About this event

Philanthropy is at a turning point. Right now, our sector’s senior leaders face complex challenges – deepening inequities, shifting expectations around justice and transparency, sector-wide burnout, rapid technological change, as well as the urgent call to reimagine how philanthropy shows up for the communities we serve.  

The future of our sector depends on bold, equity-driven leadership. The FutureMakers Cohort gives leaders the tools, insights, relationships and development they need to meet today’s challenges and guide philanthropy toward a more courageous, innovative and community-centered future.

By the end of the nine-month program, participants will have:  

  • A clear and compelling leadership narrative rooted in your personal mission
  • Strengthened coaching and empathy-based leadership skills
  • Strategic networks to help you advance equity and social change
  • Tools to navigate complexity and lead across lines of difference
  • An actionable, values-aligned leadership plan to guide ongoing growth 

Dr. Robin Martin will lead this cohort through The Navigating Courage™ curriculum — which was created in response to a growing need for practical support to help leaders and organizations embrace courage, build connection and amplify impact. Grounded in the African philosophy of "Ubuntu" – "I am because you are" – the approach revolves around personal and global accountability, truth, non-judgmental respect, candid dialogues and fostering deep relationships within broader social circles.

This cohort is a high-impact, hybrid experience — blending virtual touchpoints with immersive in-person gatherings — designed to build strong connections, spark new ideas and equip leaders to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.  

Cohort Exclusive Perks

  • Three executive coaching sessions with Dr. Martin: Each participant will receive individual executive coaching sessions with Dr. Martin, a master-level certified executive coach and leadership and strategy expert.  
  • One complimentary PNW26 Conference registration: Cohort registration also includes full access to our PNW26 Conference in Anchorage, Alaska.
  • Opportunities to spotlight your voice and work to the Philanthropy Northwest network 

Who Should Apply?

  • This cohort is for staff of philanthropic organizations who hold a senior leadership role in their organization. You do not need to be a Philanthropy Northwest member to participate in the cohort.     
  • Participant job titles will vary. This is not an exhaustive list, but some examples are vice president, chief operating officer, senior director, senior program officer and chief of staff.
  • Participants should be individuals who are responsible for a function or department in an organization and may supervise staff.   
  • Participants are required to attend three in-person retreats and five virtual sessions of learning with their fellow cohort peers.  
  • This cohort is not open to CEOs or to trustees of philanthropic organizations. 

Registration

Interested individuals will need to fill out an application to be part of the cohort. The application window is now closed.

Sessions

February 5-6, 2026 

In-Person Retreat in Seattle, WA 

Session 1: Foundations of Courageous Leadership 
This transformative opening retreat is designed to create community, build trust, and set the tone for deep personal and professional growth. Cohort members will explore empathy, self-awareness, and interdependence through guided reflection and relationship-building activities.  
March 11, 2026 
Virtual Session 		Session 2: Crafting the Story of Self – Public Narrative for Social Change 
Cohort members will apply Marshall Ganz’s framework to craft their “Story of Self,” linking values and life experiences to their leadership goals.  
April 8, 2026 
Virtual Session 		Session 3: Executive Coaching I and Peer Learning – Aligned Leadership 
This individual and peer coaching session will focus on aligning personal values with leadership strategy. Cohort members will begin building integrated plans for personal and professional growth while also developing coaching skills to mentor others.  
May 13, 2026 
Virtual Session 		Session 4: Be in Community – Strategic Relationships for Change 
This session reimagines networks as tools for advancing equity and systemic change. Through a community mapping exercise and peer dialogue, participants will identify strategic connections and opportunities to expand their influence and collective power.  
​​June 18-19, 2026 
​In-Person Retreat, ​Location TBD​ 		Session 5: Leading Through Stakeholder Engagement and Generational Wisdom 
This in-person session will be anchored by real-world case studies and panel discussions. Cohort members will reflect on stakeholder dynamics, power and generational leadership challenges within philanthropy, gaining practical tools for navigating complexity with clarity and compassion.  
July 22, 2026 
Virtual Session 		Session 6: Be Curious 
This session centers on developing curiosity as a core leadership skill. Cohort members will explore the power of inquiry, vulnerability and reflection in driving innovation and building inclusive teams.
September 2, 2026 
Virtual Session 		Session 7: Executive Coaching II – Empowered and Reflective Leadership 
This second round of individualized coaching will focus on deepening cohort member’s growth, with a continued focus on developing coaching practices, managing teams and fostering inclusive work cultures. Members will refine their strategic plans and reflect on how to sustain courage over time. 
October 5, 2026 
In-Person Retreat in Anchorage, AK (Before the PNW26 Conference)		Session 8: Final Celebration and Commitment 
The closing retreat will be both a celebration and a launching point. Cohort members will share 3-D visual representations of their aspirational best selves and co-create accountability plans for the next phase of their leadership journeys.  

Each virtual session will run ​from 9 am - 12 pm  PT.  The third and final executive coaching session will be scheduled with each participant.

Pricing 

  • Member Rate: $3,850
  • Non-Member Rate: $5,950

Travel and lodging for in-person retreats is not included in the registration fee.

We understand that financial constraints can sometimes pose a barrier to participation. To support access to the cohort, we offer a limited number of scholarships. We encourage anyone who may benefit from financial assistance to apply for a scholarship in their application.

We also created a “making the case” email template to help potential applicants advocate for participation with their organization.

Facilitator

Robin Martin, President and CEO of Navigating Courage wearing a sleeveless dark V-neck top and a chunky geometric necklace, posed against a plain white background with one arm crossed and the other raised holding the edge of her glasses.

Robin Martin

President and CEO, Navigating Courage

Dr. Robin Martin is the president and CEO of Navigating Courage, a trailblazer with over 20 years of experience leading people and organizations in social impact investment-making and higher education. With a strong focus on seamlessly integrating diversity, equity and inclusion with strategy and leadership development, Dr. Martin is dedicated to creating transformative change. As a strategic thinker, systems builder and catalyst for change, Dr. Martin has excelled in fast-paced and highly effective roles, from the courtside to executive boardrooms. Her impressive background includes serving as the former deputy director of strategy, planning and management at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, associate provost for diversity, equity and inclusion at the University of Cincinnati, director of athletics, associate provost and tenure-track faculty member. Additionally, she is a master-level certified executive coach, leveraging her expertise to empower individuals and organizations. Drawing upon her extensive research and real-life experiences, Dr. Martin’s strategic design-thinking approach resonates deeply, making her a sought-after speaker and strategic partner – captivating audiences and motivating a wide range of listeners. Dr. Martin holds a doctoral degree in Urban Education Leadership from the University of Cincinnati. In 2018, she published the book "Navigating Courage: Leading Beyond Fear," which combines personal narratives, academic research and insights to address the pressing challenges of our time while embracing humanism. With her vast expertise and passion for transformative leadership, Dr. Robin Martin continues to make a significant impact in empowering organizations and individuals to navigate complex landscapes with courage and compassion.

Please contact Nancy Sanabria with any questions.

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