Human + AI Leadership Lab

Lead with confidence in an AI-driven world

A leadership lab for senior nonprofit leaders navigating the strategic, ethical, and human impact of AI.

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Starting July 29, 2026
Virtual + In-person

Skills for Change gratefully acknowledges the support of the Elevating Human Capabilities Fund (EHC Fund) in making this program possible.

What is the Human + AI Leadership Lab?

The Human + AI Leadership Lab is a leadership development experience designed for senior nonprofit leaders navigating AI's growing role in their organizations. 

Rather than focusing on tools or technical skills, the Lab centres on what matters most at the leadership level - strategy, ethics, governance, and culture. 

Participants build the confidence and clarity to make informed, values-aligned decisions about AI adoption, ensuring that innovation strengthens rather than compromises equity, trust, and human dignity. 

Why This Lab Matters

AI is already reshaping how organizations operate, but nonprofit leaders are being asked to respond without clear frameworks. 

This Lab is designed to help you: 

  • Navigate AI without losing sight of your mission and values 

  • Balance innovation with accountability and risk 

  • Lead your teams through change with clarity and confidence 

  • Make informed decisions that protect trust, equity, and community impact 

What Makes it Different

Human-centred approach: Grounded in human-centred leadership for AI adoption

Sector-specific: Built for nonprofit and workforce development contexts 

Decision-making lens: Practical frameworks for real organizational challenges 

Leadership-level learning: Designed for those shaping strategy, culture, and risk

Peer-driven experience: Learn alongside other senior leaders facing similar pressures

The Leaders We Built This For

This Lab is designed for senior leaders with decision-making authority who are navigating AI’s impact on their organizations. 

  • Executive Directors, CEOs, VPs, Directors, and Senior Managers.

  • Leaders in workforce development, adult education, literacy, training, and human potential organizations.

  • Organizations serving equity-deserving communities

  • Leaders with 2–9 years of leadership or management experience.

Note: No technical AI expertise required.

What You’ll Gain

What you’ll walk away with:

  • Strategic clarity – Understand AI’s implications for your organization and sector 

  • Leadership confidence – Lead human-centred change in uncertain environments 

  • Practical frameworks – Apply AI thinking to strategy, programs, policy, and culture 

  • Ethical grounding – Navigate governance, risk, and equity considerations 

  • Peer network – Build relationships with like-minded nonprofit leaders 

Highlights

Designed for Senior Nonprofit Leaders

No technical AI experience required 

Includes live sessions + immersive in-person retreat 

Program Experience

 What the experience includes:

  • Live workshops and facilitated sessions

  • Self-paced online learning

  • A two-day, overnight relational leadership retreat

  • Reflection, peer exchange, and knowledge-sharing activities

Note: Participants are expected to commit to full participation.

Curriculum

What you’ll explore:

  • AI in the nonprofit sector: Opportunities and risks 

  • Ethics, governance, and accountability in AI adoption 

  • Human-centred leadership in times of change 

  • Aligning AI with organizational strategy and mission 

  • Leading culture shifts and workforce readiness 

  • Applying AI insights to programs, policy, and operations 

  • Google AI Professional Certification (Self-paced) 

Course Timeline

Title Date Time Format
Call for applications June 15, 2026 Online
Deadline for applications (Extended) July 12, 2026 Online
Selected participants notified by email July 16, 2026 Online
Deadline for Confirmation and Payment July 22, 2026 Online
Orientation to Google AI Professional Certificate July 29, 2026 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Virtual
Cohort Meet-and-Greet August 12, 2026 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. In-person
Workshop 1 August 20, 2026 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Virtual
Workshop 2 September 10, 2026 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Virtual
Workshop 3 September 24, 2026 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Virtual
Retreat October 5 and 6, 2026 All day In-person
Cohort Wrap-Up November 11, 2026 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. In-person

Please note that in-person sessions will take place in Toronto. While select meals and retreat accommodations are provided, participants are responsible for all other travel-related expenses.

Our Selection Approach

The Human + AI Leadership Lab is designed to bring together a diverse and engaged cohort of senior leaders who are committed to exploring the opportunities and challenges of AI in the nonprofit sector.

Applications will be reviewed holistically and assessed against the following criteria:

  • Organizational Alignment (25%)

  • Leadership Role & Influence (20%)

  • Readiness to Integrate AI and Human Skills (20%)

  • Organizational & Community Impact (20%)

  • Commitment & Feasibility (15%)

Equity considerations are prioritized throughout the selection process to help ensure a diverse cohort of leaders and organizations.

How to Apply

  • Part 1


    Submit a Short Video Introduction

    Record a brief 1–2 minute video introducing yourself, your leadership role, and your interest in participating in the Human + AI Leadership Lab.

  • Part 2


    Complete the Application Form

    Answer a series of questions about your leadership experience, organizational impact, and interest in human-centred AI leadership.

Apply Now

Please note: A complete application includes both the video introduction and the written application form. 

Fees & Commitment

Program fee:

  • Upon acceptance into the program, participating organizations will be asked to pay a registration fee of $500.00

Note: Full participation across all components is expected. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Elevating Human Capabilities Fund (EHC Fund) invests in organizations and initiatives that strengthen human capabilities, build responsible AI fluency, and expand the agency of people and communities to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological world. 

    The ECF was established by Zabeen Hirji, former Chief Human Resources Officer at RBC.

  • No. This Lab is designed for leaders, no technical expertise needed. 

  • The Lab includes live workshops and facilitated sessions, self-paced online learning, and a two-day, overnight relational leadership retreat, with opportunities for reflection, peer exchange, and knowledge-sharing throughout.

    The Human + AI Leadership Lab is delivered through a combination of virtual and in-person sessions. Participants should be prepared to engage in both online learning activities and in-person program components throughout the experience.

    All in-person components of the program will take place in Toronto, Ontario. These include the program meet-and-greet and leadership retreat, along with any other designated in-person activities.

    The program will cover:

    • Food and refreshments during the meet-and-greet

    • Accommodation and meals during the leadership retreat

    Participants are responsible for all other expenses associated with attending in-person activities, including:

    • Travel to and from Toronto

    • Local transportation

    • Any additional accommodations required outside of the retreat

    • Incidental or personal expenses

    Please ensure you can meet these travel requirements before applying to the program.

  • Participants are expected to fully participate in all sessions, learning activities, and the retreat. The Program runs between July and November. 

  • Nonprofit organizations in workforce development, adult education, literacy, and related sectors.

  • The Lab is intentionally designed to ensure a strong, engaged cohort of senior leaders.

  • Participants leave with actionable insights and meaningful connections to apply their learning within their organizations and across the sector. Opportunities to stay engaged—such as alumni connections or a mentor–alumni network—will be explored, building on the experience of the first cohort.

Ready to lead AI with intention and impact? 

Join a cohort of nonprofit leaders shaping how AI is adopted—thoughtfully, ethically, and with people at the centre.

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