Emerging Leaders Mentorship Program

The Emerging Leaders Mentorship Program pairs seasoned land bank leaders with emerging leaders seeking guidance in their roles.

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Program Overview

New land bank leaders are often forced to learn on the fly and solve their community’s vacant property challenges on their own. The National Land Bank Network (NLBN) Emerging Leaders Mentorship Program helps these new professionals grow their expertise and form a deep connection with an experienced thought partner, fostering long-term collaboration and insight sharing across the field

The ideal mentees are individuals with less than 5 years of experience in the land banking field and newer to a leadership role who want to learn from experienced mentors who have successfully navigated similar paths.

The ideal mentors are leaders with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the land banking field who are eager to provide insight and advice to propel their mentees' growth.

Questions? Reach out to Kira Carney, Program Officer, Education, Leadership, and Engagement, at [email protected].

Participant Expectations

  • Complete a Participant Agreement form.
  • Coordinate a meeting schedule and preferred method of contact.
  • Meet virtually for at least one hour once per month for program duration (May–November 2026). Additional meetings are up to the discretion of mentee and mentor but strongly encouraged.
  • Cultivate an environment of professionalism, trust, and respect.
  • Adhere to the meeting guidance documents provided by NLBN.
  • Attend virtual meetings with other mentorship program participants hosted by NLBN.
  • Successfully complete agreed-upon obligations by the end of program.
  • Participate in any follow-up surveys and/or phone calls throughout and following program completion and provide feedback/testimonials where applicable.
2026 Key Program Dates
April 3, 2026 Applications due at 5:00 PM ET.
April 13, 2026 All mentees and mentors matched.
April 20, 2026 All mentee and mentors introduced via email.
April 27, 2026 Virtual meet and greet and program overview.
May–November 2026 Monthly mentor-mentee meetings.
September 23, 2026 In-person gathering (for those attending the Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference only).
November 23, 2026 Wrap-up call with program participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions? Reach out to Kira Carney, Program Officer, Education, Leadership, and Engagement, at [email protected].

Questions?

Reach out to Kira Carney, Program Officer, Education, Leadership, and Engagement, at [email protected].

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