Leadership Academy fellows are truly the heart of our program. We are deeply committed to ensuring that each cohort reflects the lived experiences, and perspectives of the many communities we aim to serve. By bringing together fellows from a wide range of backgrounds, we create a learning environment that is adaptable.
Fellows have the opportunity to form close connections, engage in meaningful collaboration, and learn deeply from one another. We also recognize that our fellows want a sense of community, and we value the curiosity and care behind that interest. Our goal is to foster a supportive and vibrant learning experience where every leader feels seen, valued, and inspired to grow as both a professional and a changemaker. (JustLead staff can connect prospective fellows with an alumni to learn more about the program and its impact. If you are interested, please reach out to info@justleadwa.org.)
Cohort Composition
Our target audience includes individuals working across community-based and community-led organizations, law and justice organizations, civil legal aid, criminal and juvenile justice systems, public sector agencies, and advocacy groups focused on equity and access to justice.
Cohorts intentionally include:
- Fellows from community-based, law and justice organizations.
- Usually, about 1/3 of fellows work within civil legal aid.1/3 with other justice system partners (including criminal & juvenile justice, law schools, and pro bono programs), and 1/3 with community-based organizations and other partners.
- At least 40% of fellows work outside of King County.
Academy cohorts reflect the many communities that intersect with the justice systems.
Note: The Leadership Academy is NOT about positional authority, but instead about a deep commitment to engage in powerful leadership behaviors, regardless of role.