21st Century Fellows Program Supports LGBT Leaders of Color

November 21, 2010

Through the 21st Century Fellows Program, a cohort of up to 20 people of color managers at LGBT organizations access a wide range of leadership development supports intended to help them advance in their careers and become stronger leaders. The program includes a five day leadership retreat, convenings for skills training and peer learning, plus individual leadership development plans, coaching and opportunities to build networks of support. “This initiative supports outstanding individuals in their leadership roles, and is just one strategy for building an ever-larger community of leaders of color within the LGBT equal rights movement”, said Roz Lee, senior program officer for Arcus’ Racial Justice, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Program.

Fellows from last year’s cohort praised the program for opening the door to an invaluable network of support. It is a situation that is rare, so to have this chance to build genuine and trusting relationships with the other fellows is simply incredible and so valuable to each of our personal growth and professional development”, said Juan Martinez, Development Director at Basic Rights Oregon. The 21st Century Fellows Program is made possible by joint funding from the Arcus Foundation, the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, and the Gill Foundation. Click here to read about program participant Rashad Robinson’s fellowship experience, which was featured in the Spring 2010 Arcus Foundation Ascent newsletter.