Two years ago, I was humbled to be nominated for a fellowship although I knew little about it. The application was grueling, lengthy and required deep thought and self-evaluation. The interview process was more intense and required more self-evaluation and also true accountability to issues facing North Carolinians at every level. I was certain that I would not be selected.
As of this past weekend, I have humbly completed a leadership journey like no other. Yet, my journey continues. The William C. Friday Fellowship for Human Relations was more than a simple validation of professional achievement; the program was my opportunity for self exploration and transformation. Under the key values of the Fellowship – integrity, intention and inclusion – our diverse and accomplished class of 19 was determined to understand the true responsibilities of being leaders in North Carolina.
United in a two-year mission to refine statewide leadership and to expand action networks, our class represented conflicting sides and opinions on many controversial issues. Yet, each of us was willing to make ourselves vulnerable to make North Carolina a better place and, most importantly, we were willing to both listen and hear viewpoints aside from our own.
There is a strong and continuously flexing link between the Fellowship and my role as Executive Director of the recently established N.C. Justice for Sterilization Victims Foundation. I hope that my experiences have better prepared me to guide crucial conversations that can aid in mediation and promote civil discourse amongst everyone involved.