The Empathetic Nonprofit Leader Lab runs in January and September
A small-group leadership lab for equity-minded nonprofit and charitable sector leaders who want to lead with more clarity, care, and steadiness.
This space is designed for leaders carrying complex responsibilities in nonprofit and charitable organizations, including Black, Indigenous, and other leaders of colour navigating leadership in melanated bodies.
Learn About The Lab
Want more information, request the details here.
This work is heavy. You don’t have to carry it alone.
You’re the person people turn to when there’s harm, conflict, or confusion. You’re expected to hold the organization’s values, protect your team, and keep everything moving.
But the cost is real:
- You say yes when you’re already past your limits
- You soften hard truths so other people can stay comfortable
- You do invisible emotional labour no one names, measures, or compensates
- You feel pressure to be “grateful” for a role that is quietly draining you
This program gives you tools, language, and support so you can keep leading for equity without burning yourself out.
Is this for you?
- You’re an equity‑minded leader in an organization, institution, or community space
- You’re holding a lot of conflict, harm, or complexity in your role
- You want language, tools, and support to lead without self‑erasure
If that’s you, you’re exactly who I built this for.
“Nneka doesn’t simply coach individuals. She changes relationships. She changes teams. She changes organizations. Those ripples continue long after the coaching ends.”
~ Lenny Sweeney (they/them)
Executive Director, SHORE Centre
The Empathetic Nonprofit Leader Lab runs in January and September
A small-group leadership lab for equity-minded nonprofit and charitable sector leaders who want to lead with more clarity, care, and steadiness.
This space is designed for leaders carrying complex responsibilities in nonprofit and charitable organizations, including Black, Indigenous, and other leaders of colour navigating leadership in melanated bodies.
The Lab runs twice per year, in January and September. The 2027 cohorts begin on January 26 and September 21. When demand is high, we open two parallel cohorts so each group stays small, focused, and well-supported.
Each cohort is intentionally small. Up to 12 strong-fit participants join one cohort. When 16 to 24 strong-fit leaders are ready in the same season, we open two parallel cohorts instead of creating one large group.
If there is more interest than we can support well, remaining strong-fit applicants are invited to stay on the waitlist for the next Lab season.
June is protected with no Lab programming or launch pressure.
Lab details at a glance
- 8-week live online cohort
- 90 minutes per week, plus about 2 additional hours between sessions
- $697 investment
- Small cohort capped at 12 participants, with a second parallel cohort opened when demand is high
- 2027 start dates: January 26 and September 21
Join the waitlist for the next January 26 or September 21, 2027 Lab cohort.
If it’s not a fit, you’re not stuck
I want this to be a space that truly serves you.
If after the first 2 sessions you feel the Lab is not a fit, email me and I’ll refund your enrolment.
No hard feelings, no long explanations required.
What can shift when you lead on your own terms.
Julian McKinley
Co-Executive Director of Democracy at Work Institute
“Working with Nneka was a pivotal decision in my leadership journey. As a Black executive leading an organization for the first time, I was guided from wrestling with imposter syndrome to defining what leadership means to me, and learning the ways in which I am uniquely qualified to lead.
The personal and professional growth I’ve achieved over the past year would not have been possible without Nneka’s coaching. The skills she helped me develop have proven especially useful during challenging times for nonprofit executives and staff members.
Throughout our time together, Nneka challenged me, supported me, and—most significantly—helped me discover and celebrate the leader I have within.”
You can read more reflections from leaders I’ve worked with here → https://www.theempathyagency.ca/testimonials
What exactly is The Empathetic Nonprofit Leader Lab?
Who is this for?
I’m not a “senior leader.” Can I still join?
What’s the time commitment?
What if I can’t make every live session?
Will this be a therapy space?
How much does it cost, and are payment plans available?
What if my organization needs more information to support my registration?
Join the waitlist for the next January 26 or September 21, 2027 Lab cohort.
Joining the waitlist does not commit you to enrolling. It means you will hear first when the next Lab season is preparing to open.
