Program History and Community Partners

Thank you Tony for helping me find my passion! Forty years of not knowing and to finally have an “ah ha” moment!

— Pam Smartt, Connections for Life

The conference affected my philosophy of leadership. It taught me not to be a dictator, but to have vision and be a listener.

— Linah Nkhonjela, Executive Director, Girls Brigade of Zambia

I have worked with 5 national organizations and have had the opportunity to participate in several leadership development programs, all valuable, but none of which compared to the quality and depth of ECPNL...The quality of the presenters was second to none...I highly recommend this Program for nonprofit leaders at any stage of their career.

— Joe Elmore, CAWA Director,
 Strategic Development National Outreach – MS Gulf, Coast
Hurricane Katrina Recovery

Tony was the perfect facilitator as he had walked the path I am on…I need more time for myself, I need to find balance and hone skills for my staff. I can learn a lot from Tony’s calmness and integrity.

— Suzanne McKechnie Klahr, Executive Director, YouthBuild

Tony's use of examples and stories always help clarify/illustrate his points – and keep the discussion interesting. What I find most important, is that Tony includes stories from his personal experiences and feelings. To me, that adds a level of authenticity and vulnerability that I see as a commitment to teaching and generosity that is unique.

— J. Kevin Jones, Jr., Deputy Director, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates

I see myself continuing as an NGO leader because of my skills that I now have after this conference. Tony’s 15 Principles will help me in leading my organization to achieve its vision, mission and goals…This conference was really helpful and it should be organized again for other NGO Directors.

— Brian Kayongo, Director, Adolescent Reproductive Health Advocates, Zambia

The retreat surpassed my expectations! I want more training from Tony, and I’ll even drive for hours to it!

— Andra Christensen, Board Member, The Discovery Center

This was a 100% well-prepared, well-carried out, and well-received conference. I felt like the speakers knew exactly what our group's struggles were in maintaining and growing a nonprofit.

— Sara Ortega, Mira Scholars Foundation, San Francisco, CA

Tony has a way of being that is authentic and welcoming. His passion and commitment was evident. The approach was powerfully and passionately delivered…The retreat absolutely exceeded my expectations. PASSION and TRUTH are contagious! Tony is an example of a confident, compassionate, gentle person who has made a difference in this world. He is very special and a treasure.

— Sharon Gallagher, Board Member, American Red Cross

I think Tony’s approach was good because we had the chance to discuss the different characteristics of a leader….He made us realize that we all have characteristics of leaders in us.

— Patty Santucci, Outreach Worker, Youth Developer, The Latin American Youth Center

I love Tony’s passion for his topic! I also am very inspired by how he merges many cultural philosophies….I like how he makes leadership a ‘concrete’ idea…I wish the retreat had been longer.

— Michelle Chun-Tuck, The Fresno Regional Foundation’s Nonprofit Advancement Center

I believe that many of us learned a lot more than we anticipated we would. Tony’s workshops fueled conversations that continued through dinners, evening walks on the beach, and late night groups who gathered around wine and intense conversation....Tony helped us regain our focus and renew our passion and vision!

— Janna Genovese, Executive Director, Womenspace Unlimited

This conference has dramatically broadened and encouraged my plans for my nonprofit enterprise... Thank you. A life-changing experience.

— Art Shields, Lifesavers World Inc.

Tony Silard and the Center for Social Leadership are indeed transforming the way nonprofit leaders lead.

— Clark Byron, D.Min., Coalition for Independence (CFI)

Tony’s sessions were practical, relevant, thought-provoking and clear. I would have enjoyed more time with him.

— Shaheen Mistri, Executive Director, Akanksha, Bombay, India

CSL's nonprofit leadership training helped me fully appreciate my inner voice. It has allowed my philosophy of leadership to bloom!

— Holly M. Gartmayer-DeYoung, Healthcare Executive on Sabbatical, Addison, ME