Fellows Week 2024

The Karen Lee Spaulding Oishei Fellowship for Leaders of Color (KLSOFLOC) program recently celebrated its fifth anniversary with a week dedicated to fostering relationships, collaborating to advance innovative solutions, and giving back to the community. Since beginning in 2019, the program has been instrumental in bringing together diverse cohorts of leaders committed to personal and professional growth, community service, and mutual support.

At the heart of the Fellowship is an emphasis on building strong, lasting relationships among members. Throughout this week of celebration, Fellows participated in a variety of activities designed to strengthen these bonds, center rest and wellness, and foster service in the community. The program’s unique approach combines team-building exercises with opportunities for meaningful dialogue, ensuring that participants leave not only with new skills, but also with a network of supportive peers.

One of the highlights of the week was the “Blue Sky Thinking” workshop, which encouraged Fellows to think creatively and solve problems in innovative ways. This session added valuable tools to their professional toolkits, empowering them to approach challenges with fresh perspectives. The Fellows engaged in brainstorming sessions that led to actionable ideas, demonstrating the power of collaborative thinking.

True to the program’s mission, the week included community service activities that allowed participants to give back. The Fellows spent a day planting trees—“Bringing Fruit Back to the Fruit Belt”—contributing to the environmental health of the community and fostering a sense of stewardship. 

Recognizing the importance of self-care, Fellows participated in a boxing class and a “Rest is Resistance” wellness session. These activities highlighted the significance of maintaining physical and mental health as part of overall growth. The wellness class, in particular, emphasized that taking time to rest and recharge is a critical component of sustained activism.

The week concluded with a celebration of the Fellowship’s accomplishments over the past five years. Fellows shared personal stories and successes, reflecting on how the program has impacted their lives and careers. This celebration was a testament to the program’s ability to inspire and empower members to make a difference in their communities.

Fellows Week 2024 was filled with growth, connection, and giving back, renewing each leader’s sense of purpose and community.