The Mandel School recently spoke with Donovan Young, a student finishing up his MSSA/MNO dual degree this semester, specializing in community practice for social change. He is the Louis Stokes Leadership Fellow in Community and Social Development, a fellowship established in honor of Cleveland civil rights pioneer and former Congressman Louis Stokes, and the .
Describe your fellowship at the Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation.
I began in June of this year—Holley Fowler Martens, secretary of the foundation, actually sat in on my capstone presentation for Dr. Hussey's class in April. What I said must have resonated with her and she reached out to me and set it all up. The position is actually brand new.
Before I arrived, the foundation was entertaining the idea of updating their website and creating an annual report—I actually highlighted both of these recommendations in my capstone presentation. I made some recommendations on what these items might look like and they were receptive to my ideas and plan to implement them in the future.
I also helped the foundation revamp their grant-making procedures with an intentional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) lens, compiled a list of best practices, and facilitated working group sessions on foundation strategy and operations with the board and staff, among other things.
I have really enjoyed my experience at the foundation and am glad I landed there.
Give a fun fact about yourself.
I spent part of my childhood (8 years) in Okinawa, Japan.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy cooking and reading.