(Coatesville, PA – May 28, 2026) – More than 60 nonprofit leaders, board members, staff, educators, and community volunteers from across Chester County gathered on May 13 for Leadership Labs: Building Cultures of Belonging and Excellence — a full-day professional development experience designed to strengthen leadership capacity and organizational impact throughout the nonprofit sector.
Hosted at Gateway Church in Parkesburg, the event was presented by the Educational Equity Alliance (EEA) in partnership with the Newlin Foundation. The Leadership Labs focused on helping organizations cultivate stronger, more equitable workplace cultures where leaders, staff, and volunteers can thrive. Sessions explored practical strategies for equity-centered leadership, organizational transformation, team development, and sustainable leadership practices.
In opening remarks, Regina Lewis, Chair of the Newlin Foundation, challenged attendees to think deeply about how leadership culture shapes organizational effectiveness, community trust, and long-term impact. Steve Wilson, Executive Director of the Educational Equity Alliance, emphasized the importance of creating environments where identity and power are acknowledged so individuals feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute fully to a shared mission.
Keynote speaker Dr. Charles Groce addressed the growing issue of “brain fog” experienced by many leaders and professionals navigating demanding personal and organizational environments. He discussed how stress, overload, and constant demands can diminish focus, creativity, and decision-making, while offering practical approaches to restoring clarity through intentional leadership practices, reflection, wellness, and healthy organizational cultures.
Interactive learning labs were facilitated by Debario Fleming, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at The Field School; Dr. Nakia Mack, Senior Fellow for Postsecondary Workforce Pathways at The College Board; Chaya Scott, Consultant and Strategist; and Justin Brown, Director of Student Relations and School Climate for the Downingtown Area School District. Facilitators guided participants through collaborative discussions and hands-on exercises focused on strengthening leadership awareness, improving team dynamics, and building cultures rooted in belonging and excellence.
Organizers noted the strong engagement and collaboration among attendees throughout the day, reflecting a growing desire within the nonprofit community to invest not only in programs and services but also in healthy organizational cultures that sustain leadership and strengthen community impact.
“This Leadership Lab demonstrated the power of bringing nonprofit leaders together to learn, reflect, and grow collaboratively,” noted Beth Harper Briglia, consultant to the Newlin Foundation. “When organizations intentionally cultivate belonging and excellence, they become stronger partners for the communities they serve, emphasized Lula Abera, Director of the Center for Educational Equity at EEA.
The Educational Equity Alliance advances educational opportunity and organizational transformation in underserved communities through a dual-model approach that integrates leadership development and youth empowerment. Its Center for Educational Equity partners with schools and nonprofits to cultivate cultures of belonging rooted in emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and sustainable leadership practices (www.educationalequityalliance.org).
The Newlin Foundation provides comprehensive guidance and scholarship opportunities to students living in the Coatesville Area School District who have the capacity and desire to pursue education beyond high school, but who may face systemic or financial barriers. Beginning in high school and continuing throughout their higher education journey, Newlin Scholars receive support with college search and applications, financial resources, adjustment to college life, and the tools needed to attain their degree (www.newlinfoundation.org).
Photo credits: Taylar Pulliam
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About the Chester County Community Foundation
Headquartered in West Chester’s Lincoln Building, the Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter so their legacy philanthropy makes a difference now and forever. The Community Foundation is entrusted with nearly $140 million in community assets, and annually awards $6+ million in grants and scholarships. www.chescocf.org
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