2012-2013 Applications and Nominations | About the Program | Seeking Mentors | 2011-2012 Class | 2010-2011 Class | Questions?
Applications and Nominations Now Being Accepted for the 2012–2013 Class
About Career Pathways
The Council on Foundations' Career Pathways is a 12-month leadership program that prepares candidates from diverse backgrounds to compete for and earn positions as philanthropic leaders. We work with individuals currently employed in foundations and grantmaking institutions who are seeking to advance their careers in philanthropy.
By bringing together talented high-level senior managers from diverse backgrounds with philanthropic leaders and executive search consultants, we can strengthen the pipeline of professionals looking to compete for and succeed in philanthropic leadership positions. We also work with foundations and grantmakers to help them acquire and retain the best management talent from this ready and willing pool.
Our Vision: The Council on Foundations' Career Pathways program will become one of the nation's premier programs to prepare philanthropic leaders and to help foundations and grantmakers acquire and retain the best management talent. It will foster diversity, inclusion, and excellence in philanthropic leadership for mid-career professionals.
Our Goal: We want to increase the number of candidates from diverse backgrounds in the leadership pipeline who are considered for, appointed to, and retained in senior and executive positions in philanthropic organizations.
Our Belief: We strongly believe in the links among diversity, inclusiveness, and effectiveness. Our conviction is based on research and is an institutionally held value that compels the Council to equip members with a variety of management tools, including talent acquisition, recruitment, retention, and leadership preparation.
Seeking Career Pathways Mentors
Council Welcomes New Career Pathways Class as First Grads Enjoy Success
Career Pathways Program Graduates Inaugural Class
The 2010-11 Career Pathways Program successfully concluded with an inspirational ceremony at the Council's Annual Conference on April 10 in Philadelphia. Fifteen participants graduated from the year-long leadership preparation program for mid-career professionals. Carol Larson, the Council's board chair and Steve Gunderson, president and CEO were featured speakers.
Latonya Slack, senior program officer of the James Irvine Foundation, was chosen by the members of the graduating class to deliver a commencement address. She recounted the rigor of the program, leadership opportunities, and camaraderie among her program peers. “We learned that embracing diversity and hosting and holding difficult conversations also means that we share our tears and joy, our challenges as well as our accomplishments,” she said. “We can celebrate and support each other and, when necessary, challenge each other to stay on task. The connections we have made professionally are key to a long and healthy career. But it's the personal connections that have made us friends, confidants, and valued colleagues.”
Slack thanked to her sponsoring CEO, Jim Canales of the James Irvine Foundation, and her supervisor, Amy Dominguez-Arms, for their recognition and support of diversity in leadership. She also praised the Council's staff and the Career Pathways team for developing, creating, and nurturing the program.
Career Pathways Grads Enjoy Success
Since the first Career Pathways class graduated in the spring, several of its 15 members already have taken big strides in their careers. The program prepares individuals from diverse backgrounds to compete for and earn positions as philanthropic leaders, although participating in the intensive year-long program does not guarantee a new leadership position. It cultivates philanthropic acumen and confidence in participants, strengthens individuals' networks, and empowers individuals to be the best candidate they can be.
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Tonya Allen was promoted to chief operating officer at The Skillman Foundation. In her new role, she oversees all operational and administrative functions and programs for the foundation. Allen is also the recipient of the prestigious 2011 German Marshall Memorial Fellowship, which provides a unique opportunity for emerging leaders from the United States and Europe to explore institutions, politics, and culture on the other side of the Atlantic.
Valerie Raines, vice president of corporate philanthropy at the KeyBank Foundation, was nominated by the foundation's chair to participate in an intensive three-day executive suite simulation training program on the banking and financial services industry. Her team came in first place with the highest stock price and was by voted number one by the banking executives who viewed the presentation and questioned the participants.
Caroline Merenda has been named program director of CFLeads, a national organization helping community foundations learn how to lead in their communities. She was nominated by Jennifer Leonard, president and executive director of the Rochester Area Community Foundation. Citing Merenda's successful after-school work in Rochester as a model, Leonard said, "Caroline will help us and other community foundations...achieve broad impact."
La June Montgomery Tabron was promoted to chief operating officer and treasurer of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. She was nominated by Sterling Speirn, the foundation's president and CEO, who said, "La June has a passion for the charitable work of the field and is able to make the connection between the passion and the execution that leads to results."
Debra Joy Pérez was promoted to interim assistant vice president, research and evaluation, at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In her new role, she works with the vice president to oversee the foundation's investments in research and evaluation. She is also responsible for advancing external and internal learning from these investments.
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Council on Foundations • 2121 Crystal Drive, Suite 700 • Arlington, VA 22202 • 800-673-9036 |
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