Championing Equity: Reflections from Emerging Leaders in the NGen Fellows Program

Through Independent Sector’s NGen Fellows Program, cohorts of 12 emerging changemakers aged 40 or under received an exceptional opportunity to engage in peer learning to deepen their leadership capabilities, expand their networks; and enhance changework in the communities they serve. Three members of the 2023 cohort share their reflections on their experience and its impact on their work going forward.

Last year, Independent Sector’s NGen Fellows Program provided 12 changemakers and sector leaders from across the country aged 40 and under a dynamic leadership development opportunity. The program was geared toward strengthening our leadership capacity and growing our personal and professional networks. The 2023 program was unique not only because of the leadership opportunities it provided, but also because all members of the 2023 cohort were Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).

Participating in the NGen fellowship offered us a valuable chance to connect with fellow leaders of color dedicated to reshaping power dynamics and driving social change. This supportive community helped us prioritize personal well-being and enhance our leadership skills. Given the current threats to DEI and racial equity progress across sectors, it’s vital to boldly champion the leadership of people of color. Now, more than ever, we must ensure BIPOC leaders have the resources to advance our vital work within communities. Innovative solutions are needed to address today’s challenges.

The NGen Fellows Program has been integral to the power-building strategy for leaders nationwide. Unfortunately, 2023 may be the last cohort. Independent Sector is looking for partners to work with to continue its NGen leadership and bridging programs. At a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts face political backlash, and support for communities of color is under attack, it is more important than ever to support programs that prepare the next generation of changemakers to take on and address our toughest challenges.

Programs like Independent Sector’s NGen fellowship are valuable tools for social change. They provide supportive and empowering communities for like-minded leaders of color. As leaders, it is critical that we have spaces to be authentic, navigate multi-racial power dynamics, and build meaningful connections.

Throughout our engagement in the fellowship, we achieved progress across six areas:

● Increased awareness of personal purpose, values, and leadership styles.
● Analysis of disparities using a racial equity lens.
● Expansion of adaptive leadership skills for difficult conversations and problem-solving.
● Utilization of results-based, data-driven practices to define impact.
● Development of an analysis of system change levers and tools for implementation.
● Engagement with a supportive peer network and gained access to influential leaders.

The end of this fellowship reflects shifting attitudes towards racial equity. In 2020, we saw a surge in awareness of the impacts and pervasiveness of racism. Despite the momentary funding boom, day-to-day disparities within communities of color persist.

We are hopeful that Independent Sector’s NGen programs gain funding, and we know our work as leaders of color in this space continues. Each of us plays a vital role in our organizations and is steadfast in pursuit of the common good for our sectors and a more equitable future for the communities with whom we work. The NGen Fellows Program has helped strengthen not only our capacity as leaders, but also our resolve to see this critical work through.

As we bid farewell, it’s crucial for the broader sector to continue to uplift and support Black and Brown leaders and changemakers nationwide. We must find ways to build community, share resources, and safeguard our progress against erosion and retrenchment. Though it is disappointing to think that this program might end, the mark it has made in our lives and the sector at large is undeniable. As leaders of color, we know that we are at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, and our focus is on how to fight back, sustain our efforts to dismantle systems of oppression, and create more joy!

If organizations/people are interested in supporting our NGen Leadership Program, they can email us at partnership@independentsector.org.

Bianca Casanova Anderson is the Co-CEO of ProInspire

Matthew L. Evans is the Sr. Director of Public Policy for United Philanthropy Forum

Miracle Jones is the Director of Public and Advocacy for 1Hood Media