Our second 2025-2026 CVLI session was a great day focused on Servant Leadership and community impact.

We started the morning at the Brown Derby Ballroom with a welcome and a quick sponsor update from JSA Development, then dove into a session led by Dr. Julianne Gassman on The Role of a Board Member, which gave participants a clearer, more practical understanding of what strong board leadership looks like in our community.

Next, we moved into the Non-Profit Power Networking Fair, where participants connected with a variety of local non-profit organizations and learned more about the missions, challenges, and opportunities across the Cedar Valley.

After the break, the group explored the funding landscape, including the different types of funders and how grantmaking decisions are made. It really helped take some of the mystery out of the funding process and gave participants a clearer sense of what happens behind the scenes.

In the afternoon, we traveled to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank for hands-on volunteer work. The class jumped right in, worked hard, and made a real difference. We ended the day with quad reflections and social time together at Singlespeed.

Overall, it was a meaningful day that blended learning, service, and connection, and a true example of servant leadership in action.

For more information, please contact: