Spring 2026 Cohorts

SUNSHINE UNIVERSITY


TWO GUIDED COHORT EXPERIENCES

Purpose-driven, small-group programs designed to support clarity, connection, and meaningful progress — whether you’re building a brand or leading within a community.

Learn & Grow Together

This season, Sunshine Community is offering two distinct 12-week cohort experiences.

Each cohort is thoughtfully designed to support women at different stages of growth — one focused on brand clarity and business direction, and the other centered on community leadership and shared accountability.

Both experiences emphasize intention, reflection, and sustainable momentum — not hustle or pressure.

Spring cohorts are MARCH to MAY.

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OVERVIEW

About our Spring Cohorts

Sunshine Community cohorts are small, guided group programs that combine structure, reflection, and real connection.

Each cohort runs for 12 weeks and is led by a trusted facilitator who provides guidance, accountability, and space for meaningful conversation.

Rather than offering one-size-fits-all programming, we’ve created two distinct cohort paths — so participants can choose the experience that best aligns with their goals, energy, and season of life.

One focuses on brand building and clarity for small business owners. The other centers on community leadership and shared growth.

FOUNDATIONS COHORT

The Foundations Brand Cohort

The Foundations Brand Cohort is a 12-week guided program for small business owners and creatives who want clarity around their brand, direction, and decisions.

Taught by Ella Howard of The Thoughtful Brand Co., this cohort blends structured curriculum with live conversation — so you’re not just learning, you’re integrating.

Mondays 1pm-2pm — starting March 2nd.

  • This cohort is designed for people who:

    • Feel scattered or unsure where to focus in their business

    • Want to clarify their positioning before growing or marketing

    • Are building something meaningful — but need structure

    • Prefer thoughtful strategy over fast tactics

    You don’t need everything figured out. You just need a willingness to slow down and build well.

  • Over 12 weeks, we focus on the foundations that make everything else easier:

    • Brand clarity and positioning

    • Values-driven decision making

    • Audience alignment and messaging

    • Simplifying offers and priorities

    • Building confidence in your long-term direction

    This is not about doing more. It’s about knowing what matters.

    • This cohort meets virtually on Mondays from 1-2pm

    • A guided curriculum developed by The Thoughtful Brand Co.

    • Independent work plus live small-group sessions for reflection and discussion

    • Direct guidance from Ella, founder of The Thoughtful Brand Co.

    • Practical exercises you can apply immediately

    • A consistent cohort for accountability and depth

    This is currently the only way to receive live, guided support from Ella alongside the Foundations curriculum.

  • By the end of the 12 weeks, you’ll have:

    • A defined brand foundation you can articulate

    • Clear decision filters for future growth

    • Confidence in how you describe your work

    • A simpler, more aligned direction for your business

    Instead of guessing your next move, you’ll understand it.

  • The Thoughtful Brand Co. teaches people how to build small brands thoughtfully — with clarity, intention, and real-world application.

    Their approach centers on helping founders make aligned decisions rather than chasing trends or noise.

    • $100/month

    • or $540 for six months

    • Sunshine Community members receive 10% off enrollment

    • Use code “SUNSHINE10

    Students sign up for The Foundations Course through The Thoughtful Brand Co. using the above code, to be automatically enrolled to the live cohort.

    This cohort covers roughly half of The Foundations Course. You can continue paying monthly to continue the course after the conclusion of the course or opt for the 6 month from the start.

  • Is this different from the Foundations Course?

    Yes. The standalone Foundations Course is self-paced.
    The Foundations Brand Cohort includes live sessions, small-group discussion, and direct guidance from Ella throughout the 12 weeks.

    Is this the only way to work with Ella live?

    Yes. At this time, the cohort is the only way to receive live, guided support from Ella while working through the Foundations curriculum.

    Do I need an established business to join?

    No. You don’t need a large audience or polished brand. You simply need something you’re building — or serious intention to begin.

    How much time should I expect to commit?

    Plan for weekly live sessions plus time to complete reflection exercises. Most participants spend 2–4 hours per week engaging with the material and applying it.

    What makes this different from other brand programs?

    This program prioritizes clarity, alignment, and long-term decision making. It is not focused on rapid scaling, trends, or marketing hacks. The goal is to build a brand you understand — and trust.

AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

The Ambassador Program

The Sunshine Community Ambassador Program is a 12-week guided experience for trusted women leaders who want to deepen connection, host meaningful gatherings, and support others in reaching personal or professional goals.

This cohort is lead by Sara Elbert, CEO of the Sunshine Community.

Wednesdays 11am-12pm — starting March 4th.

  • This program is ideal for women who:

    • Naturally bring people together

    • Value depth, consistency, and care

    • Want to lead without hierarchy or pressure

    • Are excited to grow alongside others

  • This cohort meets on Wednesdays from 11am-12pm.

    Each ambassador leads a small group of community members over three months. During that time:

    • Ambassadors host gatherings and facilitate connection

    • Members work toward a specific 3-month goal

    • Everyone participates in shared reflection and accountability

    The focus is on presence, encouragement, and steady progress — not performance.

    • Ambassadors grow their leadership and community impact

    • Members make meaningful progress on a defined 3-month goal

    • Relationships deepen through shared experience

  • Sunshine Community is a women-led community designed to foster connection, leadership, and steady personal growth. Through small-group cohorts and hosted gatherings, members are supported in pursuing meaningful goals alongside others who value depth and intention.

    • one time investment of $465

    • payable through link at the bottom of this page

    • includes all instruction and curriculum

    • Sunshine Community members receive 10% off enrollment

    • Use code “SUNSHINE10

  • What will ambassadors learn?

    Over 12 weeks, ambassadors learn:

    • The mission, vision, and values of Sunshine Community

    • How to confidently share their personal Sunshine story

    • Best practices for member outreach and engagement

    • Event creation and promotion basics

    • Leadership and conflict resolution skills

    • How to design and implement a community engagement project

    Is there a final project?

    Yes. Each cohort completes a team-based capstone community engagement project. Ambassadors present their work at the final session and receive a certificate of completion.

    What is expected of participants?

    Ambassadors are expected to:

    • Attend at least 10 of 12 sessions

    • Actively participate in discussions and activities

    • Complete weekly assignments

    • Contribute to the capstone project

    Who leads the program?

    The program is led by Sara Elbert, Executive Director of Sunshine Community, who provides direct instruction, mentorship, and oversight throughout the 12-week experience.

COMPARE THE COHORTS

Which cohort is the best fit?

HOW TO CHOOSE

How to decide.

Choose the Foundations Brand Cohort if you’re craving clarity, structure, and direction in your work.

Choose the Sunshine Community Ambassador Program if you’re drawn to connection, leadership, and shared growth.

If you’re unsure, that’s okay — we recommend attending our upcoming community event to experience the tone and values firsthand.

EVENTS & PREVIEW

Meet & Greet

Film Premiere + Meet & Greet
February 19 | 6–8pm
Lake Break

Join us for a short film screening followed by casual conversation. This event is a chance to meet the hosts, ask questions, and get a feel for both cohort experiences before committing.

ENROLLMENT DETAILS

How to Enroll

The Foundations Brand Cohort

The Foundations Brand Cohort is for small business owners, creatives, and early-stage founders who want clarity around their brand, direction, and decision-making.

To enroll, head to The Thoughtful Brand Co. and sign up for the online course using the code “SUNSHINE10”

  • Duration: 12 weeks (Mondays starting 3/2)

  • Includes: Curriculum, live sessions, group support

  • Hosted by: The Thoughtful Brand Co.

Ambassador Program
$465.00

The Sunshine Community Ambassador Program is a 12-week guided experience for trusted women leaders who want to deepen connection, host meaningful gatherings, and support others in reaching personal or professional goals.

  • Duration: 12 weeks (Wednesdays starting 3/4)

  • Includes: Leadership guidance, community facilitation

  • Hosted by: Sunshine Community

Moving toward your goals, together.