LEADERSHIP DELI
Lead with VISION
Christiana Allen-Pipkin, Leadership Deli ’22
The Moment is Now. Are You Ready?
We are in an era that demands more than leadership as usual. In a time of deep uncertainty, rising authoritarianism, and systemic inequities, we need leaders who are unshakable in their vision and bold in their action. Leaders who don’t just dream of a better future, but build it.
That’s where Leadership Deli comes in.
Since 2014, we’ve supported 350+ leaders and 100+ organizations with the tools, strategies, and networks to not just navigate—but transform—their communities and institutions. This is not just another leadership program. It’s a space where changemakers sharpen their skills in visioning, build collective power, and create the connections necessary to push for radical, lasting change.
If you feel the weight of this moment and know you’re called to step up—don’t do it alone. Join a powerful community of visionaries, risk-takers, and builders who are ready to meet this moment together.
Don’t wait. The future is shaped by those who show up.
Applications for Leadership Deli 2025 will be open from July 8th (07/08/25) until August 1st (08/01/25). Click below to get future updates!
Why Leadership DELI and why NEW?
Our communities and organizations are stronger when we share our learnings and collaborate with each other. We need space to reflect, strengthen, and build skills that help leaders steward their missions. Leadership Deli drives connections between mission-driven leaders who can support each other in realizing their visions.
“I feel more confident to envision and implement the changes I know need to happen because I now have more tools to guide the process. Meeting others doing similar work and hearing about their hurdles brought a sense of realness and reflection. It reinforced what I knew deep down — that we can tackle this challenging work, even when it’s hard, and use strategies to make it feel lighter and more engaging. Especially as we navigate multifaceted, complex roles dealing with people and difficult problems daily.”
Katie Williams, University Prep Art & Design
Abbey Davis
Organizational Development Consultant, NEW
THE Leadership DELI EXPERIENCE
Leadership Deli is a cohort learning experience for visionary leaders in organizations of all stages and sizes. Across eight (8) four-hour (4 hour) sessions, you will learn relational tools to challenge and disrupt outdated concepts of leadership. You will find community and new ways of thinking and being alongside other developing and flourishing leaders. You will feel inspired to reimagine how organizations can and should behave in a changing world. Through compelling content, relationship-centered activities, and a delicious lunch, each session of Leadership Deli will leave you with a full mind, heart, and stomach.
Throughout Leadership Deli, you will:
- Develop a vision for the future and support one another in activating these visions.
- Gain new tools and knowledge to improve your leadership skills, tailored to the realities of mission-driven work.
- Cultivate connections with a community of equity and justice-minded leaders in Southeast Michigan.
SESSIONS
Visionary leadership takes insight from across the social sector. Leadership Deli convenes our community’s leading experts to share business and leadership lessons with you. Your facilitators include Collaborative ChangeMakers Counseling, Thrive & Shine Coaching | TNS Consulting, ZingTrain, The Dispute Resolution Center, and NEW.
Orientation & Ways of Being
Friday, August 22nd (08/22/25), 9 am – 1 pm
In this energizing kickoff session, you’ll connect with your cohort, share your hopes for the journey ahead, and begin shaping a shared sense of purpose. Together, we’ll co-create Ways of Being, which are guiding principles that will ground how we show up, relate to one another, and grow in community throughout our time together.
Led by NEW
The Heart of Leadership: Soul Care
Friday, August 29th (08/29/25), 9 am – 1 pm
Strong leadership begins with self-awareness and care. In this session, we’ll ground ourselves in practices that sustain us, because leading well means tending to our own wholeness first. From there, we’ll explore what it means to lead with compassion, create space for others to thrive, and foster cultures of care within our teams. Together, we’ll reflect on what truly matters in our work and how we can pursue it with intention, clarity, and humanity.
Led by Dr. Mishelle Rodriguez from Collaborative ChangeMakers Counseling
Visioning for Collective Liberation
Friday, September 12th (09/12/25), 9 am – 1 pm
In this session, we’ll take intentional time to slow down and engage with the foundational practice of visioning — a powerful act of imagining futures grounded in hope and justice. This is about more than planning; it’s about tapping into your deepest values to craft a personal vision of success—one you can see, feel, and bring to life. Together, we’ll explore how leading with this clarity fuels transformative leadership and builds connections with others committed to collective liberation.
Led by Yodit Mesfin Johnson & NEW
After Hours
Thursday, September 18th (09/18/25), 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Join us for a warm and energizing evening of connection, where past and present cohorts come together to build community, share stories, and celebrate the Leadership Deli journey.
From Vision to Strategy
Friday, September 26th (09/26/25), 9 am – 1 pm
We’ll move from envisioning the future to crafting the strategies and tools needed to make it real. Together, you’ll map your sphere of influence and learn how to communicate your vision with clarity and impact. Hear from Leadership Deli alumni who have advanced their visions of a liberated future since completing the program. Through practice and supportive feedback, you’ll sharpen your ability to inspire others, invite collaboration, and drive meaningful change. This session empowers you to step confidently into your role as a visionary leader
Led by NEW, featuring alum from previous Leadership Deli cohorts
Creating Cultures of Belonging
Friday, October 17th (10/17/25), 9 am – 1 pm
Today’s leaders face profound and urgent questions. How do we unlock the imagination and collective power needed to transform our communities? How do we honor the interconnectedness of our people, our systems, and the planet? And how do we lead in ways that heal harm and move us toward justice, balance, and wholeness?
In this session, we’ll explore what it means to answer the call to higher ground. Together, we’ll engage with principles and practices that foster cultures of learning, courage, and deep care so we can lead with clarity, compassion, and collective purpose.
Led by Sharonda Simmons from Thrive & Shine Coaching | TNS Consulting & NEW
Bottom-Line Change
Friday, October 24th (10/24/25), 9 am – 1 pm
Whether you love it or don’t, you probably agree that change is challenging. Creating it. Having it “done to” you. Making it stick. Helping it work. After learning that there will always be change to deal with, Zingerman’s came up with a recipe – Bottom Line Change® – that they use to roll out all organizational changes, from moving the office printer to opening a new business. Learn the recipe for making change a lot less stressful for all involved and a lot more likely to stick and, best of all, for getting people in the organization rooting for its success!
Led by ZingTrain
Restorative Leadership
Friday, November 7th (11/07/25), 9 am – 1 pm
Conflict is a natural part of working toward justice and liberation, and how we navigate it matters. In this session, we’ll unpack what conflict really is and explore how it shows up within ourselves, between people, and across organizations. Grounded in restorative practices, we’ll reflect on how our identities, values, and lived experiences shape the way we communicate, build trust, and respond to tension. Together, we’ll develop a more compassionate, courageous approach to conflict—one that strengthens relationships and deepens our leadership.
Led by Belinda Dulin from The Dispute Resolution Center & NEW
Vision Forward
Friday, November 21st, (11/21/25), 9 am – 1 pm
In this final, energizing session, we’ll bring everything together. Using tools and insights from earlier sessions, you’ll build your own visionary leadership toolkit and map out next steps to advance your vision both personally and professionally. You’ll also reflect on how Leadership Deli has shaped you and share your hopes for the journey ahead.
Led by NEW
A FEW OF OUR Participating peers- Past & Present
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I know if Leadership DELI is right for me and my organization?
If you have influence and a vision for a just and thriving society, Leadership Deli is for you. Whether you’re a new or experienced leader, working within a nonprofit or community-based organization, or someone ready to challenge outdated leadership models, this program will help you build a vibrant culture of belonging and connect with mission-driven peers.
Open to leaders across Southeast Michigan, each organization can send up to two team members. We believe leadership exists in many forms—whether or not your title says CEO or Executive Director—and we honor the power of influence at every level.
How much does Leadership DELI cost?
We offer a tiered fee structure to honor everyone’s unique financial situation—your ability to pay won’t affect your application.
The true cost per organization is $4,500, but thanks to NEW’s subsidies, you can choose a fee of $3,000, $2,000, $1,000, or an amount that fits your budget.
Your payment supports facilitators, materials, and meals, helping us keep the program high-quality and accessible.
We encourage applicants to seek organizational sponsorship, and if sponsored, you’ll indicate the fee that works best for your organization. If you’re self-funding, reflect on your finances using the ‘Green Bottle Framework’ and select the fee in the application that fits your situation.
How are participants selected?
Applications for the next cohort of Leadership Deli will open on July 8th (07/08/25) at 9am until August 1st (08/01/25) at 9am. Decisions will be shared around August 8th (08/08/25).
Invite two team members to apply! Partnering is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting change. Having a teammate to reflect with strengthens learning during and after the program.
To join, you and your organization must be open to learning, ready to engage deeply, and willing to challenge the status quo together. Full participation is expected to build a strong, supportive community.
In all of our Learning Communities, we prioritize diverse cohorts, centering voices historically excluded or marginalized by race, age, ability, gender, and more. Your identity matters — not as a checkbox, but as part of creating inclusive leadership.
Interested in joining the Leadership Deli community? Click the button below to sign up for updates.
What's the schedule for 2025?
All sessions listed below are required for participants to attend. Sessions will take place in person at NEW, located at 1100 N. Main St. Ann Arbor. Sessions will run from 9 am – 1 pm and include a catered lunch with the cohort from 12 – 1 pm.
| Session | Date |
| Orientation & Ways of Being |
Friday, August 22nd |
|
The Heart of Leadership: Soul Care |
Friday, August 29th |
|
Visioning for Collective Liberation |
Friday, September 12th |
|
After Hours (Social Gathering) |
Thursday, September 18th |
|
From Vision to Strategy |
Friday, September 26th |
|
Creating Cultures of Belonging |
Friday, October 17th |
| Bottom-Line Change |
Friday, October 24th |
| Restorative Leadership |
Friday, November 7th |
|
Vision Forward |
Friday, November 21st |