Jessica Berg has served as Executive Director of the Lodestar Day Resource Center (LDRC) since September 2006. Often referred to as the "hub" of the Human Services Campus, the LDRC is a safe, engaging, holistic community that empowers people to end their homelessness and create positive, long-term life changes. Before her work at the LDRC, Jessica served as the Special Assistant to the Maricopa County Manager through the National Urban Fellowship scholarship. She continues to draw on her past experiences as an Art Therapist with various populations, Community Development Director with Peacekeeper Cause-Metics, and Camp Director and Program Coordinator with the Jewish Community Center. Jessica has worked and volunteered in Phoenix, Arizona, New York City, Las Vegas, Nevada, Washington DC, and Israel. She has a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College, The City University of New York, a Master of Art Therapy from The George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University. Jessica is passionate about finding solutions, creating community, facilitating positive social change, and furthering human rights.

Teree Caldwell-Johnson serves as the CEO of Oakridge Neighborhood and Oakridge Neighborhood Services and housing and humans services non-profit agency located in Des Moines, Iowa. Prior to assuming her position at Oakridge, Teree held progressively responsible positions in local government across the country most recently serving as Polk County Manager from 1996-2003.

Active in the community, Teree was elected to the Des Moines School Board in 2006 and re-elected to a second four year term in 2009. Teree has served on several non-profit boards or held leadership positions with many local and national associations including Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, I’ll Make Me A World in Iowa, Planned Parenthood of Central Iowa Foundation, National Forum for Black Public Administrators, American Public Works Association and the Drake University Diversity National Advisory Board. In addition, Teree is an active member of The Links, Incorporated, currently and serving as Central Area Director and is also a member of Jack and Jill of America and Alpha Kappa Sorority, Incorporated.

Teree holds a B.A. in English from Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia and an MPA from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. Teree is a National Urban Fellow (NUF) and completed post-graduate studies at Bucknell College, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania during her time with the fellowship program.

Teree and her husband Vernon are the parents of two children, 20 year-old Baley, a sophomore at the University of Mary, Bismarck North Dakota, and 17-year-old Baxtyr a junior at Des Moines Lincoln High School.

Michelle DePass was confirmed by the Senate as the Assistant Administrator, Office of International Affairs, on April 28, 2009. As of March 2010, she assumed leadership of EPA's tribal portfolio and is now the Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs (OITA).

As Assistant Administrator, Michelle leads EPA's international and tribal portfolios, and is responsible for the full range of EPA's environmental policy development and program implementation in tribal lands and in sovereign nations outside of US borders. In this capacity, DePass represents the EPA within the United States government and works with tribal governments, foreign governments and international organizations on matters relating to the environment. Over the past year, Michelle has launched several initiatives including an intra-agency priority setting process to streamline how EPA manages its internationally focused time, talent and treasure, and her office has successfully implemented air quality, water quality, waste management, and children’s health focused programs. Michelle has also been an important driver of the development of EPA’s tribal consultation and outreach plan, the result of President Obama’s Executive Order issued in November of 2009. Once completed, the consultation plan will enhance EPA’s effort and commitment to give tribes a voice when regulatory and policy decisions are being made.

Michelle comes to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after serving as an Environment and Community Development Program Officer at the Ford Foundation. As Program Officer, she was responsible for supporting the development of sound environmental policies and practices in the US and around the world.

Michelle is a lawyer, public administrator and policy analyst by training. She has worked with environmental and human and civil rights organizations, academic institutions, and labor. Michelle has also worked in all levels of government, including city, state, and federal, giving her a wealth of understanding of how best to develop and implement effective policies and programs.

Michelle received her B.A. in Political Science from Tufts University, her law degree from Fordham University School of Law, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Baruch College School of Public Affairs where she was a part of the National Urban Fellows program. Before her time at the Ford Foundation, DePass taught federal environmental law and policy at the City University of New York, and developed a job training program for aspiring youth in conjunction with the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences. She also served as Executive Director of the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance. As Executive Director, she was an advocate to local communities and community organizations in environmental policy negotiations. Michelle obtained experience in the regulatory realm as an environmental manager of the City of San Jose. She went on to practice law with the Center for Constitutional Rights in New York as a William Kunstler Racial Justice Fellow. DePass then returned to government as a Senior Policy Advisor at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

DePass was born in Queens, New York. She is the daughter of Rupert and Marsyl DePass from Jamaica, West Indies, and married to Joshua Paulson.

Dr. Carolyn N. Graham is a public administrator and an ordained minister with over thirty years of experience in leading complex organizations. She was recently appointed by Mayor Dwight Jones as the Deputy Chief Administrative Office for Human Services, Richmond, VA. She is also the Founder/ President of the Elizabeth Ministry, Inc., a 501(c) 3 organization that works to empower teen mothers in the foster care system such that they are able to live healthy, spiritually-centered, economically self-sufficient, successful, loving lives.

In her current position, Dr. Graham oversees the Department of Social Services, the Department of Justice Services, Libraries, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and maintains relationships with two state agencies, the Richmond Department of Rehabilitative Services, and the Department of Health. She is currently spearheading several special initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and improving health outcomes for children, youth, families, and elders.

She has served as Vice President for External Affairs for Greater Southeast Community Hospital; Vice President of the DC Board of Education, and Deputy Mayor for Children, Youth, Families, and Elders for the District of Columbia. In this latter capacity, she was responsible for the health and human services cluster of agencies in the District government, with budgets in excess of $2.6 billion.

Dr. Graham holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) from Antioch College; a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) from City University of New York; a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from the New York Theological Seminary; and a Doctorate of Ministry (D.Min.) from the United Theological Seminary, Dayton, OH. She has done post-graduate studies at Regents Park College, Oxford University, Oxford, England and the Catholic University of America in Spirituality and Social Ethics; and she is the recipient of a number of awards and honorable citations.

Dr. Graham founded the Elizabeth Ministry, Inc., a $7 million initiative to support teen mothers in the child welfare system. Her goal is to provide the supports necessary for teen mothers to become women of charter and influence, with an economic stake in their communities. She has received support from the District of Columbia’s Child and Family Service Agency, the Department of Housing and Community Development, M & T Bank, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), W. K. Kellogg Foundation and PNC Bank. The project has been designed to provide affordable housing and comprehensive supports to the teen mothers and their children. The housing project will consist of 27 housing units, and an onsite infant/toddler care center designed specifically for the children of the teen mothers. The young women will hold a limited equity interest in the property, which will be purchased back by the Ministry at the close of their five or eight years with the initiative.

Dr. Graham is the mother of Kofi, the grandmother of Ashanti, Amir, and Sanaa Graham.

Education History: BA, Political Science, UCLA; MPA, City University of New York - Baruch College, School of Public Affairs

Occupation: (effective May 26, 2009) Federal Housing Finance Agency

Job Title: Senior Associate Director

My favorite citation, recognition or award: Service to America

Proudest career accomplishment: Reaching the Federal Senior Executive Level

Proudest personal accomplishment: Raising an awesome son

Your top 3 most important leadership characteristics:

1. Compassion
2. Dedication
3. Focus

The best thing about being a National Urban Fellow was: Achieving a Masters of Public Administration and the “Urban Fellow” experience.

My most memorable Fellow experience was: Being the only male in a class of 20! Looking back little did I know I was on a reality television show before there was reality television!

NUF helped my career by: Allowing me to earn a graduate degree and giving me the experience to work with a top-level manager.

The leader(s) I most admire is: President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

I want to make the world a better place by: Continuing my work in the field of community development and affordable housing.

What in your estimation is the most pressing issue that our nation faces today? We need to regulate our financial sector and enforce those regulations.

Why? Capitalism only works when there are rules and the rules are strictly enforced.

What words of wisdom would you give to a NUF Fellow? I would offer the same advice your mom and dad probably gave you—work hard, treat others right, follow your passion and enjoy the journey.

Education History: BA in Criminal Justice, Florida A&M University, 1997; MPA, City University of New York - Baruch College, School of Public Affairs

Occupation: Public Administrator

Job Title: Assistant to the County Manager, Fulton County Government

My favorite citation, recognition or award: The Luis Alvarez Leadership Award, of course!

Proudest career accomplishment: Playing a major role in retooling my organization’s budget process and helping balance the budget in the midst of a deepening recession

Proudest personal accomplishment: Buying my house one year after graduating from NUF

Your top 3 most important leadership characteristics:

1. Integrity
2. Excellence
3. Humility

The best thing about being a National Urban Fellow was: The friendships and all that I learned about myself

My most memorable Fellow experience was: There are so many… At the end of my first summer at Baruch, the class of 2003 had a celebration party at a community room in the Bronx. I went, along with several of my classmates, and wore my hot (literally!) leather pants. We all had a great time dancing away the stress that had built up over the summer, and I sweat off a couple of pounds to boot!

NUF helped my career by: Providing the mentorship experience that was a springboard for my career because it allowed me to “audition” while learning at the same time. I was able to penetrate the very difficult-to-access executive level of government in a way that even more experienced professionals than me could not under normal circumstances. I have gained mentors and friends who remain active in my life and guide me in my career to this day.

The leader(s) I most admire is: My current boss is definitely at the top of the list (Zachary Williams, County Manager, Fulton County Government). He is one of the youngest county executives of a major county in the nation, and he demonstrates keen instinct, a strong grasp of a wide range of issues, a dedication to excellence and public service, and a sincere devotion to both his home and work families. At the same time he is willing to hear, accept, and respond to constructive criticism such that he is always improving as a leader.

I want to make the world a better place by: Giving generously of my talents and my heart in the same way I was generously given to by my parents and my community

What in your estimation is the most pressing issue that our nation faces today? The issue that concerns me is what appears to be a widespread lack of civic engagement at the local level.

Why? I was thrilled to see the excitement and record participation that accompanied the recent presidential election. However, there are decisions made every single day by our city councils, county commissions, school boards, and state legislatures that affect us more immediately and more profoundly than most actions taken at the federal level. Without the involvement and attention of the local electorate, elected officials are not held accountable to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars and to ensure that the needs of their communities are met. President Obama was able to refuse lobbyist contributions because more than a million individual voters contributed, owned a piece of his campaign, and continue to hold him accountable. That kind of participation at the local level could change the face of our communities for the better.

What words of wisdom would you give to a NUF Fellow? Resolve to give your NUF experience 100% because the return on your investment will be more than you can calculate. Find at least one friend in NUF and at least one outside of NUF in whom you can confide and who will encourage you when you feel like quitting. Cherish every lesson you learn, every acquaintance you make, and every opportunity presented to you, and you will find NUF to be the most valuable experience of your career!

Education History: BA, Michigan State University; MA, University of Michigan; MPA, Bernard Baruch College School of Public Affairs, City University of New York - Baruch College.

Occupation: Grantmaker – Annie E. Casey Foundation

Job Title: Senior Associate

My favorite citation, recognition or award: The appointment by Governor Martin O’Malley, to be a member of the Maryland Council for New Americans, because it gives me an opportunity to focus on issues around immigrant integration in my home state.

Proudest career accomplishment: Being a founding member of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy which has grown from a handful of members to over 9 regional chapters with 550 members.

Proudest personal accomplishment: Being the parent of a daughter who will attend NYU as an MLK Scholar working on social justice issues with a major in the Tisch School of Arts film program.

Your top 3 most important leadership characteristics:

1. Tenacity
2. Accountability
3. Continuous self-improvement

The best thing about being a National Urban Fellow was: The best things about being a Fellow were, the diversity of perspectives and experiences that I found in my class, passionate discussions at any hour of the day and the placement opportunities.

My most memorable Fellow experience was: Moving to Cleveland without a car one day and the next, participating in discussions about bringing the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame museum to Cleveland as an economic development project.

NUF helped my career by: Providing me with a high quality placement experience and professional network that enabled me to enter philanthropy as a professional career after my NUF fellowship.

The leader(s) I most admire is: Mahatma Ghandi who exemplifies the servant-leader model

I want to make the world a better place by: Ending poverty and creating economic opportunity

What in your estimation is the most pressing issue that our nation faces today? Economic uncertainty

Why? During such times, individuals, institutions and nations turn inward; gaps widen between the rich and poor, and trust and partnership are harder to achieve.

What words of wisdom would you give to a NUF Fellow? Persistence pays off

Education History: University of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 1968, Masters in Education (M.Ed) Antioch College, Yellow Springs, OH, 1973; Masters in Public Administration (M.P.A.), National Urban Fellow, City University of NY, Bernard Baruch School, NY. NY, 1986; Masters of Divinity (M.Div.), New York Theological Seminary, 1998;and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), United Theological Seminary, Dayton, OH, 2007

Occupation: Minister/Entrepreneur

Job Title: Founder/President, Elizabeth Ministry, Inc.

What compelled you to seek public office? I sought a career in the public sector because of the profound conviction that I had a responsibility to make a difference in the world. This conviction came out of my own lived-experience as an African American woman, born and raised in poverty in the Deep South at the height of segregation during the mid-1950s. I have always regarded my education and professional training as gifts not to be taken lightly, nor to be used selfishly for my own personal benefits and gains; but gifts that had to be given back to the world and communities in which I live.
My professional experience has been spent in the area of human services where I’ve dealt with issues concerning public education, children in child welfare, youth in the juvenile justice system, families (homeless, poor, disenfranchised), and elders.

How did National Urban Fellows influence your decision to take a leadership role in the public sector? As a National Urban Fellow, I was greatly influenced by my exposure to pursue great goals. The then-Director of the Department of Human Services in Washington, DC (one of the largest departments in city government), served as my mentor, and gave me tremendous exposure to elected and high-ranking appointed officials, as well as influential community leaders. I was also allowed to take risks in considering new options and opportunities to address old organizational issues, and was always delighted when my work resulted in successful outcomes.

What was/has been the most impactful accomplishment during your work in the public sector? As Deputy Mayor for Children, Youth, Families and Elders in the District of Columbia, I successfully managed, and annually balanced a $2.6 billion dollar budget. I worked with congressional officials to increase the District’s Title IV-E allotment for children in the child welfare system; created child well-being indicators for the District’s children; conceptualized and directed the designed of an integrated management information system to follow high risk children program entitled Safe Passages. To ensure that these children were out of harm’s way, I worked with the District’s Superior Court to create a Family Court that linked multiple agencies that worked together to keep children our of the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

What are the 3 most critical social justice issues that leaders of color must address in our nation?

1. The disproportionate representation of children of color in the child welfare and criminal/juvenile justice systems;
2. Public education and academic success for all children; and
3. Affordable housing for all people

Education History: B.S., Political Science, Tennessee State University; M.A., Political Science, University of Cincinnati.

Occupation: University Administrator

Job Title: Director, Center for University-Based Development

What compelled you to seek public office? I have always wanted to part of the public policy/decision making process, with the aim of improving the lives and conditions of people, particularly in my home state of Mississippi.

How did National Urban Fellows influence your decision to take a leadership role in the public sector? The National Urban Fellows allowed me to focus on my long term career and personal development goals. As a result, I decided during my NUF experience that I would pursue elected office both as a career goal and as a personal commitment to public service.

What was/has been the most impactful accomplishment during your work in the public sector? Clearly, being elected the first African American mayor of Jackson, Mississippi was a significant accomplishment; however, the most impactful accomplishment during my administration was my spearheading the effort to construct the City’s first convention center. This required the passage of authorizing legislation by the State Legislature; the passage of a referendum by voters; and the appointment of governing convention center commission. The center, which is scheduled to open in early 2009, is projected to create over 900 primary and secondary jobs and to have an annual economic impact of about $40 million in the State.

What are the 3 most critical social justice issues that leaders of color must address in our nation?

1. Improving the nation’s public education system
2. Developing policies and programs to effectively address poverty
3. Ensuring equal access to quality health care for all citizens

Education History: Hofstra University, New York; Master of Human Resources, Lincoln University, PA, 1983; Master of Public Administration, Baruch CUNY, 1986; National Urban Fellows Class of 1986.

Occupation: Project Administrator and Human Resources Manager

Job Title: Vice President, Haulsey Engineering, Inc.; and President, HEI Technologies, Inc.

My favorite citation, recognition or award:
Some years ago, I received an award from the Ft. Greene Community Development Corporation, in Brooklyn, New York, for establishing a program whereby hundreds of low-income mothers received vocational training which ultimately allowed them to reenter the workforce.

Proudest career accomplishment:
A consummate community organizer and volunteer, I am involved in service oriented projects whereby one can realize “change” when it happens. Recently, I was instrumental in facilitating a Washington, DC-based project that supports youth who are in crisis. The project, “Cease Fire” is a spin-off of actor Jim Brown’s Amer-I-Can project, and nurtures young people who are involved in gangs, homeless, or returning to the community after periods of incarceration.

Proudest personal accomplishment:
When I became a mother, my world exploded with an increased sense of my own spirituality. Now that I am a grandmother, it is even more intense and so rewarding.

Name Your Top 3 Most Important Leadership Characteristics:

1. Integrity.
2. Integrity.
3. Integrity.

If one has integrity -- self-respect, excellence and all of the other leadership qualities follow!

The best thing about being a National Urban Fellow was:
Being a National Urban Fellow allowed me to acquire great academic skills. These skills increased my professional effectiveness especially as they relate to intercultural organization and management. Additionally, I experienced a reinforced sense of equilibrium or self-confidence which resulted from the vigorous academic and social environments provided by the NUF summer programs and field assignment.

My most memorable Fellow experience was:
My most memorable experience was being the Special Assistant to Mayor Coleman A. Young in the City of Detroit. While there one of my responsibilities was managing the Coleman A. Young Foundation Scholarship Fund and Football Classic of 1986, which included a week of festivities and academic events. I met with the Presidents and Vice Presidents of General Motors, Stroh’s, Ford Motor Company, and others during fundraising activities. The Football Classic, Battle of the Bands, and the College Fair for the student population of Detroit, raised more than $500,000 for the Coleman A. Young scholarship fund and culminated in a game at Tiger Stadium between Tennessee State and Southern University, before a capacity crowd of 35,000.

NUF helped my career by:
Providing wonderful networking and a strong camaraderie that helped me to keep abreast of career opportunities and facilitating professional growth. Moreover, the NUF program intensified my skills in strategic planning and organizational behavior. As a result, I have held several key leadership positions; i.e., Deputy Director for Consumer Affairs, DC Public Service Commission; Advisor for Minority Health to Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women’s Health, US Department of Health & Human Services; and currently managing Haulsey Engineering and HEI Technologies.

The leader(s) I most admire are:
I admire Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who I met in 1963. My late husband, Captain Robert Dabney, once hosted a visit by Dr. King to Hickam AFB and the Officer’s Wives’ Club where I was a member.

I also admire Dr. Dorothy I. Height, who is the Chair of the National Council on Negro Women. She is my friend and neighbor. I am encouraged on a daily basis when I see her leaving for work early in the morning and then returning late in the evening. She continues to be a role model for all women, especially African American women.

I want to make the world a better place by:
I want to make the world better by continuing to serve my fellow man. I live and breathe by the Judeo-Christian ethic which says “we are our brother’s keeper.”

What in your estimation is the most pressing issue that our nation faces today?
I strongly believe that hunger, famine and the inequities in our current healthcare system in this country are the most pressing issues.

Why?
The increasing rate of mortality and morbidity that impacts low-income families across this nation is simply unacceptable. Each of us must strive to make a difference and to bring about change, however miniscule.

What words of wisdom would you give to a NUF Fellow?
To the individuals who are fortunate enough to be selected by National Urban Fellows, I say -- approach each task with a sense of “vocation” that speaks to the greater good. Remember, to whom much is given, much is expected! It’s all about God’s plan, you are simply the vessel.

Education History: Urban Planning, University of Tennessee, Systems Management, University of Southern California, National Urban Fellow 1979, New York, N.Y., Center for Creative Leadership, Greensboro, N.C., Senior Executive Institute, Charlottesville, VA.

Occupation: Engineering Business Development

Job Title: Vice President

Proudest career accomplishment:
My proudest career accomplishment was when as Public Works Director for the District of Columbia, I was instrumental in the establishment of the DC Water and Sewer as an independent authority. I was the first General Manager.

Proudest personal accomplishment:
My proudest personal accomplishment was being selected as a National Urban Fellow. Most recently I was elected to the Board of Directors of National Urban Fellows.

Name Your Top 3 Most Important Leadership Characteristics:

1. Honesty
2. Hard Work
3. Respect for Others

The best thing about being a National Urban Fellow was:
The best thing about being a National Urban Fellow is the network of Fellows and the life long relationships I have developed.

My most memorable Fellow experience was:
There are many memories, too many to mention. I will always cherish each and every one of them.

NUF helped my career by:
Helping to instill in me a sense of confidence that I could make my career dreams come true.

The leader(s) I most admire is:
I most admire my great aunt, Lonnie B. King who raised me. She taught me many leadership skills and gave me the foundation for all of my accomplishments.

I want to make the world a better place by:
I want to make the world a better place by serving my community in the best manner possible.

What in your estimation is the most pressing issue that our nation faces today?
The most pressing issue from my perspective is our inability to embrace and understand that diversity can take this country so much further than we are today.

Why?
Embracing all people would allow us to solve many of the problems that challenge us today, including poverty, education, etc.

What words of wisdom would you give to a NUF Fellow?
I would tell a Fellow that the NUF program is a life long venture. Being a National Urban Fellow does not end when you finish the program. Following graduation, there is an Alumni network that you can participate within throughout your career.

Education History: University of California at Berkeley, BA in Political Science, Master of Public Administration, Baruch CUNY, 2006; National Urban Fellows Class of 2006.

Occupation: Grantmaker and Transformation Agent

Job Title: Program Officer, Education

My favorite citation, recognition or award:
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead

Proudest career accomplishment:
Recognizing the time to build new skills and focus on education. After living and working in Los Angeles for eleven years, I left all that I knew professionally and socially to pursue a MPA through the National Urban Fellows program.

Proudest personal accomplishment:
In August 2007, my son Louis was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. With support from my husband, I have managed to ensure that he be placed in the best learning environments from his earliest intervention program through to his public and private schooling.

Name Your Top 3 Most Important Leadership Characteristics:

1. Being principled
2. Ability to admit uncertainty
3. Continuous improvement of self and others through evaluation, reflection and collaboration

The best thing about being a National Urban Fellow was:
The best thing about being a National Urban Fellow was having an opportunity to be a student while gaining meaningful experiences and professional development with a group of passionate and committed leaders.

My most memorable Fellow experience was:
When my Mentor Garland Yates of the Annie E. Casey Foundation announced his retirement, I quickly interviewed with Diane Bell-McKoy, Senior Fellow of the Annie E. Casey Foundation and former President & CEO of the Baltimore Empowerment Zone. We immediately decided that would work together as partners on “More in the Middle”, an economic equity project for African Americans in Baltimore.

NUF helped my career by:
National Urban Fellows enabled me to focus on academic skills and hands-on experience in philanthropy. I was able to improve my understanding of the intersection and application of research, evaluation, program, policy and system reform.

The leader(s) I most admire is:
The leaders that I most admire are Harriet Tubman and Barack Obama.

I want to make the world a better place by:
I want to make the world a better place by utilizing my skills, experiences, networks and resources to focus on improving educational opportunities for disadvantaged and youth of color.

What in your estimation is the most pressing issue that our nation faces today?
I believe that our nation is experiencing an identity crisis. We have lost credibility with our global partners and ourselves. Major national issues such as education, homeland security and immigration are being addressed in very un-American ways.

Why?
This country has created an anti-immigrant climate, one in which quality education for everyone is far from the reality, especially with rising college tuition. Homeland security and the patriotic act violate basic rights. I believe that criticizing our country and its leaders has become unpatriotic, creating hostility and tension in our society, contributing to our crisis.

What words of wisdom would you give to a NUF Fellow?
I would advise Fellows to have very specific goals for professional, academic and personal growth during the National Urban Fellows Program. This is an opportunity to focus on how you will contribute to the field and to society.

Education History: Bachelor's degree from the University of California; major – Political Science

Occupation: Former Chair of the Board, National Urban Fellows, Inc.

My favorite citation, recognition or award: One of the firms I had hired gave me a plaque after five or six years of working for me. I was touched because they gave me the plaque not because I was an employee, but because I taught them how to do their jobs better.

Proudest career accomplishment: Being a good model for others in the field I was in (human resources management) and being effective in teaching managers how to become better and understand diversity issues.

Name Your Top 3 Most Important Leadership Characteristics:

1. Respecting differences in people.
2. Understanding that there's more than one way to solve issues.
3. Being positive. Always looking at things from a positive perspective.

The best thing about being a National Urban Fellow was:
Learning that I was capable of doing much more than I thought I could. My level of confidence really rose when I realized that I could do more than I thought I could.

My most memorable Fellow experience was:
Going to New Haven, CT for the first summer. National Urban Fellows' main offices were based there. That was the first time I had left California! I didn't realize a different world existed; it was such a surprise for me. You come to Connecticut from California and boy they do things differently!

NUF helped my career by:
Giving me experience and confidence in doing something I thought was important¬—making a difference.

I want to make the world a better place by:
Helping people understand there are ways we can make the world a better place by simply being the human beings we were born to be. I think there is so much that we can contribute to this country and the world. I admire the people who focus their lives on making a difference.

What in your estimation is the most pressing issue that our nation faces today?
We're not accepting of differences and diversity.

Why?
Many people see differences as something negative. And I don't think that's how it needs to be.

What words of wisdom would you give to a NUF Fellow?
Believe in your potential. Believe that you have potential. All the Fellows need to understand and believe that they have more potential than they think. You have to believe it when other people tell you. You have to believe in yourself.

Education History: BA degree in History from Mount Saint Mary's College in Emmitsburg, MD; MPA, City University of New York - Baruch College, School of Public Affairs

Occupation: Manager of neighborhood, land use, and zoning programs in Phoenix, AZ.

Job Title: Special Project Administrator

My favorite citation, recognition or award: I was a W.K. Kellogg Foundation National Fellow and studied issues of leadership development. Not only did the award allow me to spend time in Africa, the work took me back to my passion for service and leadership in community life.

Proudest career accomplishment: Working with low- and moderate-income individuals, engaging them in the government process and enabling their voices to be heard. I am also a 1993 recipient of the National League of Cities Innovation in Government Award.

Proudest personal accomplishment: I am most proud of my family: my wife, Gail and our three children.

I am also a 1993 recipient of the National League of Cities Innovation in Government Award.

Name Your Top 3 Most Important Leadership Characteristics:

1. Passion
2. Competence
3. Service

The best thing about being a National Urban Fellow was:
The relationships. The network was incredible. Also, the academic stimulation strengthened our competencies as Fellows.

My most memorable Fellow experience was:
The reading group with Michael Lamb, a classmate.

NUF helped my career by:
Teaching me the balance between politics and process.

The leader(s) I most admire is:
Was my mother. She was the model of servant leadership.

I want to make the world a better place by:
Assisting communities in need.

What in your estimation is the most pressing issue that our nation faces today?
The disparity between the haves and have nots.

Why?
This inequality is due to the void in effective leadership.

What words of wisdom would you give to a NUF Fellow?
"Calipha" is Arabic for "one who leads from behind." This is service leadership. I would like Fellows to understand that you don't have to always be in the foreground — that you can make a positive difference from the background.

Education History: St. John's University, Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration, July 1999; City University of New York - Baruch College, School of Public Affairs, Master of Public Administration, National Urban Fellow, July 2001

Occupation: Financial and Insurance

Job Title: Corporate Director of Diversity and Inclusion

My favorite citation, recognition or award: When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, “I used everything you gave me.” Also, Network Journal Magazine's 40 Under 40 Outstanding Achievement Award and Baruch College Outstanding Alumnus Award.

Proudest career accomplishment: Receiving an appointment as the Commissioner of the New York State Division of Human Rights by Governor George E. Pataki surely fits this category, as well as receiving the opportunity to work in my current position at a Fortune 500 company based on my own unsolicited proposal for employment.

Proudest personal accomplishment: One of my proudest personal accomplishments was the birth of my fraternal twins, as well as being selected as one of thirty applicants accepted into the National Urban Fellows program in 2000 from an applicant pool of 1,200.

Name Your Top 3 Most Important Leadership Characteristics:

1. Integrity
2. Vision
3. Diligence

The best thing about being a National Urban Fellow was:
The best thing about being a National Urban Fellow for me was the opportunity to forge solid relationships with my classmates, professors, and my mentor, with whom I still have a relationship today. It is through this network that I can find additional leadership and professional advice that is substantive and relatable to real-life decisions.

My most memorable Fellow experience was:
My most memorable Fellow experience was among many, but this one in particular included my Fellow classmate/roommate and I traveling down Meridian Street in Indianapolis on a beautiful fall day to attend a Pacers game. At the exact same moment, we both thought how wonderful it was to have that experience together even though we were exhausted from preparing our papers for Professor Savas for most of the night before.

NUF helped my career by:
NUF helped my career by providing me with the ability to think more as a leader who is not only analytical and strategic but also solution-oriented.

The leader(s) I most admire is:
The leader(s) I most admire are Coretta Scott King and Oprah Winfrey. Without holding political positions, these women have been able to provide influence not only in the personal lives of countless individuals, but also with numerous leaders across the nation. Before Coretta Scott King's untimely death, she became a leader in her own right in the fight for humanity of all people, and not just as the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oprah Winfrey has grown from an anchorwoman to an international media mogul whose views and opinions are well regarded. Each of these women has been revered by many and highly respected by all, which has allowed them to make significant impacts for change throughout the world.

I want to make the world a better place by:
I want to make the world a better place by eventually establishing my own organization focused on improving the lives of orphans in America as well as abroad in Africa. There is so much that we can do as individuals to help the lives of others in the simplest of ways, and in particular for orphans through the provision of regular shipments of food, clothes, paper and writing implements, medications, etc. I look forward to the day when I have enough time, money, and resources to provide such assistance to as many orphanages as I possibly can.

What in your estimation is the most pressing issue that our nation faces today?
I think one of the most pressing issues is that although America has been throughout history a strong economic country, in recent times there have been multiple signs indicating that we could lose our rank in this category due to many contributing factors.

Why?
America has given so much to other countries that have been in need throughout decades, which is understandable, but as we look in our own backyard, we have just as much poverty, low performing public school systems, and a decline in reasonably priced health care. The lack of investment in these few areas as well as others has placed the United States in a unique position that we have not experienced to this extent in the past.

What words of wisdom would you give to a NUF Fellow?
I recommend that every NUF Fellow truly embrace the experiences they will have during the program, both positive and negative. With negative situations, it is important to step back and analyze your role in the particular matter so that you can grow from that experience, and ultimately become a better person and leader. In addition, change is constant so the quicker you realize that, the more empowered you will be to take action.

Education History: Columbia University, B.A., double-major in Political Science & Urban Studies 1980; Bernard M. Baruch graduate studies in Public Administration 1985

Occupation: Human Resources Diversity Recruitment & Retention

Job Title: Director of Talent Acquisition & Diversity

My favorite citation, recognition or award: National Urban Fellows' Fellowship Award, Kellogg Foundation's National Leadership Fellowship, and Hispanic Business Magazine's 100 Influentials.

Proudest career accomplishment: Serving in the Clinton White House and working with talented policy experts who were appointed across the Federal agencies.

Proudest personal accomplishment: As the oldest of five, setting an example by becoming the first to attend college, then years later, feeling that every position I have held has allowed me to impact thousands of people.

Name Your Top 3 Most Important Leadership Characteristics:

1. Integrity
2. Compassion
3. Public Service/Community Orientation

The best thing about being a National Urban Fellow was:
The friendship and mutual support among my classmates, alumni, and colleagues at my mentorship placement.

My most memorable Fellow experience was:
The learning and introspection that took place during the entire NUF application process, interviewing, placement, and graduate studies segments. It was an extraordinary opportunity to combine theory with practice!

NUF helped my career by:
National Urban Fellows helped my career by pairing me with a profoundly gifted & talented mentor and now life-long friend, Henry Cisneros, former Mayor of San Antonio, Texas and former Secretary of HUD. As his Special Assistant, I was given extraordinary access and responsibilities. He later hired me as president of his public service organization and later, through our work on Bill Clinton's campaign, I was appointed to serve in the White House. I eventually served for two terms in three different departments.

The leader(s) I most admire is:
César Chavez; Martin Luther King, Jr.; Gandhi; Eleanor Roosevelt; Barbara Jordan; Henry Cisneros; Bill & Hillary Clinton.

I want to make the world a better place by:
I want to make the world a better place. I have a dream and passion to create change and to impact entire communities. Everything I do is related to this mission. I take action against classism, sexism, ageism, phobias, and discrimination against individuals and groups. I devote my life's work to eliminating these negative elements in our society, while building capacity for individuals and organizations.

What in your estimation is the most pressing issue that our nation faces today?
Socio-economic inequity and inequality and the resulting numbers of people who are poor, homeless, unemployed, uninsured, and undereducated.

Why?
We can not afford to lose potential contributors from every segment of society. It weakens us as a nation and is globally hypocritical and inhumane.

What words of wisdom would you give to a NUF Fellow?
Equally value and set as priorities, both the academic and mentor components, and support each other during the fellowship.

1. Compromise, but not on your ethics, morals, or standards.
2. Be consistent in your public life and private life.
3. Do things for the greater good, not just for selfish gain.
4. Continually seek knowledge and excellence.
5. Be bold and fearless within reason.
6. Know history and respect tradition.
7. Be flexible and creative.