LEAP Impact

2026-2027 applications will open in early September!

Leadership Development for Nonprofit Staff

LEAP Impact is a dynamic and immersive cohort-based leadership development program specifically designed for nonprofit staff, with a focus on centering cultural experiences, values, and community context. The program will engage cohort members in various skill and knowledge building activities, reflective practices, meaningful dialogue, and executive coaching while addressing challenges unique to the nonprofit sector. Additionally, connections among participants, community members, and LEAP alumni will be facilitated with the intention of fostering a robust sense of belonging.

Curriculum Highlights

  • Workshops on nonprofit leadership, equity-centered frameworks, and team dynamics

  • 6 hours of one on one executive coaching with a certified LEAP coach

  • Peer-to-Peer coaching

  • Structured reflection and storytelling

  • Connection to LEAP alumni and broader Asian and Pacific Islander nonprofit networks

Key Outcomes

  • Strengthened leadership voice and self-efficacy

  • Deeper understanding of culturally grounded leadership practices

  • Sustained relationships and sense of belonging among diverse nonprofit leaders

“LEAP is an opportunity to expand your skills, engage in deep reflection, and grow relationships with a special cohort of people aligned in your values and invested in your success. This program has come at a much needed time in my life and has the power to really change mindset and trajectory. LEAP has given me an opportunity to invest in myself and my community. I already feel the shift happening.”

2023-2024 Impact Participant

2025-2026 Program Overview

Format

In-Person and Virtual

Duration

3-part cohort based program from December to March

Part 1 (virtual sessions)
December 3rd-5th, half days

Part 2 (virtual sessions)
Two hours, 2-3 times per month from January - March

Part 3 (in-person sessions)
March 25th-27th, 2025

Participants must be able to commit to all three parts to be accepted into the program.

Cohort Size

14-18 cohort members

Ideal Participant Profile

Mid-to-senior-level, full-time, nonprofit staff and managers with 4+ years working at a nonprofit organization.

Contacts

Chingcha Vang
Senior Program Manager
(323) 572-5992
cvang@leap.org

Lauren Kojima
Senior Program Coordinator
(213) 631-6980
lkojima@leap.org 

2025-2026 Tuition

Upon acceptance to this program, your program fee will be based on your organization's budget and size and an invoice will be emailed to you. The program fee includes workbook materials, roundtrip airfare, shared lodging, most meals, and six executive coaching sessions. Availability of scholarships depends on program funding and does not guarantee their availability.

Sliding Scale Tiers

  • Fee A $499,999 or less → $500

  • Fee B $500,000 – $999,999 → $1,000

  • Fee C $1,000,000 – $2,999,999 → $2,000

  • Fee D $3,000,000 - $9,999,999 → $3,500

  • Fee E $10,000,000+ → $5,000

“This program went so much deeper than just professional development skills, and helped me build confidence in myself that I need to thrive in my career and be a better manager!”

2024-2025 Impact Participant

Frequently Asked Questions

Got more questions?

Contact Us

    • You will need a completed LEAP Impact application form, a letter of endorsement from your Executive Director or someone from your organization's leadership team, a current resume, and short answer responses (questions are found on the application form).

    • We will be looking for interest in developing your leadership skills, interest in connecting with other non-profit leaders, interest in bringing back learned skills to your organization, commitment to attending all three parts of the program, and history of service to the Asian and Pacific Islander community.

    • You will shine by demonstrating your authentic self. We are all unique because of our journeys and stories. Think about who and what experiences have shaped your leadership journey and the individual you are today. Be authentic, your passion will shine through.

  • LEAP Impact is curated to support mid-to-senior-level managers, directors, and coordinators. If you are an executive director with less than three years of experience, check out the LEAP Engage: Executive Nonprofit Leaders Program. It follows the same format as LEAP Impact.

  • This year, LEAP Impact will accept 12-14 people. If more funding becomes available, we will increase our cohort size.

    • LEAP Impact has accepted participants from across the East Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, Central Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander diasporas who come from grass-root organizations to large scale nonprofit organizations.

    • Once you submit an application, send a Letter of Financial Support to Lauren Kojima with the following:

      • Expressing Need for Financial Assistance

      • Nonprofit's Current Organizational Budget

      • How much Financial Support you need (i.e., $XXX)

      • Availability of scholarships depends on program funding and does not guarantee their availability.

“LEAP taught me that the best way to be a leader is to be yourself.”

Mayta Lor, LEAP ’14

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Leadership development from an Asian and Pacific Islander cultural lens.

LEAP’s programs are uniquely focused on leadership development that accounts for the values and culture of a Asians and Pacific Islanders. Participants will expand and strengthen their individual leadership skills as well as contribute to the growth and advancement of their organizations.