Vision and Purpose of the Emerging Leader Program
The Suncoast is known as an attractive region that has seen continued growth over many decades. Since 2020, a population boom has caused accelerated growth in the Sarasota/Manatee area, which comes with increased prosperity, as well as increased needs. Research shows that the wellbeing of a community largely depends on its social determinants of health (SDOH). To achieve “social and physical environments that promote good health for all”, the local health and human services sector must continue to develop compassionate and competent leaders.
Bill and Barbara Little have spent decades working in health and human services and in nursing education, respectively. They have watched ideas blossom into vibrant programs and networks that make our region unique. Together, they wish to ensure that the legacy of steady and innovative leadership continues, as our community enters a new period of change.
The Emerging Leader Program aims to develop the future leaders who will shape Sarasota’s human services community in the coming years. The Emerging Leader Award will recognize and empower emerging leaders in physical & behavioral health, human services, and arts & culture.
“The quality of life in a community rests upon the quality of life of its people” – Dr. Kay Glasser
The Recipient’s Journey
Each recipient will receive a grant of $1,000 to be used to either improve their leadership skills, improve their organization, or benefit the community. Each will receive a copy of the book, The Leadership Challenge, by Kouzes and Posner, which outlines The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® Model.
Recipients will meet three times during the award year to discuss their use of the grant award, discuss community leadership challenges they are facing, and to share thoughts about being a better leader. The meetings will be facilitated by Glasser/Schoenbaum, with invited guests who will provide guidance and mentorship.
At the end of their award year, recipients will take part in a brief video presentation for the next annual Collaboration Celebration.
Definition of Award and Awardees
There will be three Emerging Leader Awards presented in the following categories:
Candidates for the award can be nominated by their employers, supervisors, and/or peers. Nominees are not sector-specific, and can work in public service, community service, or nonprofits.
The ideal awardee:
Nomination Process
Nominations will be due by the end of the calendar year. A completed nomination includes
Please note that this proposal need not be the final use of the grant award, and can be further explored during their award year.
A decision panel will determine the award recipients, and awardees will be notified by the end of January, and invited to receive their recognition at the Collaboration Celebration luncheon held on Tuesday, February 28th by The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center.
Key Dates
Real estate is one of the greatest costs in a business budget. Our partnership with The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center allows more money to go towards our mission. And what better place to house our office than on a campus with nineteen other outreach agencies.
Collaboration is key to the success of our work. The Campus of Caring is a unique space where we can easily join forces with other agencies to make the best use of our resources and maximize our community impact. The affordable rent allows us to allocate more funds to our mission of transforming the lives of students and their families.
As a small organization with a staff of two, employee safety was a big consideration when we were looking for office space. We did not want our employees to be in a place where they were alone. Being on the GSHSC campus has been great because there is a whole community of like-minded professionals.
