The Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership (CPNL) at Georgetown University and the Micron Foundation have announced the inaugural participants in the Micron Nonprofit Leaders of Color Fellowship. 

Eight fellows will receive a full-tuition scholarship to attend the spring 2023 Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate Program at Georgetown University, be matched with a mentor, and become eligible to apply for up to $25,000 in general operating support from the Micron Foundation. Over the next six months, the Micron Fellows will build their personal leadership, increase their organizations’ capacity, and strengthen their networks in the sector.

This year’s fellows include Joliz Cedeño, managing director of Code Nation; Shonali Ditz, co-founder and co-director of SparkShop; Marsha Francis, executive director of STE(A)M Truck; Heather Hairston, executive director of Girls Inc., Washington Metro Area; Calvin Mackie, founder and CEO of STEM NOLA; Edgar Palacios, founder of the Latinx Education Collaborative and Revolución Educativa; Kathryn Procope, executive director of Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science; and Briana Webster Campbell, director of education and training of No Kid Hungry Center for Best Practices. 

“There has been a failure to provide equitable access to funding for leaders of color. It isn’t conjecture. Research by Echoing Green and Bridgespan tell the story. But more importantly, the voices of leaders of color tell the story. Their voices speak to the challenges but also embrace the beauty of their successes,” said Robert Simmons, head of social impact and STEM programs at the Micron Foundation. “It is time to move beyond DEI framing in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector…and make decisive steps towards justice. This is just one step in that effort, but I believe there is still more work to do.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Courtney Hale)