Jugaad Leadership Program

“Jugaad” is a Hindi and Punjabi word meaning “innovation.” 

Since 2015, the Jugaad Leadership Program has committed to Train, Place and Connect emerging BIPOC leaders to be advocates and change-makers in the St. Cloud Community- and beyond.

So, what does innovation look like at Jugaad? 

It means we listen to our emerging leaders and create programming that is relevant and meaningful to them. As an organization led by and for people of color, a cornerstone of Jugaad’s programming is ownership.                                                                                     Empowered leaders who have a stake in their community- and the means to act - are able to make a difference. 

Jugaad's core program is a 7-month leadership program where we convene a cohort of BIPOC leaders to grow in community with one another- and to build further connections in St. Cloud. 

Together, we provide instruction in the following skills: 

Communication 

Leveraging community assets

Civic Engagement

Financial Literacy

Resume writing and interviewing

Strategic thinking & planning

Jugaad is changing the face of leadership in St. Cloud. 

Our leaders have global perspectives and come from many countries. Bringing diverse groups together through this program creates opportunities for intercultural dialog and relationship building in addition to providing a resource for equity and diversity for St. Cloud organizations and community groups. 

Jugaad Alumni currently or previously served in the following roles:

City of St. Cloud Police Citizens Review Board  •  Great Theatre Board  •  Light the Legacy Board  •  Metro Bus Riders Advisory Committee • Americorps Vista City of St. Cloud  •  Internships with the City of St. Cloud  •  St. Cloud Youth Commission  •  St. Cloud State University Student Government •  Anna Marie’s Alliance Board  •  Jugaad Leadership Program Advisory Board  •  St. Cloud Charter Commission  •  Tedx St. Cloud Planning Team •  United Way Board  •  Great River Regional Library Board

Community-focused programs need community support, and now is the time that we need our community to show up! 

This year, our Give to the Max Day goal is to engage individual donors. 

It will take 30 individual donors to grow our community of support for Jugaad. 

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation in any amount that feels right for you. 

Your gift will continue to make a difference for our next generation of leaders. 

We are honored to work together and grateful to receive your generosity!