In 2009, Sacramento was one of the most diverse cities in the nation — but not in leadership. NELP was created to change that. That’s why we built a bridge: connecting talented people from underrepresented communities to the skills, networks, and confidence to lead.

Today, more than 230 Fellows have crossed that bridge. They now lead across business, government, and community — stewarding billions in public budgets and directing workforces in the thousands. Together, they’ve redefined what leadership looks like in Sacramento.

But every bridge needs maintenance. The next generation of leaders deserves the same opportunity. Across the country, programs that center equity in leadership are losing funding and visibility. In Sacramento, we’re choosing a different path.

We’re calling on 1,000 community members to give $50 per month — building a foundation that keeps NELP strong, independent, and community-powered for the next 16 years.

Your monthly gift provides stability today, opportunity tomorrow, and access for generations to come. It ensures that the bridge connecting emerging leaders to equity, influence, and community remains strong, visible, and unshakable.

Because leadership that reflects our community is worth protecting.

💛 Join 1,000 Strong for Leadership.
Give $50/month right now to fortify the bridge — and ensure the next generation of diverse leaders can cross it, too.

Because leadership that reflects our community is worth protecting.
Because Sacramento’s future depends on it.

Fortify the bridge. Strengthen the future. Give today.

Fortify the Bridge: 1,000 Strong for Leadership