Community Leaders Network

Launched in 2021, the Community Leaders Network (CLN) is OgdenCAN’s flagship program supporting residents of Ogden’s East Central Neighborhood as community leaders and changemakers.

CLN is a paid, seven-month fellowship that builds leadership skills through civic engagement, community organizing, and collaboration with neighbors, community partners, and local government. Fellows learn through a mix of guided learning sessions and hands-on community projects grounded in asset-based, place-based approaches.

Each fellow leads a community project aligned with one or more of OgdenCAN’s Five Community Pillars of Health—Community Connection, Healthy Lifestyles, Safe and Strong Neighborhoods, Vibrant Economy, and Lifelong Learning. Cohorts also participate in a group project in partnership with local organizations, strengthening neighborhood networks and demonstrating the impact of resident-led solutions.

  • Current Cohort #5 (2026

    Cohort #5 is bringing neighbors together to create a more connected, creative, safe, East Central through projects that strengthen public spaces, relationships, and community-led visioning.
    Shardae is working to improve cleanliness and safety at Monroe Park.

    • Megan is bridging connections between Spanish-speaking and English-speaking residents.
    • Avery is bringing people together to shape a more vibrant and inclusive night culture in Ogden.
    • Alice is advancing active transportation and community health in partnership with The Bicycle Collective.
    • Tiffany is creating opportunities for parents of young children to connect and support one another.


    Group Project: Community-Centered Master Planning
    In partnership with First Presbyterian Church of Ogden, fellows are supporting a community-driven vision to transform the church facility into a neighborhood-centered community space. This project ensures resident voices are central while providing fellows with experience in community engagement and development.

  • Cohort #4 (2025)

    Cohort #4 is focused on activating community spaces, strengthening connection, and expanding opportunities for youth and neighbors.
    Adrianna activated the Dumke Arts Plaza through a Winter Solstice gathering and continues to lead community breakfasts, potlucks, and neighborhood Walk ‘n’ Talks.

    • Leon is transforming Dumke Arts Plaza into a creative hub through pop-up galleries, art shows, and fashion events.
    • Annie is building connection through youth activity groups and created a “Today in Ogden” platform to increase access to community events.
    • Maisie is strengthening support for Harambee youth through mentorship, transportation solutions, youth councils, and creative programming including Maker’s Day and a Juneteenth art exhibit.

     

    Group Project: Dumke Arts Plaza Activation
    In partnership with the Browning Design Lab, fellows are activating the Dumke Arts Plaza through art markets, performances, classes, and community events—creating a space shaped by and for the neighborhood.

 

  • Cohort #3 (2024)

    Cohort #3 deepened CLN’s impact through projects focused on stability, access to information, and community well-being.

    • Mayelyn partnered with the Family Crisis Center to create an ongoing series of Spanish-language life skills classes to help prevent family crisis.
    • Camila developed a clear, accessible online guide to renter laws for the East Central community.
    • Tonilyn expanded a youth football program to provide year-round physical activity, mentorship, and connection.
    • Belal used his coding skills to create an AI housing support tool for eviction assistance, now utilized by Ogden Weber Community Action Partnership.

     

    Group Project: Housing Education & Resources with OWCAP
    Fellows partnered with Ogden-Weber Community Action Partnership to improve access to housing resources through workshops, landlord-tenant education, and the development of a trauma-informed chatbot to support residents navigating housing challenges.

 

  • Cohort #2 (2023)

    Cohort #2 expanded CLN’s reach by strengthening partnerships and building momentum across multiple areas of the neighborhood.
    Camelia led composting workshops at Oasis Community Garden and facilitated hands-on learning at OgdenCAN community breakfasts.

    • Luis built grassroots connections to explore solutions for traffic safety along a key pedestrian route near campus.
    • Andrea partnered with United Way and Ogden Weber Community Action Partnership to install Little Free Libraries, host literacy classes, and convene local library stewards. She also launched a community reading group at Grounds for Coffee.
    • Sophie Beck partnered with neighbors and Weber-Morgan Health Department to organize monthly neighborhood walks connected to an art stroll at Lester Park.


    Group Project: Oasis Community Garden Engagement
    In partnership with Oasis Community Garden, fellows focused on building social connections through composting, walkability efforts, literacy initiatives, and neighborhood art walks.

 

  • Cohort #1 (2022)

    OgdenCAN launched the Community Leaders Network in 2021, welcoming five East Central residents into the first fellowship to grow as local leaders and changemakers.

    • Julianne engaged neighbors in conversations about water conservation and the health of the Great Salt Lake.
    • Eva created a series of neighborhood events at Lester Park and the playground at James Madison Elementary, building connection through shared space.
    • Harvey organized renter meetings and shared information about renter rights through flyers and one-on-one workshops.
    • Hailee Swank facilitated a writing workshop where youth created and shared their own stories.
    • Flor brought neighbors together to repair and clean up homes and shared alleyways—mobilizing local skills and generosity from plumbers, electricians, landscapers, and residents.