Leadership Collier Impact Story: Darren Nieves

How did your Leadership Collier experience influence your involvement in the community or your professional life? 

Leadership Collier transformed the way I approach leadership by teaching me how to inspire, organize, and mobilize others effectively. It gave me the tools to identify opportunities, build strategic relationships, and advocate for meaningful causes in my community. These skills have been crucial in growing my non-profit, Minds Over Tumors, and increasing our visibility and impact in Southwest Florida. 

2. Can you share an example of a project, initiative, or leadership role you’ve taken on in Collier County since completing the program? 

Since completing the program, I’ve taken a leadership role in planning and executing major initiatives for Minds Over Tumors, including securing critical sponsorships totaling over $70,000. By leveraging the connections and strategies I learned in Leadership Collier, I’ve been able to expand our reach across Southwest Florida, strengthen partnerships, and host events that provide tangible support to families affected by brain tumors. 

3. What advice or insight would you share with current or future participants about making a lasting impact through Leadership Collier? 

I would encourage participants to embrace every networking and learning opportunity, and to be intentional about building relationships with community leaders, sponsors, and peers. The lasting impact comes from combining vision with action—turning connections into collaborations that create measurable change in the community. Leadership Collier taught me that leadership is not just about ideas, but about mobilizing others to bring those ideas to life. 

4. What was the most memorable moment or key takeaway from your program experience? 

The most memorable takeaway was seeing how leadership extends beyond individual effort and is magnified through collaboration and community engagement. Understanding the importance of cultivating relationships and fostering trust has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, and it directly contributed to my success in expanding Minds Over Tumors’ initiatives and partnerships. 

5. How has being part of the Leadership Collier network supported your goals or collaborations in the community? 

Being part of the Leadership Collier network has opened doors to invaluable partnerships and sponsorships that have significantly advanced my mission with Minds Over Tumors. Through these connections, I’ve been able to secure funding, engage influential community members, and broaden our programs’ reach across Southwest Florida, creating a stronger, more sustainable impact for families affected by brain tumors.