When leadership sparks more than just civic change, it can create lifelong partnerships. Clare Oumou Verbeten and Garrison McMurtrey’s story…

September 21, 2024
My journey with New Leaders Council began in 2017 when I attended the inaugural fundraiser of our founding board. Inspired by the organization’s mission, I applied and was accepted into the first Columbus cohort in 2018. This experience was transformative, clarifying my values and goals while connecting me with exceptional fellow leaders who became close friends and allies in our shared vision for our community.
Post-fellowship, I embraced various leadership roles within NLC:
- – Columbus Institute Co-Chair (2019-2020): Guided Columbus fellows through their NLC experience, including the challenging transition during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- – Operations Director for Columbus Chapter (2020-2022): Developed a robust board structure, strengthening our local capacity.
- – Strategic Planning Advisory Council Member: Contributed to shaping NLC’s long-term vision.
- – National Programs Committee (NPC): Served as Institute Co-Chair to help local chapters carry out our mission and later as Vice-Chair of the NPC.
- – Board of Directors: Joined as Treasurer in 2022.
Now, I am deeply humbled and honored to step into the role of interim Board Chair, with the exceptional Rhianon DeLeeuw as interim Vice-Chair. My primary goal in this position is to ensure NLC’s continued success by providing our chapters and programs with the essential resources, structures, and support to train another 13,000 alumni.
New Leaders Council is a catalyst for profound social transformation. We are dedicated to training a new generation of leaders who will change the world. By connecting these visionaries and nurturing our grassroots movement, we strive to create a society rooted in our core values:
- Equity
- Anti-Oppression
- Accountability
- Continuous Growth
- Transparency
- Progress
- Trust
- Community
The work of our fellows resonates daily in communities across the nation, advancing our shared values and vision for a brighter future. Together, we will continue to build a powerful network of leaders committed to positive change and social progress.
We hope you will consider joining the NLC National Board as we work to expand the impact our NLC Network has in communities across the network. You can submit yourself or a suggestion (within and outside the NLC Network) here.

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