The 2015 American Express NGen Fellows are:

Janet Arias-Martinez, Associate Director of Alumni Relations, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute; Washington, DC

Gretchen Beesing, CEO, Catalyst Miami; Miami, FL

Maggie Dunne, Founder and President, Lakota Children's Enrichment, Inc.; Scarsdale, NY

Cecilia Fong, Program Officer, Hawai'i Community Foundation; Honolulu, HI

Raymond Foxworth, Vice President of Grantmaking, Development and Communications, First Nations Development Institute; Longworth, CO

Michele Frix, Director of Programs, Seattle International Foundation; Seattle, WA

Christopher Johnson, Director of Programs & Learning, Florida Philanthropic Network; Tampa, FL

John Kern, Senior Director, Community Wealth Partners; Washington, DC

Ellen Liu, Director of Women's Health, Ms. Foundation for Women; Brooklyn, NY

Lindsay Louie, Program Officer, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation; Menlo Park, CA

Rishi Moudgil, Managing Director, University of Michigan Center for Social Impact; Ann Arbor, MI

Brett Weisel, Director of Advocacy, Feeding America; Washington, DC

The American Express NGen Fellows program builds the leadership skills of nonprofit and philanthropic leaders ages 40 and under to tackle society's toughest challenges. Over the course of a year, Fellows participate in a range of activities that deepen their individual capabilities, expand their collective knowledge, and grow their professional networks.

“The leaders we need tomorrow are making important contributions today, and this cohort of NGen Fellows are impressive role models leading the way,” said Amanda Broun, Independent Sector vice president for programs and practice.  “NGen Fellows enrich IS and the sector as a whole with their commitment to and passion for developing solutions to some of the sector’s greatest challenges.  Past cohorts have collectively addressed challenges like succession planning, leading through data, strategies for talent diversity and innovation.”

“We have a history of creating and supporting successful global programs that develop the essential leadership skills of nonprofit and social purpose sector professionals,” said Timothy J. McClimon, president of the American Express Foundation. “The opportunity to continue this mission, by bolstering the personal and professional development of these outstanding young leaders, is a privilege we would not want to miss. Each of these inspiring Fellows has already traveled far and contributed so much to advance the common good. We look forward to their future accomplishments tackling even greater hurdles in the years ahead.”

The American Express NGen Fellows Program gives these 12 professionals a rare opportunity to strengthen their capacity for future impact. It offers a comprehensive program that develops the Fellows’ ability to lead in turbulent times, strengthens their professional networks, and elevates NGen accomplishments on a national level. Over the course of their fellowship, they also will work on a group-led project which contributes to the knowledge of the sector.

The program runs October 2015 – November 2016, highlighted by the Fellows’ appearance at this year’sIndependent Sector National Conference in Miami.

To learn more about the American Express NGen Fellows Program, visit: http://www.independentsector.org/ngen_fellows_program

To read bios for each of the 2015 American Express NGen Fellows, visit:

http://www.independentsector.org/2015_ngen_fellows