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Fellow Perspective

The [Pahara-Aspen] Fellowship has truly been one of the most valuable professional experiences I’ve had, chiefly because it’s given me the chance to develop strong relationships with a diverse group of the most outstanding leaders in the field…My organization and its work has benefited significantly from my participation, as have I personally.

Fellow Perspective

After 15 years as a CEO, I have a re-energized view of my role as a leader in the field. I am making decisions now that reflect both a greater urgency and more focus.

Fellow Perspective

The [Pahara-Aspen] Fellowship was by far the best leadership development experience I’ve participated in. Other programs mainly focused on technical and professional development. The Fellows was incredibly powerful because it forced me to develop a better understanding and appreciation for the values and principles that drive my leadership and aspirations, thus helping me to sustain my leadership passion and focus for the long term.

Fellow Perspective

After running 120 miles an hour for many years, the [Pahara-Aspen] Fellowship gave me a game changing reflection point — to examine critically what kind of a leader I was shaping up to be, the legacy I was creating, and my identity as a Latina in this space. I was also able to build a support network that has been a source of strength and support.  As I reflect on the impact this experience had on me, it was without question what provided the rejuvenation, energy, clarity of direction, and vision that allowed me to meet my potential as a leader. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity.

Fellow Perspective

The [Pahara-Aspen] Fellowship was an incredibly important leadership experience that created a real inflection point for me, by pushing me to clarify my goals and aspirations, and my own sense of my capabilities, and also providing an amazing fellowship of supporters to encourage me as I stepped up to a greater level of leadership. Without the Fellowship I absolutely would not have stepped up to run for school board.

Fellow Perspective

The only experiences I’ve had that were more influential in my development as a leader are my 4 years at West Point, and my 7 year career as an Army officer. After these, the fellowship is the most important leadership development experience I’ve had. Over the last month, I’ve had critical conversations and debates with members of my cohort—in 4 different states—that will affect thousands of children.The fellowship experience has been invaluable to me as a leader.

Fellow Perspective

My Pahara-Aspen Fellowship gave me an unparalleled opportunity to step back from my day to day work. It offered me a vibrant place to explore what kind of leader I aspire to be with the support of, and challenges from, an unequaled group of peers. It’s an experience and a set of relationships I continually draw on as my organization continues to grow.

Fellow Perspective

Because of the [Pahara-Aspen] Fellowship, I am better connected to the education reform movement beyond my traditional circle as a school superintendent. For example, one of my thought partners is the CEO of a very successful CMO. As a result, both the district and the charter movement benefit greatly from sharing effective practices.

Fellow Perspective

If I hadn’t gone through this program, I’m not sure I would have felt up to taking on my current role. It was confidence-building and reaffirming; it helped me to unleash some talent that I didn’t have the opportunity to within my organization; I could flex some muscles that made me ripe to step into this role. And it gave me an incredible group of fellows for support and encouragement.

Fellow Perspective

The [Pahara-Aspen] Fellowship helps to re-energize valuable social leaders, and reinvests in their leadership for the marathon (or series of sprints). We need these people to stay committed for the long-haul, in a field that will take the energy they have and does not have the same support networks built in (business school alums, YPO, etc.)… I think that the real impact will be long-term as we all find ways to sustain ourselves as leaders.

Fellow Perspective

The [Pahara-Aspen] Fellows Program was transformational. It helped me come to terms with some of the uncomfortable complexities and choices that I make in pursuit of building great schools… it brought me into the broader network of educational innovators, and it helped me connect the dots between my civic and private sector pursuits, as well as my personal growth.