A Pathway to Purposeful Leadership: Cora Castle and the Spur Leaders Network

Leadership does not always begin with a title. Sometimes, it begins with a question: How can I grow into the kind of leader I want to be for my community? For Cora Castle, this question became the catalyst for a journey that would reshape not only her career, but her understanding of impact, service, and possibility. 

When Cora joined the Spur Leaders Networks (SLN), she was already deeply immersed in innovation and early-stage startup work. She did not lack drive or vision–it was simply a clear pathway to structured leadership, particularly within boards and public service, that Cora was in search of. “Outside of my early-stage startup, I had very little formal leadership experience,” Cora reflects. “I’ve always believed leadership is a transferable skill across private, public, and nonprofit spaces.” 

SLN arrived at exactly the right moment. 

A Program That Meets Leaders Where They Are

The Spur Leaders Network is designed for emerging leaders who want to engage more deeply within their communities but may not yet know how to translate that ambition into action. For Cora, SLN provided both clarity and confidence. Through cohort-based learning, board-focused training, and access to leaders across multiple sectors, SLN helped transform leadership from an abstract concept into a practical, achievable skill set. 

“Right before joining SLN, I reached a point in my life where I wanted more shape and meaning in my work and in the legacy I leave behind,” Cora shares. “Board service felt like the right pathway to build that life.”

SLN’s board education and matchmaking initiatives demystified the process. What once felt opaque and intimidating became navigable and empowering. As Cora puts it, it gave her “a foundation of hard and soft skills that shifted the trajectory of [her] life.”

Building Skills That Change Trajectories

The impact of SLN did not end with one board placement for Cora. Instead, it became the foundation for a rapidly expanding leadership journey. Since completing the program, Cora has gone on to serve as “secretary of a nonprofit board, vice chair of a county board, chair of a state commission, and executive director of another nonprofit and [she] was recently hired as campaign treasurer for a statewide race.” 

“Each of these roles grew out of the confidence and competency I built through SLN,” Cora reflects. “At this point, I feel prepared for any leadership role in Delaware, from running a nonprofit to running for governor.”

Today, Cora serves as the Executive Director of DESCA, a nonprofit organization that supports STEM startups through commercialization training, mentorship, and strategic connections. The organization helps innovators move from lab bench to marketplace–turning their research into real-world solutions that improve lives. 

“Leading DESCA feels like stepping into a role that fits the way I naturally think and operate,” says Cora. “The work sits at the intersection of science, startup energy, and community impact, which is where I’m happiest. The pace is intense, but in a way that feels purposeful.”

Why SLN Matters

Cora’s success reflects the broader purpose of the Spur Leaders Network: building a pipeline of prepared, value-driven leaders who are ready to serve in meaningful ways. SLN is not just about teaching how boards function–it’s about helping participants see themselves as leaders capable of shaping systems, influencing policy, and spurring lasting impact. It is also intentionally accessible, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent emerging leaders from stepping into roles where their voices are needed. 

As SLN alumni continue to step into leadership roles across sectors, the ripple effect grows stronger. Cora’s journey is a powerful example of what happens when emerging leaders are given the tools, support, and confidence to act. 

Leadership does not always start with a title–but with the right network, it can lead anywhere. 

###

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.