Serving as an Executive Director at a small local nonprofit, Kendra had made strides in her career, but she knew she had a ways to go before she could envision the type of leader she wished to be. It’d been almost a decade since she was in college, and she doubted that a Master’s degree would have a tangible impact on the trajectory of her career. Luckily a mentor introduced her to National Urban Fellows, and her life was forever changed.

“I was exposed to a variety of subjects. My teachers challenged me to write and think more deeply than I ever had. And most important, was processing it all with my cohort,” said Kendra.

At NUF, Kendra reflected, mentorship came in multiple ways. One was, of course, learning from experienced leaders. Another was the National Urban Fellows’ staff who encouraged her each step of the way. But the part that built her up in indescribable ways was having a cohort of peers everywhere in the country who were motivated to learn and share experiences that pushed her forward.

National Urban Fellows opens doors for historically excluded people to become leaders in the work towards social justice and equity. The connections and partnerships with nonprofits, educational institutions, government, and corporations has created a strong network to support Fellows in serving communities across the country. NUF helps people inspired to be the change they want to see in their community, transforming organizations and their own lives.

“I’m grateful to NUF for having poured into me as well as believed in me to be able to make me into the leader that I am today,” declared Kendra.

Are you ready to transform your community? Learn more about how to get involved with National Urban Fellows at www.nuf.org.