonprofits are ever-changing, the Nonprofit Leadership Academy stands out as a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and hope—empowering leaders to build a brighter, more resilient future for all. Learn more and register by clicking here.