The Council on Foundations has announced the inaugural cohort of its Career Pathways program, which is designed to foster diverse talent and excellence at the philanthropic sector's most senior levels.

The one-year program will help fifteen individuals from diverse backgrounds gain the knowledge necessary to boost their capacity to serve and advance in the field of philanthropy. The program includes self-directed career planning, in-person learning sessions, site visits, research, one-on-one executive coaching, mentoring, leadership projects, and exposure to professional networks and decision makers.

Each participant will analyze and identify their individual leadership style and explore a range of issues facing foundation executives, including strategic planning, financial management, board relations, organizational culture, and public speaking. The program also includes three two-day group learning sessions facilitated by senior executives and trustees in philanthropy as well as experts from other sectors.

"Pathways represents a unique approach in nurturing diverse talent in philanthropy," said Ren�e B. Branch, director of the council's Diversity and Inclusive Practices program, which aims to foster effective, sustained, and diverse leadership in America's philanthropic sector. "This program will help ensure participants have the support and resources they need to serve in senior, executive, and trustee positions."

For the list of the 2010-2011 Career Pathways fellows, visit the Council on Foundations Web site.