The Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE) recently announced its selection for the 2007-2008 class of Connecting Leaders Fellowship Program. Wendy Lewis Jackson, program director at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and Executive Director of the Grand Rapids Education Reform Initiative has been selected as one of 10 individuals representing philanthropic organizations from across the nation for this leadership development program.

Designed to sharpen the skills and strengthen the leadership capacity of foundation staff, donors, and trustees who are committed to assisting Black communities through philanthropy, the Fellowship Program will kick off October 8 at a leadership summit in New York City. Over the course of the next year, Wendy and her classmates will receive instruction and guidance from seasoned grantmakers, organizational development experts, and executive coaches about how they can become more effective change agents within their institutions and within philanthropy.

Congratulations to Wendy on this most excellent achievement!