By Roberta F. King
Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Grand Rapids Community Foundation recently announced that Director of Philanthropic Services Johngerlyn “Jonse” Young, CAP, has been selected to participate in the Council on Foundations’ 2017 Career Pathways program. This intensive, year-long leadership development program is designed to foster diverse talent and excellence among the philanthropic sector’s senior executives. Participants will graduate from the program with the knowledge, experience, and professional networks needed to be more effective in their current roles and more deliberate in their contributions to the field of philanthropy more broadly, positioning them to compete successfully for senior-level foundation positions.
“We’re honored and excited that Jonse was selected for the Career Pathways program. Her leadership skills have always been evident here at the Community Foundation and we’re pleased that she’ll have the opportunity to be involved nationally,” said Diana Sieger, president of Grand Rapids Community Foundation.
The Council is committed to a diverse and inclusive agenda for the field of philanthropy. Career Pathways is just one program in a suite of activities offered by the Council that is focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through the Career Pathways program, the Council seeks to increase the number of candidates from diverse backgrounds in the leadership pipeline and strengthen the capacity of the philanthropic sector to grow and retain diverse talent.
Young will participate in virtual and in-person learning, networking events and career training facilitated by expert faculty representing senior executives and trustees in the field of philanthropy as well as experts from other sectors.
“This was an extraordinarily competitive year for the program, and the 2017 Career Pathways cohort is truly outstanding” said Council president and CEO Vikki Spruill. “These 24 individuals are remarkably talented and have shown themselves to have a deep commitment to the principals of diversity, equity, and inclusion and a calling to be of service to the field of philanthropy. Career Pathways will prepare them to be the next generation of leaders who will drive the sector’s efforts to improve lives and build vibrant communities.”
