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Executive Management Institute (EMI) Leaders Circle Application 2026

The Nonprofit Support Program invites you to apply for the EMI Leaders Circle, a program to strengthen the ability of Hartford area Executive Directors/CEOs to successfully lead their nonprofits.  The program will provide an opportunity for participants to:
 
  • Gather with peers to share experiences and expertise
  • Reflect and think about larger issues in creative ways
  • Trade ideas about the challenges facing their organizations
  • Develop ongoing connections/network to enhance and sustain professional effectiveness
  • Apply material from the Executive Management Institute
  • Work out confidential issues with an experienced executive coach

There is no cost to you for participating in this program.  However, a commitment to attending all the sessions in their entirety is essential.  In a small group setting such as this, the absence of even one participant can significantly alter the dynamic of the group. 
 

Quotes from previous participants:


“Each one of us has improved as an executive director because of being here.”


“The program helps address what’s happening to you in real time, addressing immediate issues”


“At one point I was facing a crisis, and with both the group support and my personal coaching time, I was able to effectively work through those issues.”

The program will consist of the following components:

1) Monthly Leaders Circles:

12 two-hour professionally facilitated in-person sessions, including round robin updates, leadership topic discussions with pre-reading, and peer consultations on challenging issues. The first monthly Circle will be an orientation to the Circle process and identification of topics for future Circles.

The Circles will begin in October 2026 and end in October 2027. (Mutually agreeable dates will be set by participants and the facilitator)

2) Individual Coaching:

Each participant will receive four individual coaching sessions spread over the duration of the program (three 60-minute sessions and one 90-minute session). The coaching sessions will focus on specific leadership challenges facing the individual executive and/or support for ongoing leadership development. Coaching sessions will be conducted via Zoom. A confidential summary of key points from the coaching session will be provided as follow-up to each session.
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About the facilitator:

Jeannette de Jesús, MSW, MPA, CPC, is an executive coach, leadership consultant, and Founder and CEO of Strategic Moves. Certified through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching, she partners with CEOs, C-suite executives, and emerging leaders across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors to help them achieve their goals, navigate complex challenges, and become exceptional leaders. Drawing on more than two decades of executive and senior leadership experience, Jeannette serves as a trusted thought partner and advisor, helping leaders strengthen their leadership capabilities, make sound strategic decisions, lead through change, and maximize their impact. Her coaching empowers leaders to unlock their full potential, inspire others, and create lasting organizational success.

Hartford Business Journal recognized Jeannette as one of its 8 Remarkable Women in Business, and the Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association honored her for her outstanding contributions to communities across Connecticut, describing her as "a model citizen of great integrity and inspiration."

Jeannette holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University and a Master of Social Work from New York University.

Executive Management Institute (EMI) Leaders Circle Application Questions

To be considered for this program, your completed application must be received by no later than September 3rd at 5:00 p.m. You will be notified of the selection results by September 9.
1.Please provide the following information:(Required.)
2.Number of years you have held the CEO/executive director position:(Required.)
3.Size of your organization’s annual operating budget:(Required.)
4.What are the most pressing challenges/issues your organization is currently facing?(Required.)
5.What are your primary needs/concerns/interests regarding your leadership at this point in your career?(Required.)
6.Why are you interested in participating in this program, and what do you hope to gain from the program? (This is a key question, so please respond fully)(Required.)
7.What should we know about how you learn best?(Required.)
8.How should the Leaders Circle program function in creating a positive experience for you?(Required.)
9.Do you regularly engage in meditative practice?  If not, is this a tool you would be interested in exploring?(Required.)
10.The monthly Leaders Circle will meet for two hours on a set morning once a month for 12 months, beginning in October 2026. Please list three mornings that work for you (for example, any Tuesday morning, or first Wednesday of the month)(Required.)
11.By entering my name/electronic signature below, I indicate my commitment to attend both components of the program in their entirety.(Required.)