Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Linda Cunning.
Hi Dr. Linda, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
New Horizons of SWFL’s mission is to empower under-resourced youth to reach their full potential through tutoring, mentoring and faith and character building.
New Horizons of Southwest Florida successfully changes the lives of under-resourced K-12 students by providing tutoring, mentoring, faith and character-building programs at its trusted neighborhood clubs.
It is the vision of New Horizons of SWFL to see all under-resourced youth complete high school with a plan for the future to become contributing members of society.
New Horizons of SWFL began in 2002 when Ellen Nichols, an elementary school teacher, recognized the tremendous need to provide extra support to students from non-English speaking homes whose families lack the resources to support their education. Since there was not enough time to provide students with extra help during school hours, New Horizons of SWFL was born. From its small beginnings with 20 students attending a single program at one location, New Horizons has grown to offer seven educational programs and a student choir to hundreds of students at eight locations that are near where students live and go to school.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We offer our programming at no cost to students’ families and completely rely on the generosity of donors to continue bringing vital tutoring and mentoring to students who need it most. New Horizons stayed a small grass-roots size organization for many years and then had a growth spurt in 2017. Much needed programs were started, yet, dependance on many donors makes New Horizons vulnerable to the ebbs and flows of donor generosity and financial markets volatility.
New Horizons uses our strategic plan to guide us as we organize fundraisers, write grants and work with our community of supporters to raise funding necessary to offer our programs. We actively seek ongoing partnerships who can provide resources, facilities and volunteers to ensure the programs’ ongoing success.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My bio: Linda M Cunning, Ph.D. is the CEO of New Horizons of SWFL. Dr. Cunning has served, lead and consulted to a variety of nonprofit organizations over the years. Dr. Cunning has expertise in leadership, strategic planning, education, anti-poverty programs, Christian and faith-based instruction, donor-philanthropy and organizational leadership. Known for compassionate and inspirational encouragement and vision-casting, yet, she understands research, analytics, processes and a keen eye in organizational structures and systems to problem-solve and build best-practices. She has written articles, books, and curriculum to build others in their life and work. Dr. Cunning has multiple certifications as well as a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Masters in organizational leadership, plus degrees in family-life education and early childhood education.
I am extremely proud of the people, students, parents and staff that I get to serve. It is an honor to serve our community in such an impactful way.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Multi-faceted is the word I would use to express what has been important in my success. Gone are the days where a nonprofit leader can be highly trained in just one area. The resources and support staff are nearly impossible to find and afford. Having a strategic, energetic, multiple skills and abilities has been necessary for leading in this environment.
Pricing:
- There is no cost to our parents and students who want to participate in our programs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.newhorizonsofswfl.org
