Hindman Settlement School’s Executive Director Selected for Obama Foundation Fellowship
Dr. Brent Hutchinson among diverse set of 20 civic innovators from around the world to scale impact of community-driven work
CHICAGO, IL – Today, Hindman Settlement School’s Executive Director, Dr. Brent Hutchinson, was selected by the Obama Foundation to join the second ever Fellows class. Selected among a global pool of applicants, Dr.
Hutchinson will join a two-year, non-residential program that brings together 20 leaders representing 10 countries and five continents who are creating transformational change on many of the world’s most pressing problems. The Obama Foundation selected Dr. Hutchinson to continue Hindman Settlement School’s work on honoring the past, improving the present, and planning for the future of central Appalachia.
“The Obama Foundation Fellowship is the paramount experience in leadership immersion, strategic visioning, and networking for civic innovators, and this opportunity for a guy born and raised in eastern Kentucky is both humbling and deeply stirring,” Dr. Hutchinson said. “With the Obama Foundation Fellowship, this opportunity to lift up the good work of Hindman Settlement School in helping new and future generations of Central Appalachians thrive where they live is unmatched. I could not be more honored or thrilled.”
From re-investing in homegrown agriculture in rural areas, to strengthening black and native communities’ role in combating the effects of climate change, these civic innovators will work with the Obama Foundation on ways to scale their work and inspire others to engage in their communities. The Fellowship offers hands-on training, leadership development, and a powerful platform for Fellows to amplify the impact of their work and inspire a wave of civic innovation. These rising leaders join the current class of 20 Obama Fellows selected in 2018.
“The 2019 Obama Foundation Fellows are tackling big, complex issues in unique and inspiring ways but all share the common practice of making positive change in their communities,” said David Simas, CEO of the Obama Foundation. “After welcoming a historic inaugural Fellows class last year, we are excited to bring together a new group of civic innovators and amplify their work. These leaders are taking off, and I look forward to working with this remarkable group and watching them transform the world for the better.”
Over the course of the two-year program, Obama Foundation Fellows will participate in four multi-day gatherings to develop key skills, connect with thought leaders and potential partners, and collaborate with one another. The first Fellows gathering will be in Washington, D.C., in May and will also include the members of the 2018 inaugural Fellows cohort.
Each Fellow will develop and pursue with the Foundation a personalized plan to leverage the Fellowship and Obama Foundation resources to take their work to the next level. As Fellows put their plans into action, the Obama Foundation will assist with access to mentors, coaches, and additional resources and opportunities. These offerings have helped the first Fellows class build their organizational capacity, overcome leadership challenges, and work with new partners to deepen their impact.
The work of the 2019 Fellows will support the Obama Foundation’s broader mission to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of civic leaders. Geographic location, community engagement, commitment to the Obama Foundation’s values, and proven impact all factored into the selection process.
To learn more about the Obama Foundation Fellowship and the 2019 Fellows, please visit www.obama.org/fellowship. A list of 2019 Obama Foundation Fellows can be found below.
Bella Alexandrov
Dedo Baranshamaje
Colette Pichon Battle
Derrick Braziel
Ciara Byrne
Johnny Chatterton
Tarun Cherukuri
Charles Daniels
Shari Davis
Aimée Eubanks Davis
Mario Fedelin
Seema Gajwani
Brent Hutchinson
Joseph Kunkel
John Leong
Esther Mwaniki
Hue Thu Nguyen
Alessandra Orofino
Tania Rosas
Ayman Sabae
