Independent Sector honors 12 outstanding leaders from IS member organizations that comprise the
2015 American Express NGen Fellows Program.
WASHINGTON, October 22, 2015 — Independent Sector is pleased to honor the 12 outstanding leaders from IS member organizations that comprise the 2015 American Express NGen Fellows Program. In its seventh year, this selective fellowship program continues to build the next generation of nonprofit and philanthropic leaders as part of IS’ NGen: Moving Nonprofit Leaders from Next to Now initiative.
The 2015 American Express NGen Fellows are:
- Janet Arias-Martinez, Associate Director of Alumni Relations, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute; Washington, DC
- Gretchen Beesing, CEO, Catalyst Miami; Miami, FL
- Maggie Dunne, Founder and President, Lakota Children's Enrichment, Inc.; Scarsdale, NY
- Cecilia Fong, Program Officer, Hawai'i Community Foundation; Honolulu, HI
- Raymond Foxworth, Vice President of Grantmaking, Development and Communications, First Nations Development Institute; Longworth, CO
- Michele Frix, Director of Programs, Seattle International Foundation; Seattle, WA
- Christopher Johnson, Director of Programs & Learning, Florida Philanthropic Network; Tampa, FL
- John Kern, Senior Director, Community Wealth Partners; Washington, DC
- Ellen Liu, Director of Women's Health, Ms. Foundation for Women; Brooklyn, NY
- Lindsay Louie, Program Officer, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation; Menlo Park, CA
- Rishi Moudgil, Managing Director, University of Michigan Center for Social Impact; Ann Arbor, MI
- Brett Weisel, Director of Advocacy, Feeding America; Washington, DC
The American Express NGen Fellows program builds the leadership skills of nonprofit and philanthropic leaders ages 40 and under to tackle society's toughest challenges. Over the course of a year, Fellows participate in a range of activities that deepen their individual capabilities, expand their collective knowledge, and grow their professional networks.
“The leaders we need tomorrow are making important contributions today, and this cohort of NGen Fellows are impressive role models leading the way,” said Amanda Broun, Independent Sector vice president for programs and practice. “NGen Fellows enrich IS and the sector as a whole with their commitment to and passion for developing solutions to some of the sector’s greatest challenges. Past cohorts have collectively addressed challenges like succession planning, leading through data, strategies for talent diversity and innovation.”
“We have a history of creating and supporting successful global programs that develop the essential leadership skills of nonprofit and social purpose sector professionals,” said Timothy J. McClimon, president of the American ExpressFoundation. “The opportunity to continue this mission, by bolstering the personal and professional development of these outstanding young leaders, is a privilege we would not want to miss. Each of these inspiring Fellows has already traveled far and contributed so much to advance the common good. We look forward to their future accomplishments tackling even greater hurdles in the years ahead.”
The American Express NGen Fellows Program gives these 12 professionals a rare opportunity to strengthen their capacity for future impact. It offers a comprehensive program that develops the Fellows’ ability to lead in turbulent times, strengthens their professional networks, and elevates NGen accomplishments on a national level. Over the course of their fellowship, they also will work on a group-led project which contributes to the knowledge of the sector.
The program runs October 2015 – November 2016, highlighted by the Fellows’ appearance at this year’s IndependentSector Conference in Miami.
To learn more about the American Express NGen Fellows Program, visit: http://www.independentsector.org/ngen_fellows_program
To read bios for each of the 2015 American Express NGen Fellows, visit: http://www.independentsector.org/2015_ngen_fellows
Independent Sector is the leadership forum for nonprofits, foundations, and corporations whose member networks collectively represent tens of thousands of organizations locally, nationally, and globally. Learn more at www.independentsector.org.
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express,twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.
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About American Express: Developing New Leaders for Tomorrow
One of American Express' three philanthropic platforms is Developing New Leaders for Tomorrow. Under this giving initiative, which recognizes the significance of strong leadership in the nonprofit and social purpose sectors,American Express makes grants focused on training high potential emerging leaders to tackle important issues in the 21st century. Nearly 16,000 emerging nonprofit and social sector leaders worldwide have benefited from AmericanExpress leadership programs, including the American Express Leadership Academy among others. Launched in 2008, the American Express Leadership Academy addresses the growing deficit of leadership talent in the nonprofit sectorby bringing together emerging leaders from a diverse set of nonprofit, social sector and non-governmental organizations.
Media Contact
Candy Hill - Independent Sector
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