Joshua Hudson, National Native Network Program Manager at Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan has been selected as a W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network Fellow.

“I am really excited to be a part of this learning community, to help better myself and my community.  I seek to learn more about the ways in which racial equity can be leveraged to improve health, safety, and happiness for families across demographic and geographic boundaries.  I want to be sure that I help voice some of the needs and concerns of Indian Country when discussing racial equity and improving health for families,” said Joshua Hudson.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network with the Center for Creative Leadership is an innovative fellowship for local leaders to connect, grow, and lead transformational change on behalf of children, families, and communities.  Fellows come from all walks of life, drawing upon a diversity of experiences and disciplines to unite us on a path toward a more equitable society.  The class includes tribal leaders, elected officials, health practitioners, youth advocates, educators, businesspeople, attorneys, civil rights activists, conservationists, and faith leaders.  More than 800 people applied to the WKKF Community Leadership Network program.  From that pool, 80 people were selected to be part of Class Two.

The WKKF Community Leadership Network is unique for its focus on:  1) advancing racial equity and racial healing in communities, 2) marshaling our collective resources and efforts to ensure all children have the opportunity to thrive, and 3) fostering a connected network of local leaders to drive transformational change.  The WKKF Community Leadership Network brings together 80 inspiring and diverse leaders across the United States and sovereign tribes, with cohorts based in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, and New Orleans — the foundation’s priority places — along with one national cohort.  The 18-month fellowship offers hands-o training, personalized coaching and mentoring, and practical experience.

Together, WKKF Community Leadership Network fellows move us forward to justice by bridging divides, encouraging new pathways for collaboration and leading transformational change for children, families, and communities.  The WKKF Community Leadership Network plays a vital role in nurturing local leaders and building strong, connected networks that can address today’s challenges and create equity at the local, state, tribal, regional, and national levels.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has a long history of investing in leadership development.  Founder Will Keith Kellogg believed local leaders are the best source of ideas, passion, and wisdom to create long-lasting solutions for thriving children and their families.  The Center for Creative Leadership; was tapped to lead the team based on its 50-year track record of cutting-edge research, practice, and training that develops leaders at all levels to drive sustainable change for the benefit of society.

If you want to learn more, you can visit wkkfcln.org.  Recruitment for the next class will begin in fall 2020.  If you have a recommendation for a fellow candidate or questions about the program, you can email wkkfcln@ccl.org.  Joshua Hudson can be reached at jhudson@itcmi.org.