Report from the The Omidyar Fellows – HONOLULU – The Omidyar Fellows — a program launched in May 2012 by the Hawaii Leadership Forum — has opened applications for its 2013 class. Applications for the rigorous and comprehensive leadership program are now being accepted online at www.OmidyarFellows.org/hawaii through June 30, 2013.
Developed by Bill Coy, director of leadership learning for the Hawaii Leadership Forum, the Omidyar Fellows curriculum is tailored to meet the unique and diverse needs of participants. The customized program includes a kickoff event and series of orientation activities, one full-day session each month, executive coaching, and conversations with current leaders. In addition, Fellows learn new skills, network with peers, self-reflect, and participate in personal growth opportunities.
“Last year we were fortunate to receive more than 150 applications from many engaged and dedicated individuals seeking leadership development for the benefit of not just themselves, but their organizations and their communities as well. We were impressed by the strong representation from all islands and sectors and the overall level of understanding and commitment to Hawaii” said Kalei Stern, director of Omidyar Fellows. “We look forward to engaging with the community and the next generation of leaders to build a strong second cohort of Fellows.”
Omidyar Fellows is looking for applicants who represent a wide range of sectors including government, nonprofit, for-profit businesses, and labor unions.
The ideal candidate for the Omidyar Fellows is someone who has:
- Demonstrated, as a leader, the courage, commitment, passion, and capability to get things done
- Solved complex problems within an organization or community
- Developed a working style that incorporates problem solving, original thinking, collaboration, and innovation
- Earned leadership responsibilities beyond his/her years of employment based on track record of accelerated achievement
- Demonstrated engagement in the community beyond professional responsibilities
- Arrived at an understanding of Hawaii’s cultural, social, and political contexts
As the current inaugural class nears the halfway point of the 15-month program, the Omidyar Fellows program hopes to build upon the momentum of its first year and bring these exciting opportunities to a new group of up to 15 up-and-coming local leaders. The program is designed with the goal to inspire and equip emerging leaders with the skills needed to affect positive, lasting change in Hawaii.
According to Colton Ching, a current Omidyar Fellow and vice president of energy delivery at Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc., the program is already succeeding. Ching said, “Through the Omidyar Fellows program I have learned important lessons on leadership and developed lifelong friendships with my cohort that will be invaluable in my professional career.”
The 2012 fellows will be graduating in November 2013. Selected participants for the second Omidyar Fellows class will be announced in September, and their program will begin in October 2013.
For additional information about Omidyar Fellows and Hawaii Leadership Forum please visitwww.OmidyarFellows.org/Hawaii. Omidyar Fellows is also on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/OmidyarFellowsHI and Twitter at www.twitter.com/OmidFellowsHI.