History

The ELN Journey

Founding (2009-2010)
The Emergent Leaders Network was founded by Daniella Foster and Jean Schindler, friends who met as community college students in California. Each went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees from prestigious universities, but each still regarded their community college as their first alma mater. 

Tired of unending financial pleas from their well-funded degree institutions, they decided to band together and give back to the community college system that is too often ignored by society and, sometimes, its own graduates. 

In 2009, they started the long process of registering ELN with the IRS as a not-for-profit, Non-Stock Corporation, established to work with community colleges, businesses, and community leaders to launch and sustain a network of opportunities for high-potential community college students.  At the end of 2010, the Emergent Leaders Network received its 501(c)3 status from the IRS. Our Federal Tax ID number is 27-5093414.

Established (2011) 
In 2011, ELN went to work fundraising for its first scholarships. ELN also held a career panel focusing on entrepreneurship for local community college students in Washington, DC. In the long term, ELN will combine the power of micro-scholarships, professional networks and mentorship to connect, empower, and develop community college students and alumni in the social science and business fields.

ELN also launched its year-long profile series, Building a Student Leader, which highlighted the careers of successful community college alumni. Visit our Facebook page for a look back on some of these profiles. 

This was also the year that ELN was also thrilled to welcome Janelle Billingslea as Chief Financial Officer; she continues to donate her time and talent to ELN. 

Growing (2013-Present)
ELN fundraising efforts focus on small donations from hundreds of supporters. In 2012-13, ELN established an endowed scholarship at Glendale Community College (GCC) which will provide a yearly scholarship. ELN also presented three one-time scholarships at GCC. Each year, ELN provides scholarships to GCC students. In 2013, ELN  partnered with Northern Virginia Community College to provide book scholarships. ELN remains entirely-volunteer run; no one involved takes any form of compensation from the organization.