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Philanthropy Fellowship Ends but Philanthropy’s Equity Journey Continues

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Ron McKinley Fellowship Logo

MCF is beginning a new evolution in our equity journey as we mindfully transition from the Ron McKinley Fellowship Program to a DEI program model that makes further impact in the sector. MCF is no longer hosting or placing philanthropy fellows in member institutions. New offerings of robust DEI programming are being identified by MCF staff and members.

Background on the Fellowship

In 2012, MCF set out to answer various questions related to creating inclusive workplaces:

  • How can MCF best support our members in creating inclusive workplaces to hire and retain more diversity in the field?
  • What does it look like to create a diverse talent pipeline into the field?
  • What can we learn from other examples of creative leadership development and what that would look like here in Minnesota philanthropy?

The answers to these questions would lead to the creation of the Ron McKinley Philanthropy Fellowship.

In 2013 MCF and Bush Foundation partnered to launch the program to prepare individuals from underrepresented communities for careers in philanthropy. The fellowship was designed to be about more than changing the face of leadership in philanthropy; it was intended to also infuse new ideas and viewpoints into the field.

After placing nearly two dozen fellows over the course of seven years, the Ron McKinley Philanthropy Fellowship concluded operations earlier this fall.

About Ron McKinley

In July of 2013, the world lost Ron McKinley: a mentor, philanthropist, and change-agent. Ron was a person known for tireless work across his career to ensure that all people from traditionally under-served communities could be afforded equal access, opportunities, and necessary resources to fully participate in philanthropy. In honor of Ron and his legacy – and with his family's blessing – MCF named this fellowship in his remembrance.

Ron McKinley’s values and his desire to see underrepresented people fully included, valued and thriving across systems were guideposts for the Ron McKinley Fellowship Program.
 

Meet the Fellows

These past Fellows have moved on to careers in philanthropy and beyond. Congratulations!

Bilal Alkatout
Carly Bad Heart Bull
Saroeun Earm
Violeta Hernandez Espinosa
Venessa Fuentes
Takara Henegar
Allison Johnson Heist
Aya Johnson
Naaima Khan
Lulete Mola
Awale Osman
Patrice Relerford
Jesse Ross
Kristell Caballero Saucedo
Dameun Strange
Bruce Thao
Katie Troyer
Avi Viswanathan
Chao Yang
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