NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Business Alliance announced on Tuesday, Feb. 12, that Patrick Young, training manager for the organization’s Talent and Workforce Development department, was selected as a W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network Fellow. Details were shared in a press release.
Out of 800 applicants nationwide only 80 were chosen.
Through the Center for Creative Leadership and W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the WKKF Community Leadership Network is a model program for developing local leaders who can unite people to create transformational change toward a more equitable society for all.
“Patrick Young represents the best of New Orleans – tenacious, relentless, upbeat and audacious. His work alongside the five Opportunity Centers to implement a life changing curriculum has been a tremendous underreported aspect of enhancing our city’s ability to cultivate more of its home-grown talent,” said Quentin Messer, Jr., president & CEO of the New Orleans Business Alliance. “His passion and follow through make him an inspiring leader and role model, and we could not be prouder of his well-deserved recognition as a WKKF Community Leadership Fellow.”
The 18-month fellowship program brings together 80 dynamic and diverse leaders from across the United States and sovereign tribes. The class is organized into cohorts based in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans – the foundation’s priority places – along with one national cohort.
Through hands-on training, mentoring and practical experience, the fellowship prepares leaders to “rise to the challenges of our time”. The program offers opportunities to understand the embedded racism in our systems and learn practical approaches to heal and unite communities around solutions.
Fellows go on to lead meaningful change in their communities. Several have run for elected office, including New Orleans City Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen, to create more equitable policies and foster economic growth that benefits the whole community.
