Introducing the Summer 2024 Micron Nonprofit Leaders of Color Fellows
Posted in News Story
The Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership at Georgetown University and the Micron Foundation are excited to introduce the participants in the Summer 2024 Micron Nonprofit Leaders of Color Fellowship:
- Haji Adan, Executive Director, Refugee & Immigrant Self-Empowerment (RISE), Syracuse, NY
- Sharif El-Mekki, CEO, The Center for Black Educator Development, Philadelphia, PA
- Napiya Nubuya, Founder/CEO, The Next IT Girl, Atlanta, GA
- Tealye Pinet, Director of Career Services, On Point for College, Syracuse, NY
- Sasha Rojas Zaragoza, Digital Literacy Coordinator, International Rescue Committee and Program Administrator, Garden City Visitors Bureau, Boise, ID
- Sherrod Williams, CEO, New Futures, Washington, DC
These six nonprofit leaders were selected from a very impressive group of applicants and represent the diversity of the nonprofit sector in the fields of STEM, teacher diversity, literacy, or childhood poverty ranging from select regions that include Idaho, Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington DC.
Over the course of the summer, the Micron Fellows will build their personal leadership, increase their organizations’ capacity, and strengthen their networks in the sector. The goal of the fellowship program is to provide leaders of color with education and funding that supports them to stay in the nonprofit sector and hold positions of influence within their organizations and communities.
Fellows are particularly looking forward to expanding their networks and skillsets to better address the unique equity-based challenges they come across in their organizations:
“Through the Micron Fellowship, I aim to further develop my leadership skills and deepen my expertise in nonprofit management. This opportunity will allow me to connect with other leaders of color, share experiences, and learn from each other in a supportive community that understands the unique challenges and nuances of diversity in leadership. I intend to use this experience to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of the nonprofit sector, particularly by fostering a more collaborative environment and navigating the changing philanthropic landscape effectively. Ultimately, the fellowship will equip me to better support systemically excluded youth by enhancing my ability to lead my organization, New Futures, ensuring that we continue to provide valuable educational pathways and create high-impact opportunities for our Scholars.”
– Sherrod Williams
“Joining the Micron Fellowship presents an invaluable opportunity to enhance my leadership skills and strategic planning abilities. I’m particularly eager to address challenges such as sustainable funding and high turnover rates within advisor roles, which directly impact our organization’s success. Learning about leading systems change and strategic communication will enable me to better advocate for the vital role nonprofits play in fostering educational equity. Additionally, I’m excited to build my professional network and learn from others in the program’s cohort. I look forward to meeting and collaborating with fellow participants, as together, we can make a significant impact in our communities.”
– Tealye Pinet
Micron Technology is a global leader in memory and storage solutions, transforming how the world uses information to enrich life for all. The Micron Foundation, our philanthropic organization, is transforming what is possible through our giving and people. We provide grants, programs, and volunteers to our communities to make social impact in STEM education and basic human needs. We also empower our team members to give through matching programs, and in 2021, over 60% of them either volunteered or donated to their communities, contributing to our total giving of $13M for the year.
The Center for Public & Nonprofit Leadership at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy is recognized globally for its academic excellence, its campus and community collaborations, and its rich work with the nonprofit field worldwide. The Center informs and strengthens not only the nonprofit sector, but also public and private entities that increasingly are its partners. Alumni of the Center demonstrate their capacity to lead, innovate and become agents of change, making a difference in their organizations and community. It is our honor to continue to pursue the mission of educating, nurturing and inspiring leaders in pursuit of the common good.