A Partnership for Impact: How Sharmina Ellis and SLN Are Shaping Future Leaders
Leading With Impact Across Generations
Sharmina Ellis, board member of Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay (GSCB) and Executive Director of EDGE For Tomorrow, achieves professional and personal gratification through cultivating the environments of future change-makers; this goal is accomplished through supporting our communities' youth in various aspects. Ellis ascertained her role at GSCB by taking advantage of the Spur Leaders Network (SLN) program.
Hope As a Catalyst for Change
According to Ellis, “Spur Impact champions spaces where people can grow, connect, and lead. Their ability to spotlight emerging voices and cultivate pathways for service is exceptional, and it is one of the many reasons Spur Impact stands out as a leader in Delaware’s nonprofit sector.” Ellis exercising SLN’s organization was a mutually beneficial relationship that went on to positively influence the community at large. Ellis works to inspire confident leadership and honorable mentalities in adolescents, with an emphasis on girls and young women, while simultaneously attempting to obtain increased resources and programming to provide equitable access to opportunities. One of Ellis’ main pillars for success is hope: a concept those operating in the nonprofit sector understand is a catalyst for transformation.
How Has SLN Influenced Personal and Professional Endeavors?
When it comes to Ellis’ position with GSCB, “Board service has strengthened my governance expertise, expanded my leadership lens, and connected me with a network of exceptional individuals committed to service. Personally, it has reaffirmed my belief in mentorship, community uplift, and the importance of investing in young leaders.” While Ellis has an obvious impact on children and young adults, her impact reaches all ages. She pursued board service with the desire to empower girls of all ages by demonstrating the power of female-led leadership, a decision that has communicated to all women who hear her story that they too can hold positions of authority if they work hard and believe in their cause.
Aligned Visions for Statewide Impact
As for why Ellis chose Spur Leaders Network to assist her in enacting change, “The vision and statewide influence align beautifully with my passion for community and leadership development. Spur Impact has created a dynamic ecosystem that elevates nonprofits, develops emerging leaders, and strengthens Delaware’s social impact landscape. Their culture of collaboration, innovation, and empowerment deeply resonates with me. I am honored to be connected to such meaningful work and to contribute to a movement that empowers people to serve with intention and impact.” Spur Leader’s Network is lucky to have revolutionary mentors such as Sharmina Ellis utilizing Spur Impact’s reach to connect the right people with the right nonprofit, solidifying a partnership that is evolutionary to the Delawarean community landscape.
###
About the Spur Leaders Network
Launched in 2023, the Spur Leaders Network, an initiative of Spur Impact, connects nonprofits with prepared, mission-driven leaders ready to serve and make an impact. The program supports nonprofits seeking skilled board members while helping professionals grow personally and professionally through service. Through training, peer learning, and thoughtful matching, participants build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to lead effectively. Nonprofits gain access to emerging and experienced leaders who can contribute right away and over the long term. Together, this work is helping build a more connected, inclusive, and resilient nonprofit community across Delaware.
