By Adora Land, grantmaking director 

I joined the Bush Foundation in 2023 as the grantmaking director focused on the Bush Fellowship program. It’s such a joy to work on something that has a long track record and has made such a meaningful difference in so many people’s lives.

I’m especially honored to share in the announcement of the 2024 Bush Fellows and look forward to getting to know them over their two-year Fellowship. Their accomplished work is a reminder of the innovation, curiosity and courage that it takes to lead and bring about big changes in the region.

Investing in the capacity of people to lead change is one of the most effective ways to make our region better for everyone. Our region needs leaders who think big about what’s possible and know what it takes to grow their own leadership capacity to do such bold work.

Creating significant change takes time and perseverance and is marked by many learning opportunities along the way. Leaders make sacrifices, face delays and push against systems that don’t want to move as they stay the course to see their vision for change made real.

Leadership takes many forms, as does the support that different leaders need — not just to continue doing their work but also to grow their impact. Some Fellows take a sabbatical to pursue unique learning experiences that they otherwise would not be able to do. Some further their education with advanced degrees and specializations that allow them to grow their knowledge and be ready for greater opportunities. Some connect with other leaders to learn with them and build their networks in ways that help them grow in their work. And some explore practices that center healing and restoration to make more space for bigger thinking that benefits generations to come.

I hope you take a moment to get to know the 2024 Fellows and the change they are creating throughout the region. You’ll walk away feeling inspired to do more in your work — and I hope it inspires others to consider a Fellowship in the future!