Nicole Davis’s first day of Leadership CORPS was a very bad one—not because of the program but because she had just learned that her business, Fortitude Careers, had lost critical funding and was facing considerable uncertainty. She was unsure if she could remain in the CORPS program, both financially and emotionally.

Thanks to her resilience, encouragement from the Leadership Council SMC team, and a scholarship from the Future Leaders Fund, Nicole returned on Day 2, ultimately graduating from Leadership CORPS in June 2024. 

"I’m enormously grateful to the Future Leaders Fund donors who made it possible for me to continue in Leadership CORPS," Nicole shared. "It's been a life-changing and career-changing experience for me and they have my undying gratitude.”

"I’m enormously grateful to the Future Leaders Fund donors who made it possible for me to continue in Leadership CORPS," Nicole shared.

Something’s Waiting There for Me

The power of Leadership Council SMC’s Immersion Programs (Leadership CORPS and the Emerging Leader Programs) lies not just in its civic education and leadership training, but in the strength of relationships that are created both among the program participants and the extended community of alumni and stakeholders. 

Nicole discovered this firsthand. When we first profiled Nicole in Spring 2024, she was only beginning to see how her Leadership CORPS experience could positively impact her organization. Since then, her involvement as a connected Leadership Council SMC alumna has opened many doors for her, both professionally and personally. Here are just a few: 

• Worked with Jack Tang, Founder of The Pixelmakers and Leadership Council SMC Board Member, who created an amazing video for Fortitude Careers; 
• Received advice about grant writing from Alma Pulido at CZI and ultimately earned a CZI grant;
• Explored possibilities of bringing Fortitude Careers to other locations, including the Coast.
• Met fellow alumna Karin Huber-Levy, Vice-Chair of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission of San Mateo County, shared their mutual commitment to elevate young people above their circumstances, and discussed the potential of Nicole becoming a JJDPC Commissioner. 

Nicole described her brief meeting with Karin, “It was so intense, so meaningful… like talking with someone I’d known a long time.” While her initial intention in attending Leadership CORPS was to amplify the work of Fortitude Careers, she is now preparing for greater public service that aligns with her specialty and passion for supporting youth.

“I’ve learned about the magic of Leadership Council SMC. I have to attend every event offered because there's something there that's waiting for me. I don't know what it is, but I know it will find me!" Nicole explains.

Leaders Are Never Alone in This Powerful Community

Beyond individual connections, Nicole emphasizes how the community she has found in Leadership Council SMC continues to support her. “From my very first day of Leadership CORPS and every day since, I have felt the support, encouragement, and personal investment that Co-Presidents Kaarin Hardy and Margi Power have made in me. They are not just leading the organization, they are personally nurturing this community of leaders.”

She notes how the collective spirit at Leadership Council SMC gatherings consistently reinforces her commitments, bringing her into a network that reaches into every corner of the work that she does and fulfills her need to be connected to other leaders.

“When you’re alone at the helm of an organization, it’s amazing to be with other people who have the passion of their commitments. You feel that everyone is in your corner, pulling for you and ready to help. Leadership Council SMC has created a network of that. It’s an incredible gift they’ve given to each of us and to the County of San Mateo. I’m super happy that I didn’t leave that first day of the Leadership CORPS Program, and that I came back on Day 2!”

“When you’re alone at the helm of an organization, it’s amazing to be with other people who have the passion of their commitments."

The Ripple Effect of a Donation to the Future Leaders Fund

The impact of a donation to the Future Leaders Fund is best described in Nicole’s own words: “As a donor giving to the Future Leaders Fund, you can’t begin to conceive of the ripple effect that your donation will have—not only the benefits of learning that the individual gains, but the gifts these empowered leaders bring to the community. They are inspired to do their best, to give their best to their work, and to uplift those around them. Contributions to the Future Leaders Fund will pay dividends for years and years.”

Give to the Future Leaders Fund

Your generosity is an investment in leaders in San Mateo County. It helps Leadership Council SMC ensure that all who aspire to lead have access to our programs and opportunities. Your contribution supports scholarships and general operating expenses that enable us to keep our programs accessible.

Contributions to the Future Leaders Fund will pay dividends for years and years.”

Thank you for giving to the Future Leaders Fund.