Chapter Leadership Institute

"Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected."--Steve Jobs

Current CLI Participants: Please use the tabs above to access current class materials.

The mission of the National Federation of the Blind is carried out through various divisions, committees, and affiliates. But make no mistake. The backbone of the Federation is made up of its local chapters. Effective chapters introduce the greater community to our positive blindness philosophy, recruit and retain active members, and engage external partners to carry our collective work forward.

The inaugural class of the NFBV Chapter Leadership Institute (CLI) kicked off at our state convention in November 2018. Representatives from the Virginia chapters underwent a number of tasks to develop them as individuals and as future leaders in their local communities. When the program began, they had little idea what to expect. They only knew they would be pushed out of their comfort zones and forced to meet their personal and professional insecurities head on. Together, as one team, they grew in exceptional ways, and the benefits of their collective strength have filtered down to their local chapters, where their talents are needed most.

The third cohort is underway, and the leadership we are forging is more potent than ever.

Current Roster

• Diana Oliveira: Potomac Chapter
• Chimere Roberts: Richmond Chapter
• Marie presume: Blind Parents Group
• Sean McMahon: Potomac Chapter
• Dick Byrne: Fredericksburg Chapter
• Renee F. Valdez: Greater Alexandria Chapter
• Lois Fritz: Peninsula Chapter
• Jennifer Rae Blinsmon: Tidewater Chapter
• Annie Ascher: Chesapeake Bay Chapter
• Michael David Kitchens II: Tidewater Chapter
• Jimmy Lee Morris Jr.: Richmond Chapter
• Bobbie (Roberta) Cohen : Fairfax Chapter
• Jacki Bruce: Williamsburg Chapter

For Further Information

Contact:

Joe Orozco, Co-Coordinator, or Domonique Lawless, Co-Coordinator