On November 9, 2011, the 2010-2011 Hull Fellows officially graduated from the Southeastern Council of Foundations’ (SECF) yearlong intensive program designed for philanthropy’s rising leaders. As a member of the 2010-2011 Hull Fellow class, I followed in the footsteps of four other former Hull Fellows from the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina and countless other Hull Fellows from across the Southeast. The Hull Fellows program is the only philanthropic leadership development program of its kind open exclusively to SECF members.
As part of the Hull Fellows experience, my understanding of the breadth of the field of philanthropy increased tremendously. We read multiple books and articles, followed by in-depth discussions which helped shape our understanding of the philanthropic sector. The readings provided a specific lens on the unique history, strengths and challenges specific to philanthropy in the South, equipping me with a deeper understanding of the Foundation’s work within a regional and national context. During the weeklong retreat and monthly capstone calls, we had a unique opportunity to dialogue with visionary leaders who inspired us to lead authentically from the seat we are in. Together we discussed a range of issues facing the philanthropic sector (e.g. servant leadership, diversity, mentoring the next generation of philanthropists to attract and ensure diverse representation of perspectives, talent and leadership in the field, nonprofit capacity building, etc.) as well as a wide range of professional development topics (e.g. understanding individual leadership styles, maintaining work/life balance, etc.).
As the next generation of emerging leaders in the field of philanthropy, I am confident this cohort will continue forward to make a difference in each of our corners of the world through philanthropy. As a graduate of this leadership program, I walked away with additional leadership tools and strategies that I was able to apply directly to my work at the Foundation. I was also able to build collaborative relationships with my 19 fellow peers in a safe place where creative ideas could be exchanged. My Hull mentor, Maria Elena Retter, executive director of the Goizueta Foundation, shared her vast expertise and wisdom, and became a trusted sounding board for me on the intersection of research, evaluation and strategy within the context of the field. I know I will draw from my Hull mentor, Hull Fellows and the many others I connected with as a resource in the years that lie ahead.
I left the 42nd Annual Meeting of SECF as a Hull alumnus, inspired and encouraged, and deeply aware of the great privilege it is for me to serve in this sector. The field of philanthropy tackles some of the most difficult issues in our communities, such as reducing poverty, addressing social injustice and ensuring that the disenfranchised have a voice and a seat at the table. The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina seeks to be equal partners with communities we care deeply about. We recognize our vision, families in South Carolina have the resources to live out of poverty, may take years to flourish in order to achieve measurable impact. Regardless of the challenges and setbacks we will undoubtedly face to achieve our mission, we continue pressing forward, applying the principle Mother Teresa once shared, “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
As part of the Hull Fellows experience, my understanding of the breadth of the field of philanthropy increased tremendously. We read multiple books and articles, followed by in-depth discussions which helped shape our understanding of the philanthropic sector. The readings provided a specific lens on the unique history, strengths and challenges specific to philanthropy in the South, equipping me with a deeper understanding of the Foundation’s work within a regional and national context. During the weeklong retreat and monthly capstone calls, we had a unique opportunity to dialogue with visionary leaders who inspired us to lead authentically from the seat we are in. Together we discussed a range of issues facing the philanthropic sector (e.g. servant leadership, diversity, mentoring the next generation of philanthropists to attract and ensure diverse representation of perspectives, talent and leadership in the field, nonprofit capacity building, etc.) as well as a wide range of professional development topics (e.g. understanding individual leadership styles, maintaining work/life balance, etc.).
As the next generation of emerging leaders in the field of philanthropy, I am confident this cohort will continue forward to make a difference in each of our corners of the world through philanthropy. As a graduate of this leadership program, I walked away with additional leadership tools and strategies that I was able to apply directly to my work at the Foundation. I was also able to build collaborative relationships with my 19 fellow peers in a safe place where creative ideas could be exchanged. My Hull mentor, Maria Elena Retter, executive director of the Goizueta Foundation, shared her vast expertise and wisdom, and became a trusted sounding board for me on the intersection of research, evaluation and strategy within the context of the field. I know I will draw from my Hull mentor, Hull Fellows and the many others I connected with as a resource in the years that lie ahead.
I left the 42nd Annual Meeting of SECF as a Hull alumnus, inspired and encouraged, and deeply aware of the great privilege it is for me to serve in this sector. The field of philanthropy tackles some of the most difficult issues in our communities, such as reducing poverty, addressing social injustice and ensuring that the disenfranchised have a voice and a seat at the table. The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina seeks to be equal partners with communities we care deeply about. We recognize our vision, families in South Carolina have the resources to live out of poverty, may take years to flourish in order to achieve measurable impact. Regardless of the challenges and setbacks we will undoubtedly face to achieve our mission, we continue pressing forward, applying the principle Mother Teresa once shared, “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
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