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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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$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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Ambassadors grow their leadership and community impact
Members make meaningful progress on a defined 3-month goal
Relationships deepen through shared experience
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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.
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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”
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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.
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