For Higher Ed and Nonprofit Leaders Ready to Reflect, Reset, and Grow Into 2027

Cultivating Leaders is a small, selective coaching cohort for people who lead a program or team. Six leaders, three months, and a space to look back honestly, set grounded intentions, and grow alongside peers who understand the work.

Apply for a founding seat

Founding cohort pricing ends December 15, 2026. Six seats available.

The Problem

You lead a program or team, and you care deeply about the people in it. You also carry everything your role asks of you: decisions made above you, budgets that fall short of the need, and moments when what you value and what you're asked to do pull in different directions.

By December, most leaders I know are running on what's left. The year moves fast, and reflection gets pushed to someday. Then January arrives with new goals stacked on top of old questions.

You want to grow. You want to be the leader your team can count on. And you need a place to think that lives outside your office, your inbox, and your own head at 11 p.m.

The Stakes

When a new year starts without reflection, last year's patterns follow you into it. The conversations you avoided are still waiting. The values tension you felt in March is still there in December. And the energy you bring to your team keeps coming from a reserve that doesn't refill on its own.

Your team notices. They watch how you handle pressure, how you make decisions, and how you care for yourself. When you grow, they feel it too.

The new year offers a natural fresh start. Cultivating Leaders gives that fresh start a structure, a community, and a plan you can carry through 2027.

Your Guide

I'm Stephanie N. Cuevas, founder of Cultivating Joy Consulting™, a Restorative Culture Consultant, & a Leadership Coach.

I'm Stephanie N. Cuevas, founder of Cultivating Joy Consulting. As Assistant Director of the TRIO McNair Scholars Program at Colorado State University, I learned what it means to lead a program you believe in while holding institutional decisions, student needs, and your own values all at once.

I firmly believe cohort experiences offer a learning opportunity unlike any other. We learn best when we know we each have value to offer and that those around us bring knowledge and perspectives we can grow from. I hope the relationships built in this cohort will follow us long after our time together.

More about Stephanie

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How the Cohort Unfolds

Rooted (late January to early February)

We start by looking back. You'll reflect on what 2026 asked of you, name the values that guided you, and complete your SEIP assessment so we begin with a clear picture of your strengths.

Cultivating (February to March) ‍ ‍

Next, we turn toward intention. You'll decide who you want to be as a leader in 2027 and what you want to grow in your team.

Growing (March to early April)

We put it into practice. You'll build a 90-day growth plan, pair with a peer for accountability, and close the cohort with a commitment you carry forward.

What’s Included

  • Six 90-minute live virtual group sessions on Google Meet, held on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings

  • A 30-minute intake call before we begin

  • Two 60-minute 1:1 coaching sessions with me

  • The Social and Emotional Intelligence Profile (SEIP), a $75 value, with a personal debrief

  • Reflection tools you keep: a Year-in-Review guide, Leadership Values Map, 90-Day Growth Plan, and Leadership Commitment page

  • A peer accountability partner for January and February

  • Email support between sessions

  • An in-person gathering in Denver in April for those who can join

    • You lead a program or team in higher education or a nonprofit

    • You feel the pull between your values and what your role asks of you

    • You're open to reflection, feedback, and new ideas

    • You take responsibility for the people you serve and want to show up well for them

    • You can commit to at least 5 of 6 evening sessions between late January and early April

    • You're looking for a quick fix or a one-time training

    • You're attending because your organization requires it

    • This season doesn't have room for reflection right now, and that's okay

Who It’s For

I built this space with BIPOC leaders and women of color in mind, and every leader who shares these values is welcome.

Founding cohort pricing ends December 15, 2026. Applications close January 8, 2027.

Apply for a founding seat!

Schedule and Investment

Dates:

We begin the week of January 25, 2027, and close the week of April 5, 2027, followed by an in-person social gathering in Denver in mid-April.

Sessions:

Tuesday or Wednesday evenings, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Mountain Time. We'll choose the final evening together as a cohort.

Before we begin:

Intake calls and SEIP assessments take place January 13 to 22, 2027.

Investment:

  • Founding cohort rate: $1,500 when paid in full by December 15, 2026

  • Standard rate: $1,750 when paid in full

  • Payment plan: 3 payments of $625

Using professional development funds? I can invoice your organization or provide a receipt for reimbursement, along with a W-9 or other documentation you need.

Start your application!

How to Apply

Step 1. Submit a short application

It takes about 10 minutes.

Step 2. Schedule a 20-min fit call.

Applications close Jan. 8, 2027

Step 3. Receive your acceptance & secure your seat.

We’ll talk about your leadership, what you hope to gain, and whether this cohort is the right fit for you.

Apply for a founding seat

FAQ

  • Life happens. Let me know ahead of time, and I'll share the materials and reflection prompts so you stay connected to the group. Sessions are not recorded, which protects the confidentiality of everyone in the room.

  • Coaching focuses on your leadership, goals, and growth, and it's distinct from therapy. If something comes up that calls for clinical support, I'll help you find the right resources.

  • The Social and Emotional Intelligence Profile is an online assessment that measures 26 social and emotional intelligence competencies. You'll complete it before your first 1:1 session, and we'll walk through your results together.

  • Yes. I can invoice your organization or provide a receipt so you can request reimbursement. You'll handle the funding request with whoever approves it, and you're welcome to share this page with them.

  • The cohort meets virtually on Google Meet, so you can join from anywhere. The in-person gathering in Denver is a bonus for those who can attend.

  • Yes. When the cohort ends, I can send a completion letter listing the program dates, the components you completed, and your attendance. What you share in sessions and your SEIP results stay confidential.

  • You can receive a full refund through January 15, 2027. After that, refunds aren't available, and if something comes up, you can transfer your seat to a future Cultivating Leaders cohort one time. 

    Once your SEIP assessment link is sent, the $75 assessment fee is non-refundable. If the cohort doesn't run because fewer than four leaders enroll, everyone receives a full refund. Choosing a payment plan is a commitment to the full program fee.

This year taught you something. Let's make space to hear it.

Six seats. Three months. A community of leaders growing with intention.

Founding cohort pricing ends December 15. Applications close January 8.

Apply for a founding seat →