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.
Founding cohort pricing ends November 13. Six seats available.
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LOGO
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 the year closes without reflection, the same patterns follow you into the next one. 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.
This season offers a natural pause. Cultivating Leaders gives that pause a structure, a community, and a plan you can carry into 2027.
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Flexible, expert advice when you need it. Book hourly support across a range of topics—from planning to problem-solving. This focused consultation will help clarify your goals, map out next steps, and identify opportunities for growth.
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Flexible, expert advice when you need it. Book hourly support across a range of topics—from planning to problem-solving. This focused consultation will help clarify your goals, map out next steps, and identify opportunities for growth.
-
Flexible, expert advice when you need it. Book hourly support across a range of topics—from planning to problem-solving. This focused consultation will help clarify your goals, map out next steps, and identify opportunities for growth.
-
Flexible, expert advice when you need it. Book hourly support across a range of topics—from planning to problem-solving. This focused consultation will help clarify your goals, map out next steps, and identify opportunities for growth.
Past Project
Your Guide
I'm Stephanie N. Cuevas, founder of Cultivating Joy Consulting™, a Restorative Culture Consultant, and a Leadership Coach.
I spent more than 12 years in higher education, most recently as Assistant Director of the TRIO McNair Scholars Program at Colorado State University. I know what it's like to lead a program you believe in while holding the weight of institutional decisions, student needs, and your own values all at once.
I built this cohort for leaders like the ones I worked alongside: people who show up for their teams and are ready to give themselves the same care. My work is grounded in restorative practice, equity-centered facilitation, and the belief that joy is a practice worth protecting, especially for leaders of color and women of color doing mission-driven work.
I firmly believe that cohort experiences provide an expansive learning opportunity unlike any other. We learn best when we enter spaces knowing we each have value to offer and that those around us also bring knowledge, guidance, and perspectives we can learn and grow from. Being in community and committing to cultivating a collaborative learning experience for all is transformative by design. I hope the relationships built in this cohort will follow us long after our time together.
I'm a certified administrator of the Social and Emotional Intelligence Profile (SEIP) and hold the CDP credential, along with training in restorative justice facilitation.
A bold reimagining of a timeless brand.
How the Cohort Unfolds
Rooted (December)
Together, we outline a path forward that’s realistic, strategic, and tailored to your specific needs.
Cultivating (January)
You’re part of the process. We keep communication open and decisions shared—no black boxes or surprises.
What’s Included
Growing (February)
Every project is different. We stay flexible and responsive to make sure the process fits your flow—not the other way around.
Six 90-minute live virtual group sessions on Google Meet, held 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 March for those who can join
Who It’s For
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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 December and February
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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
I built this space with BIPOC leaders and women of color in mind, and every leader who shares these values is welcome.
Schedule and Investment
Dates:
We begin the week of December 7, 2026, and close the week of February 22, 2027, followed by an in-person social gathering in Denver in early March.
Sessions:
Tuesday or Wednesday evenings, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Mountain Time. We'll choose the final evening together as a cohort.
Winter break:
No sessions from December 21 through January 8.
Investment:
Founding cohort rate: $1,500 when paid in full by November 13
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.
Integrated Solutions for Complex Needs
We align technical insight with disciplined execution to provide measurable gains across operational, financial, and strategic domains.
01
Submit a short application.
It takes about 10 minutes.
02
Schedule a 20-minute fit call with me.
We'll talk about your leadership, what you hope to gain, and whether this cohort is the right fit for you.
03
Receive your acceptance and secure your seat.
Applications close Nov. 20th.
Let’s Work TogetherIf you're interested in working with us, complete the form with a few details about your project. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.