Anita Patel, vice president of Racial Justice and Public Policy Programs at the YWCA of Minneapolis, will join the Bush Foundation as Leadership programs director. Patel will lead the Foundation’s effort to inspire, equip and connect leaders in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and 23 Native nations that share the same geography. She will oversee both the Bush Fellowship and Leadership Network grant programs.
“We are thrilled to welcome Anita to the Bush Foundation. Throughout her career, she has helped develop and connect leaders to advance positive change in Minnesota and across the country. In addition, she has built and led programs that have made an impact in many communities we serve. Her experience and expertise are a valuable addition to the Foundation and our effort to build and connect leaders in our region,” said Bush Foundation Community Network Vice President Duchesne Drew.
“I am honored and excited to be joining the Bush Foundation team. We have amazing leaders in our region who are addressing complex issues with optimism and innovative thinking. I look forward to partnering with and investing in those leaders to ensure they are equipped with the tools and support they need to influence positive change in our community” said Patel.
Over the past ten years, Patel has built a significant record of accomplishment at one of the largest YWCAs in the country. She created a wide-range of leadership and inclusion programs, developed research and evaluation models, and built networks designed to leverage the strength of individuals for maximum impact in the community. The work she led at the YWCA of Minneapolis has served as a model for YWCAs across the country.
Patel has been recognized for her leadership in the community. In 2011, she received the Hubert H. Humphrey Public Leadership Award, presented by the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. She was named a Top Six Business Leader Under 30 by Minnesota Business Magazine and a Top Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotan by the Minnesota Jaycees. Patel serves on the boards of the Charities Review Council and the Minnesota Humanities Center. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University and a master’s from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.