Valleywise Health Foundation is accepting applications for the next class of mentees for their Emerging Leaders program. The mentorship program provides local young professionals (35 or under) from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to be paired with community leaders who can mentor and support their path to improve community health through volunteerism, philanthropy and leadership.

Launched in February 2021, Emerging Leaders has now ‘graduated’ its inaugural class and is excited to build on the programs successful first year. Through monthly professional development sessions, individual meetings and community outings, the inaugural year was capped off with a “shark tank” style fundraising competition focused on reaching Millennial donors.

“We were truly inspired by the innovation and insight our mentees brought to the table when trying to solve this very real issue for nonprofits of all sizes,” says Liz Agboola, Emerging Leaders Program Chair and Valleywise Health Foundation board member. “By bringing these mentors and mentees together through the Emerging Leaders Program, Valleywise Health Foundation has opened new opportunities to support public health initiatives while inspiring these young people to do great things in their careers and personal philanthropic paths.”

The winning project from the inaugural Emerging Leaders class is a groundbreaking NFT drop mixing new technology with philanthropy. The result is the Foundation’s recent Viva Muertos fundraiser, their first-ever digital art fundraiser featuring hand drawn artwork from local Phoenix artist Lalo Cota. All funds raised from the NFT drop go to support Valleywise Health’s Family Learning Centers, where families receive resources, education and more to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy.

“We are so thankful for Patti Gentry and Liz Agboola’s leadership in getting this program off the ground,” says Nate Lowrie, Valleywise Health Foundation CEO. “Valleywise Health is known for their exceptional care to vulnerable and diverse populations and Emerging Leaders has opened the eyes of those involved that they can make a difference in the health of our communities, through their creativity and innovation and we look forward to big things from our next class.”

Mentee participation in Emerging Leaders requires a $2,500 sponsorship and a “give or get” a minimum donation of $500 to Valleywise Health Foundation. To find out more about the criteria to qualify for Emerging Leaders to apply to the program, visit valleywiseleaders.org/apply-mentee.