Former Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers has launched a nonprofit leadership institute that aims to educate, mentor, and inspire future leaders. 

“For nearly 250 years, America has stood as a beacon of hope and freedom to the world,” McMorris Rodgers says in a press release. “For this light to endure, we must cultivate leaders who understand the power of freedom, the conviction of faith, and possess the moral clarity to confront today’s challenges with strength and courage.”

The Cathy McMorris Rodgers Leadership Institute, as it’s called, is based in Spokane.

It's led by Executive Director Kristina Sabestinas, the former district director for McMorris Rodgers.

The release states, “Through education, mentorship, and hands-on initiatives, the institute will cultivate leaders who embrace the American dream of freedom, faith, free markets, and free speech.”

The institute will provide a variety of programming and grants, including United in Prayer fellowships, The Good American Project seminars and publications, an Issue Advocacy & Research Center, The Flag Project promotions and grants, Celebrating Constitution Day, and College Fellows, which will deploy a fellow to each college and university in Washington state to help establish local chapters for national organizations that align with the leadership institute’s mission.

The institute doesn't have a physical space yet, but may pursue one in the future, Sabestinas says.

The Cathy McMorris Rodgers Leadership Institute Fund is a pass-through fund established at Innovia Foundation in April 2025 by McMorris Rodgers.