Overview

Imagine a workplace where every leader thrives, not just survives. At the heart of such an environment is a commitment to wellbeing—an essential ingredient for transformative leadership. This is especially important in the nonprofit sector, where research shows that 60% of leaders are at risk of burnout due to immense pressure and lack of resources. 

To help address this persistent challenge, the NLC continues to partner with Creative Praxis to deliver wellbeing support for NLC leaders and teams. Creative Praxis is an arts-based, healing-centered, and joy-filled training organization dedicated to cultivating spaces for liberation in both theory and practice. They are one of the most sought-after facilitators, learning designers and wellbeing experts in the Greater Philadelphia area, specializing in support for educators, nonprofit leaders, community members and beyond.

Creative Praxis employs a whole-person approach, integrating participants' identities, histories, and core values into every experience. Their workshops and retreats blend art-based and somatic-centered methods with evidence-based practices. Participants explore and integrate essential tools and strategies that infuse wellbeing into the fabric of their life. By prioritizing wellbeing, leaders are equipped to inspire and drive change within themselves and their organizations.

Structure

Participants

The NLC Wellbeing Retreat is open to senior leaders and staff from Philadelphia nonprofits that are past or present grantees of the Barra Foundation, sponsored by another foundation or organization, or who pay a membership fee. Leaders can register through a registration portal provided by NLC program staff. If you have questions about eligibility or are interested in an NLC membership, reach out to impact-ed@sas.upenn.edu for more information. 

Schedule

The 2-day, in-person wellbeing retreat will be held on Thursday, November 6th and Friday, November 7th, 2025 at The Fitler Club. The retreat coincides with the city-wide “Call to Wellness” for nonprofits, hosted in partnership with the Center for Leadership Equity at the United Way. The retreat will be in-person and participants should expect two full days of engagement.