"I’ve grown tremendously as a leader,” said Spandan Chakrabarti, Director of Development at Sonrisas Dental Health. “Learning from my Emerging Leaders experience this year, I am now a much more confident and effective leader in my role and organization.” Before participating in Leadership Council SMC’s Emerging Leaders Program, Spandan struggled with speaking confidently to senior staff, board members, and his CEO, often feeling hesitant and sensitive during critical conversations. A scholarship made it possible for Spandan to join the Class of 2025.
“Scholarships make a profound difference,” says Spandan. “They open doors for people like me who wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to participate, and that’s powerful. I am very grateful.”
Spandan’s own story embodies this impact. He came from a background of over 15 years in healthcare-focused nonprofits and joined the Emerging Leaders Program in September 2024. Since then, his experience has significantly helped him navigate his own leadership blocks and develop confidence in his voice—transformations he credits largely to the program’s strong skills curriculum and peer support.
“I’ve learned how to manage relationships, communicate effectively, and believe in my own expertise,” said Spandan. “This program has helped me trust and expand my knowledge in pursuit of my goals.”
One illustration of his leadership growth came recently when Spandan led a strategic discussion with his Board’s Development Committee. “I was initially anxious to take on this role, but I planned ahead, asked committee members to review materials in advance, and approached the conversation with confidence,” he recalls. “As a result, we accomplished a lot, and the experience showed me how much I’ve grown.”
He emphasizes how invaluable peer support has been: “When someone describes a situation they’re dealing with, you can see solutions so clearly for them. It's much harder to see those options for yourself when you’re in the middle of a challenge. Practicing giving and receiving feedback with my peers has helped me immensely. I intend to continue to nurture these relationships and these conversations.”
“Scholarships make a profound difference,” says Spandan. “They open doors for people like me who wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to participate, and that’s powerful. I am very grateful.”
A Scholarship That Pays Dividends
Spandan has always been clear about his desire to be a leader that supports others, and having the opportunity to attend the Emerging Leaders Program this year has only strengthened that commitment. “I want to be able to see qualities in others that they don’t see in themselves, and help them make the most of them,” he said. “A mentor in my life did this for me when I was experiencing a crisis of confidence, and I want to pay that forward.”
