Saroeun Earm is one of the newest Ron McKinley Philanthropy Fellows, and will join the Bush Foundation’s Leadership Programs team in early 2016. The team inspires, equips and connects leaders to effectively lead change. In her new role, Earm will support team efforts across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native nations that share the same geography.
“She has a warm spirit and verve for complex problem solving. Her background in international affairs, nonprofit work and leadership development makes Saroeun a great fit for our work,” said Leadership Programs Director Anita Patel.
Launched as a partnership with the Minnesota Council of Foundations in 2013, the Ron McKinley Philanthropy Fellowship prepares high-potential individuals from underrepresented communities for careers in philanthropy. Fellows are employed by the Minnesota Council of Foundations and placed at participating foundations for three years. The Fellowship is named after the late Ron McKinley, a longtime member of the Twin Cities philanthropic and nonprofit communities who worked for justice and equity issues.
“I believe philanthropy has a unique position to invest in underrepresented communities and progressive ideas where it may have been historically and institutionally overlooked to bring positive change that transforms systems and lives. I look forward to learning about how and where I can provide meaningful impact,” Earm said.
Earm is a financial inclusion campaign manager at Saint Paul-based nonprofit Prepare + Prosper. She previously worked at Chemonics International, managing development projects for USAID in Washington, D.C. She holds a master’s in international relations from Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from St. Olaf College.
Learn more about all eight 2016 Ron McKinley Philanthropy Fellows, as well as their host sites.