Guiding Hawaii’s Future Leaders
By Kalei Stern, Director, Omidyar Fellows
Although we live in paradise, our Islands face some very real problems, and Hawaii’s future will undoubtedly be shaped by the ability of our leaders to meet these and other complex challenges. That’s why it’s important to cultivate a community of emerging executives and equip them with the skills and relationships they’ll need to help Hawaii prosper. As the director of the Omidyar Fellows, I am proud to be part of this innovative initiative designed to cultivate the substantial talent in our community.
The brainchild of Hawaii resident Pierre Omidyar, the Omidyar Fellows program is a response to the desire within our community for transformative learning opportunities. This summer, 12 to 15 emerging local leaders from across the state and from different sectors – nonprofit, government, business, labor
– will be chosen to participate as the first class of Omidyar Fellows. During a 15-month period, Fellows will participate in a program designed to build stronger leaders, more effective organizations and cross-sector connections.
Employers and organizations play an important role by supporting the learning and growth of Fellows. There is no cost to participants or their organizations, and while the investment is significant (estimated at more than $50,000 per Fellow), so is the promise of a community of skilled leaders working on behalf of the people of Hawaii.
The program is just the beginning of a lifelong commitment by Omidyar Fellows to help generations of emerging leaders transform Hawaii for the better and for the long run.
Developed by Bill Coy, director of leadership learning, the curriculum was created specifically for Hawaii and includes local coaches and trainers. The program entails one-on-one executive coaching, which is key to supporting Fellows in applying their skills and achieving success in the role of leader.
The ideal candidate has at least five years of management-level experience, understands the positive and challenging aspects of doing business in Hawaii, and is committed to work toward a collaborative vision of leadership here in our islands.
I believe that the Omidyar Fellows program will deepen and widen leadership skills in our state and create a tremendous, collective opportunity to set a good course for this place we all call home. I strongly encourage interested and eligible candidates to apply at OmidyarFellows.org by June 30.
