One of the challenges of making institutions and systems work better for everyone, is that the people who rise to leadership tend to be people who thrive in those environments. When an institution worked well for you, it is harder to see the ways it may not work for others. It is harder to see what needs to change to make it work well for everyone.
We talk a lot at the Bush Foundation about how you don’t have to have a “leadership role” to be a leader. You can lead from anywhere. It is a bit more awkward to talk about the corollary truth, which is that just because you have the “leadership role” doesn’t mean you are leading.
The question of timing when you apply for the Bush Fellowship falls into three main areas: space for your growth, knowledge and connections, and a deep understanding of what you need to grow as a leader.
We're pleased to welcome Jackie Statum Allen as our Education Portfolio Director. Jackie has spent the last decade working in public school district administration. Most recently, she served as the Assistant Director for strategic planning, policy and grants development for Saint Paul Public Schools. In that role she led several high-impact projects including developing and implementing multiple district strategic plans and managing informational campaigns for referendum ballot issues.
A new report from First Nations Development Institute lists us as the 7th biggest foundation funder of Native issues in the U.S. On one hand, it is exciting to be recognized as one of the top funders of Native American organizations and causes. On the other hand, we are really small compared to most of the other foundations on the list. I believe a lot of funders are missing a great opportunity for impact.
For those of us who are focused on addressing social issues and trying to get others to care, it is almost irresistible to paint the bleakest possible picture. We share our stories and our data in a way that suggests things are horrible and getting worse. To do great things, we need to believe great things are possible. We need optimism.
Meet the 2018 Bush Fellows, 24 determined, adaptable leaders who are driven to improve their communities in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native nations that share the same geography.
Each of the new Bush Fellows will receive up to $100,000 to invest in their own leadership development. That is amazing and will support them to dream big about their growth as leaders. At the same time, when I think back about the experiences that made the biggest difference in my own leadership development, most of them were free.
One of the most fun parts of my job is meeting Bush Fellowship finalists when they come to our office to interview. Always an impressive and inspiring group, this year I was struck to see that more than a third of the finalists were immigrants or refugees to the U.S.
