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Values in Leadership

In any journey, it is essential to have a north star. For leaders, that north star typically relates to their values.

Values orient leaders. Values help leaders prioritize various aspects of their work. And values enable leaders to show up authentically in communities.

In this two-part video series, New Mexico fellows in the WKKF Community Leadership Network with the Center for Creative Leadership program reflect on the values they embody, why values are important in leadership, and how these values guide

Let's Talk About Trust

Let’s Talk About Trust

So many of the communities we serve have had their trust broken by failing systems.

Hear fellows reflect upon the importance of fostering trust within their communities, what are barriers to that process, and how the fellowship is helping them gain tools and insights for promoting true healing and change.

The Importance of Trust

In the first video in our series on trust, class three fellows

Fellows Journey Reflections, Six Months In

In February 2024, WKKF Community Leadership Network class three fellows came together in Washington, D.C., for their second in-person gathering. Six months into the fellowship, we asked fellows to reflect on their journeys thus far — how the fellowship has impacted their approaches to leadership and what they are looking forward to in the next year.

The impact of personal clarity

Many fellows reported a renewed sense of personal clarity, noting the unique opportunity to not only learn about leadership, but to also learn more about themselves as individuals.

Alexandra Melnik is the communications director

Class Two Reunites In-person in New Orleans

“We are a powerful force. I have said that throughout this journey, starting in Battle Creek to here in New Orleans three years later.”

~ Reena Evers-Everette, Class Two fellow with the Mississippi cohort

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Reflections on the Fellowship

“The fellowship has allowed me to finally realize I am great at what I do!”

~ Celeste Sanchez Lloyd

Fellows are responding to the critical needs of communities, while stepping into the possibilities and leading transformational change toward an equitable society.

As part of a WKKF Community Leadership Network virtual gathering panel, fellows

Understanding Identities for Deeper Connections

Understanding identities for deeper connections

“I am from Lahore, Pakistan; Lucknow, India; and Jacksonville, Florida. I am from Awadhi cuisine of the Nawabs to bologna sandwiches and mint jelly.”

~ Sameen Piracha

For many of us, the opportunity to learn more deeply about the experiences of people who are

We Belong in Solidarity

“When we are healers ourselves, as leaders, then we can spread that healing to more people as we try to build racial solidarity and racial equity in the United States and abroad.”

~ Kristyna Jones

WKKF Community Leadership

Leading Across Differences: Mississippi Flag

Leading Across Differences:
The Mississippi Flag

“Every individual deserves respect and dignity. Individually and collectively, people have the capacity, the power, the right and responsibility to effect social change.”

~ Medgar Wiley Evers

For 126 years, the intentional symbol of white supremacy known as the Confederate Battle flag loomed over the people of Mississippi, emblazoned prominently upon the state flag. Generations of activists have fought for its removal. Finally, in July 2020, a perfect storm of global outrage and community strength came together, resulting in the passing of historic legislation calling for the flag to be removed and a new design to be created.

WKKF Community Leadership Network fellows with the Mississippi cohort — Dr. Bryon D’Andra Orey, Patrick Weems, Zakiya Summers and Reena Evers-Everette — remember the work of those who came before and reflect on the strategies that led to this change finally happening.

Recognizing the flag’s traumatic impacts

“Changing the flag has been my life’s work,” shared Dr. Bryon

Reena's Leadership Journey

Fellow Spotlight: Reena Evers-Everette

“It’s extremely difficult when people expect you to step into the shoes of icons.” ~ Reena Evers-Everette

Reena Evers-Everette, daughter of civil rights leader Medgar Evers, has carried the legacy of the civil rights movement into her work, making

A Youthful Perspective on our Future

Young leaders inspire the WKKF Community Leadership Network fellows with their stories of activism and mobilization to advance racial justice