Leadership is the heartbeat of a thriving community. When people step into leadership roles, whether in schools, nonprofits, businesses, or civic life, they help guide progress, strengthen partnerships, and inspire others to contribute their talents for the common good. Strong leaders do not just make organizations better; they make communities better. That is why the JF Maddox Foundation continues to invest deeply in leadership development across Lea County.
At the center of this effort is the Maddox Leadership Institute (MLI). Now entering its seventh cohort, MLI brings together local leaders for an intensive nine-month program that blends training, collaboration, and mentorship. Participants are challenged to think differently about leadership, to practice new skills, and to apply those lessons directly to the challenges and opportunities facing our community. Graduates of MLI often go on to serve on nonprofit boards, launch new initiatives, and lead teams that make a measurable difference in Lea County.
But we know that leadership cannot be built through one pathway alone. Every community needs a range of opportunities for people to grow, no matter where they are on their journey. That is why, in addition to MLI, we proudly support additional trainings that address specific skills leaders need to succeed.
One recent example is a workshop hosted by AmPhil, which focused on grant writing and the vital role of donors in sustaining community projects and nonprofits. Understanding donor relationships is not just about fundraising—it is about building trust, communicating impact, and ensuring that the causes we care about have the resources to endure. By equipping leaders with these tools, we help them steward their organizations with integrity and long-term vision.
We are also introducing the Change Readiness Index, a nationally recognized tool that helps leaders and organizations assess their ability to adapt and respond in times of change. In today’s fast-shifting world, leaders must be agile, open to innovation, and resilient in the face of uncertainty. The Change Readiness Index gives leaders a framework to measure where they are and where they need to grow, so they can guide their teams and organizations more effectively.
Taken together, these efforts represent a multi-faceted approach to leadership development. Some programs dive deep, like MLI, preparing individuals for long-term leadership roles. Others, like AmPhil’s grant-writing training or the Change Readiness Index, offer targeted skills and tools that leaders can apply both immediately and through thoughtful strategic planning for long-term sustainability. Together, they form a network of opportunities that strengthen the leadership ecosystem of Lea County.
At the JF Maddox Foundation, we believe that leadership development is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Communities face complex challenges: economic shifts, educational needs, health and wellness concerns, and the ongoing demand for civic engagement. Meeting these challenges requires leaders who are not only passionate but also prepared. By investing in people, we invest in the future of Lea County.
Kawin Nunnery is a Program Officer at the JF Maddox Foundation, a family foundation in Lea County, New Mexico. Alongside its partners, the foundation invests in education, social services, and community development for a greater quality of life for Lea County residents.
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