About the MAP Fellowship

MAP’s signature—for both Fellows and Mentors—is the project-based experience. By working directly with their Mentor, each Fellow is exposed to a specific, practical challenge in the nonprofit world. They come away with actionable insights and a meaningful new relationship. For Mentors, it’s an opportunity to work side-by-side with a rising professional who brings a fresh approach and new solutions. Fellows remain in their current, full-time jobs while dedicating approximately 15 hours per month, or 90 hours total, to the program.

The program continues beyond its six months, with alumni staying connected through our network, virtual check-ins, and an invitation to an annual gathering. Since launching in 2020, the fellowship has supported 54 fellows working alongside 58 nonprofit leaders to solve real-world challenges at 49 nonprofits across the country. We’ve heard incredible stories of both personal and organizational growth. Past fellows have reimagined fundraising efforts, cracked the code for rebranding age-old institutions, and drove strategic plans that transformed entire organizations.

Applications for the 2026 MAP Fellowship will open on August 11, 2025.

Program Highlights

Challenge

Mentors identify a challenge facing their organization that fellows commit to solving over six months. Each fellow pledges approximately 10 hours a month to solve the problem. Along the way, mentors provide hands-on guidance and knowledge.

Challenge Fund

A $5,000 grant is provided for each fellow to test, explore, and further innovate their challenge solution with their nonprofit. Proposals for the funds must be received by February 10, 2025, and will be approved pending challenge relevance.

Kick-Off Event

The kick-off event is designed to be immersive, hands-on, and fun, challenging fellows to grow leadership skills and collaborate with mentors to develop the strategies needed for their solutions to thrive. The kick-off event will take place in Miami, Florida, from January 16-19, 2025, including travel.

Coaching

Fellows receive extensive support from working with a public-speaking coach to prepare for their culmination event presentations.

Mind Melds

Fellows and mentors meet twice for virtual brainstorming sessions that mine the collective thoughts of their peers. Each fellow will host a portion of the Mind Meld to pose questions they are navigating while solving their challenge. The diverse perspectives and experiences of the cohort drive dialogue that inspires an innovative course of action.

Nonprofit Site Visit

Fellows visit their mentors for two days to allow fellows and mentors to work together on-site and to provide the fellow an opportunity to shadow and observe their mentor in action. Fellows and mentors must schedule their site visit by February 10, 2025, and complete it by May 1, 2025.

Culmination Event

The program culminates with an event where each fellow presents to an audience of public, private, and social sector leaders, providing them a platform to share their MAP experience. The culmination event will occur in Denver, Colorado, from July 22, 2025, through July 24, 2025, including travel.

Explore the 2025 MAP challenges

  • Challenge

    Explore new areas for impact in the financial inclusion space, such as the future of work or the intersection of AI and climate change.

    More Information

    The scope of work includes conducting a literature review, engaging with industry experts, gathering and analyzing relevant data, conducting interviews with key stakeholders, proposing a new framework for chosen area of impact, identifying implementation approaches and potential partnerships, and establishing metrics to measure success. The deliverables include a comprehensive report on chosen area of impact and a presentation to management team on findings and recommendations. Ideal candidate qualities include passion for innovative financial solutions for underserved populations, strategic thinking and strong analytical skills, commitment to social impact, research experience, and the ability to create strategies and robust frameworks.

    Mentor: Laura Glenny
    Laura Glenny serves as Vice President, People & Culture on Accion Advisory. In this role, she works with our partners to help them evolve their culture, organizational structure and talent so that they can continue to transform as a business and be adaptable in the ever-changing market. She provides client-facing executive coaching to business leaders and their teams. She has experience in varied sectors and countries, providing advisory services in change management, leadership development, talent, organizational design, and total rewards. Laura brings decades of experience working with executives and their teams in evolving their people & culture capabilities, holds a master’s degree from Georgetown University, and is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation.

    Fellow: Amber-Nadia Asumada

    Amber-Nadia is a changemaker and founder of Ayineem’s Village, a social enterprise dedicated to economically empowering women artisans and eliminating extreme poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa. She holds a B.A. in International Relations from Tufts University and has previously engaged with social impact organizations including UNICEF USA and Rippleworks.

    Learn more about Accion.

  • Challenge

    Support national community engagement initiatives by improving partner engagement, organization, and public outreach strategies for America's Most Endangered Rivers and National River Cleanup programs.

    More Information

    The scope of work includes supporting transition of National River Cleanup program, improving data collection and analysis processes, reviewing and updating web pages and resources, supporting America's Most Endangered Rivers® campaign team, assisting with partner engagement and correspondence, and conducting data analysis on campaign locations and impacts. The deliverables include organized 2025 America's Most Endangered Rivers® listing data, Equitable Community Engagement presentation for staff, summary of campaign calls to action and victories (past 10 years), post-launch partner survey, and updated National River Cleanup web interface and registration site. Ideal candidate qualities include strong writing and editing skills, community engagement and outreach experience, digital and web-interface proficiency, organizational and project management skills, and strong communication and collaboration abilities.


    Mentor: Chantel Dominguez

    Chantel is the Director of Community Campaigns and Engagement with American Rivers, working to advocate for water and environmental justice for people and the planet. In her role, Chantel manages and coordinates American Rivers’ high-profile national campaign, community engagement, and Movement Building for Systemic Change initiatives. Before joining American Rivers, Chantel was the Programs and Events Director at Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation in Reno, NV. She has extensive experience in community program development, project management, community advocacy, and environmental stewardship. Chantel is an AmeriCorps VISTA alum and a dedicated community advocate. She is passionate about intersectional environmentalism and strives to learn from and amplify the voices of marginalized and underserved communities through collaborative-driven initiatives, both in the work she does professionally and personally.

    Fellow: Alejandra Galindo

    Alejandra Galindo is a senior program manager at EforAll (Entrepreneurship for All), where she leads initiatives supporting early-stage entrepreneurs from low-income and minority backgrounds. With a background in Political Science and International Relations from Icesi University in Colombia and advanced education, including an MBA in Finance from EUDE Business School and a Strategic Project Manager Certificate from Harvard University, Alejandra brings a diverse global perspective to her work. Prior to her current role, she gained valuable experience at Greater Boston Legal Services and the Colombian American Chamber of Commerce, where she developed expertise in cross-cultural communication and international trade. Alejandra is bilingual in English and Spanish and combines her multicultural background with strong operational skills to create impactful entrepreneurship programs and foster inclusive business communities.

    Learn more about American Rivers.

  • Challenge

    Design a collaboration between Arizona State University's online lifelong learning programming and Merit America's team-based learner supports to create meaningful learning experiences for upskilling and reskilling.

    More Information

    The scope of work includes understanding ASU's online programming and Merit America's supports, investigating similar university-nonprofit collaborations, drafting a collaboration blueprint, developing a journey map for upskilling/reskilling learners, and preparing a comprehensive presentation for leadership. The deliverables include a comprehensive presentation on proposed collaboration and a final report including analysis of ASU and Merit America offerings, landscape evaluation of comparable programs, collaboration blueprint, learner journey map, and leadership memo. Ideal candidate qualities include innovative problem-solving skills, empathetic understanding of adult learners, strong learning orientation, ability to navigate roadblocks and find solutions, and being a thoughtful and confident collaborator.

    Mentor: Christina Ngo

    Christina Ngo serves as Arizona State University’s executive director of social embeddedness within the Office of University Affairs. Christina’s work focuses on advancing the mission of the New American University by evaluating university-wide social embeddedness efforts and initiatives. She facilitates and amplifies collaborative, mutually beneficial partnerships and innovations across the university and throughout their communities.

    Fellow: Christopher Maximos

    Christopher Maximos is a policy and communications professional specializing in the intersection of emerging technologies, education, and economic development. He currently serves as writer and research assistant to the Dean of the Harvard Kennedy School, where he helps shape strategy and communications for one of the nation’s premier public policy schools. Before joining Harvard, Christopher held roles across local, state, and federal government. He coordinated public engagement for NTIA’s Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund, supported New Jersey’s COVID-19 digital response as part of the state’s Office of Innovation, and advised on childcare and transportation policy for the San Jose Mayor’s Office of Technology and Innovation. In the technology realm, Christopher previously conducted research at the Stanford University Cyber Policy Center and the Screenomics Lab, and interned on Meta’s privacy team. He graduated with distinction from Stanford University, where he chaired Stanford in Government.

    Learn more about ASU Foundation.

  • Challenge

    Evaluate and streamline their organizational workflows and processes.

    More Information

    The scope of work includes assessing current systems and workflows, conducting listening sessions for feedback, refining assessment findings with recommendations, creating a work plan to improve system efficiency, and developing a guide for staff to navigate processes. The deliverables include a recommendations report, work plan for implementing recommendations, and guidebook on system navigation for staff. Ideal candidate qualities include understanding of organizational workflows, strong communication skills, project management expertise, and knowledge of efficiency-maximizing tools.

    Mentor: Cindy Eggleton

    Cindy Eggleton, Co-Founder and CEO of Brilliant Detroit, has a long history of working “with, for, and by” families to build a Detroit where children and families realize what is possible. Cindy is an expert in early childhood education and coalition building and collaboration, two core elements of Brilliant Detroit, which she continues to lead today. Brilliant Detroit coordinates existing evidence-based programming through houses in the middle of neighborhoods to ensure that families with young children have what they need to be school-ready, healthy, and stable. Cindy has led Brilliant Detroit from its initial concept to an upcoming national expansion called Brilliant Cities. Brilliant Detroit has served over 20,000 children and caregivers with over 160 organizational partners operating out of 18 hubs. Her work has earned her numerous recognitions, including Crain’s 2018 Notable Women in Nonprofits, AARP’s 2020 Purpose Prize, and the 2023 Elevate Prize. She sees this as her life’s work and is committed to growing this impact to affect population-level change in Detroit and beyond.

    Fellow: Natalie Viera

    Natalie Vieira is a skilled facilitator, project manager, and strategist. Currently, she is an Advisor for Strategic Initiatives at Tides, a nonprofit and philanthropic organization dedicated to shifting resources and power to those who have historically been denied both. She leads complex, multi-stakeholder consulting projects with partners who seek to deepen impact across a variety of issue areas, with a particular focus on thriving children and families. Before joining Tides, Natalie worked for the nonprofit All Our Kin, where she led the organization’s child care policy strategy in Connecticut before launching a technical assistance initiative to support home-based child care on a national scale. Natalie has also worked as a teacher at a foreign language high school in Bulgaria and as a campaign manager for a state representative in Connecticut. She holds a B.S. in Resource Economics and a minor in political science from the University of Connecticut and is an Advisor for the Women in Leadership certificate program at the University of San Francisco. In her free time, Natalie likes to explore the world on foot, often walking miles in cities and parks across the Bay Area.

    Learn more about Brilliant Detroit.

  • Challenge

    Provide an analysis of Brooklyn's nonprofit sector leadership to inform capacity building programs and external communications.

    More Information

    The scope of work includes conducting background research using industry tools, developing and executing survey and outreach plan, analyzing and visualizing data findings, conducting interviews with nonprofit leaders, and analyzing and recommending capacity building programs. The deliverables include a descriptive analysis of Brooklyn nonprofit sector leadership (presentation) and a two-pager with 3-5 capacity building program recommendations for Black leaders. Ideal candidate qualities include strong analytical background, ability to analyze and combine different datasets, experience creating surveys and conducting outreach, and comfort with emails and interviews.

    Mentor: Sabrina Hargrave

    Sabrina Hargrave joined Brooklyn Org in Fall 2018, bringing over a decade of experience in performance management and program evaluation in both research and nonprofit settings serving youth, immigrant families, and refugees in organizations such as the International Rescue Committee, Children’s Aid, and the Institute of Human Development and Social Change at New York University. At Brooklyn Org, she oversees strategic grantmaking and capacity-building work. Born in Argentina and raised in Brooklyn, Sabrina received her Master’s in Public Administration from New York University in International Development and her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Colgate University. She currently sits on the Board of Feedback Labs.

    Fellow: Pranathi Ganni

    Pranathi Ganni currently drives the implementation of aid and benefit programs at AidKit. She previously worked at GiveDirectly, developing the technology needed to enable and scale unconditional cash transfers globally, and at an education nonprofit, supporting strategic resource use at various U.S. public school systems to create equitable student experiences and outcomes. Pranathi holds a BS in Applied Mathematics & Statistics from Johns Hopkins University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending as much time in the sun by biking and hiking. When the weather isn’t ideal, Pranathi reads fiction and experiments with new baking recipes.

    Learn more about Brooklyn Org.

  • Challenge

    Develop a standardized online system to collect and process impact stories from educators and youth about their climate actions using TCI materials.

    More Information

    The scope of work includes analyzing models for collecting impact stories, conducting interviews with organizations using similar systems, synthesizing findings into a report, developing a concept and template for collecting impact stories, training TCI staff on the new system, and creating a process manual for ongoing data collection. The deliverables include an analysis report of impact data collection methods, summary of expert interviews, system/tool for collecting and cataloging action projects, and user manual for the new system. Ideal candidate qualities include strong digital media and outreach experience, data collection expertise (qualitative and quantitative), blend of creativity and analytical skills, passion for sustainability and community-building, and strong organizational abilities.

    Mentor: Kate Keefer

    Kate is originally from Wisconsin but has lived in New Zealand and, more recently, in Portland, Maine. Kate’s background is in public school teaching, specifically English & Language Arts, with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning. Kate has nearly twenty years of experience in teaching, business, leadership, and entrepreneurship, and is excited to bring these unique skills to the team at TCI. Kate’s first introduction to environmental and climate action was as a youth in a traveling children’s theater troupe called “To Save the Planet,” where she was lucky enough to perform at the White House for Vice President Al Gore during the United Nations Global Youth Forum. Since then, Kate has been passionate about the power of youth voices in tackling the world’s biggest challenges. In her free time, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband, Ollie, and their two daughters, Zoey and Natalie. She enjoys reading, sewing, fishing, cooking, and enjoying the beautiful Maine outdoors.

    Fellow: Joy Reeves

    Joy Reeves is an energy justice advocate, science communicator, and climate cartoonist from Washington, D.C. She currently works as Assistant Director of Policy and Programs at the Rachel Carson Council, an environmental justice nonprofit focused on advocacy against the wood pellet industry, synthetic pesticides, and false climate solutions. In 2024, Joy received a Master’s degree in Environmental Management with a specialization in Environmental Economics and Policy from Duke University, where she also earned her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy. Joy’s passion is in environmental communication, as she has received formal training in science communication as a Huang Fellow, founded the Environmental Comics Classroom, and authored the book Growing Up in the Grassroots: Finding Unity in Climate Activism Across Generations, published in 2020. Joy was named a Udall Scholar in 2021 and hopes to continue her career in public service. Her other professional interests include environmental conflict resolution, federal energy policy, and community-based environmental management.

    Learn more about The Climate Initiative.

  • Challenge

    Design an actionable roadmap to maximize the development team's output and impact through improved forecasting and prioritized institutional and individual giving approaches.

    More Information

    The scope of work includes enhancing institutional giving forecasting metrics and pipeline, identifying new mission-aligned funders and cultivation strategies, assessing historic individual giving approaches, developing realistic forecasting for individual giving revenue, and providing guidance on enhancing productivity tools. The deliverables include evaluation of development department's past performance, 1-year roadmap for scaled-down individual giving program, refreshed cultivation approach for institutional funders, and enhanced gap to goal forecasting document. Ideal candidate qualities include experience with grassroots movement-building organizations, strong research and data interpretation skills, understanding of diverse donor audiences, and ability to make data-informed recommendations.

    Mentor: Regina Sharma

    Regina Sharma is the founding Development Director for the Detroit Justice Center. Committed to organizations she sees as integral to building a thriving community for all Detroiters, Regina has held fundraising leadership roles at Henry Ford Health and Wayne State University and was a founding staff member for the Detroit Public Schools Foundation. She has also held positions at United Way, Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan, and the Detroit Regional Chamber. Passionate about equity, justice, and collective liberation, she is a founding board member of the Detroit Women’s Leadership Network, has served on the board for the Detroit Chapter of the Princeton Prize in Race Relations, and is a former trustee for ConnectMichigan Alliance and the Wayne State University President’s Commission on the Status of Women. She serves as a mentor for the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Detroit Chapter, Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, and City Year Detroit. She is a frequent speaker on nonprofit career development and has also presented nationally and internationally on fundraising for racial justice. Regina is a graduate of Leadership Detroit, an alumna of City Year Detroit, and a recipient of the Alternatives for Girls Role Model Award, Michigan Governor’s Service Award, and Spirit of Detroit Award.

    Fellow: Nazarina V. Mwakasege

    Nazarina V. Mwakasege, MPH, MSW A proud New Jersey native, Nazarina V. Mwakasege has built a career at the intersection of social work, public health, and nonprofit leadership. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and holds dual Master’s degrees in Public Health and Social Work from the University of Michigan—#GoBlue! Nazarina brings a wealth of experience in youth advocacy, community engagement, and advancing equity for marginalized populations. Currently, she directs development efforts at the Ruth Ellis Center, a nationally recognized organization serving LGBTQ+ youth and families, where she champions innovative solutions for housing, health, and economic equity. Above all, Nazarina is a dedicated mother to her beautiful 3-year-old son, who is obsessed with Spider-Man and serves as one of her greatest sources of joy and inspiration. She is passionate about building a better future for all children, believing in the power of love, resilience, and community to create lasting change. Whether fostering systemic impact or sharing quiet moments with her son and other loved ones, Nazarina approaches life with purpose, compassion, and a commitment to leaving the world better than she found it.

    Learn more about Detroit Justice Center.

  • Challenge

    Develop a media and marketing strategy to elevate the institute's voice in conversations about the future of work, leveraging the release of a new book.

    More Information

    The scope of work includes conducting research and competitive analysis, developing interview questions and conducting expert interviews, creating book tour communication and marketing strategy, developing content calendar and strategy, planning and executing book tour marketing campaign, and monitoring campaign performance and audience engagement. The deliverables include competitive analysis report, interview summary report with actionable recommendations, book tour strategy plan, content calendar and engagement strategy, campaign execution and monitoring plan, and ongoing recommendations report. Ideal candidate qualities include solid foundation in marketing and communications, social media management and content creation experience, media outreach and public relations skills, creative and strategic thinking abilities, strong communication skills, and passion for future of work topics.

    Mentor: Dr. Angela Jackson

    Dr. Angela Jackson, a workplace futurist and ESG expert, is at the forefront of reshaping the future of work. As a lecturer at Harvard University on leadership and organizational change and the founder of Future Forward Strategies, a labor market intelligence and strategy firm, she collaborates with Fortune 500 companies, growth-stage startups, and policymakers, offering valuable research and insights into the ever-evolving landscape of work. Earlier in her career, Dr. Jackson held global operating roles with Viacom and Nokia, leading major P&Ls and driving strong year-on-year profitability increases. A prominent figure in the future of work sphere, Dr. Jackson possesses a deep understanding of the technological trends reshaping organizations and the essential human capital infrastructure needed for businesses to maintain their competitive edge. With a rich history as a senior advisor, Dr. Jackson specializes in aligning social impact goals with broader business objectives. She firmly believes that business serves as a pivotal platform for effecting change. Currently, she serves as a board member and advisor to various public, private, and nonprofit boards, including Arena Analytics, Guild Education, and Needham Bank. As a subject matter expert in the future of work and learning, Dr. Jackson is widely published in leading journals, including Fast Company, Fortune, Forbes, Newsweek, Harvard Business Review, and Stanford Social Innovation Review, and has spoken at numerous conferences, including The Economist, Wall Street Journal, and TED conferences. Her forthcoming book, The Win-Win Workplace: How Thriving Employees Drive Bottom-Line Success, releases on March 11, 2025.

    Fellow: Daniela Delgado

    Daniela Delgado is a Senior Coordinator at Burness, where she supports high-impact projects for organizations including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the de Beaumont Foundation, and the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation. Her work focuses on advancing health equity, promoting healthy families and communities, and elevating transformative ideas through strategic communications. Before joining Burness, Daniela was a Program Coordinator at Identity, Inc., where she partnered with the University of Maryland School of Public Health to evaluate Encuentros, a mental health program for undocumented youth and families. She played a pivotal role in capturing community stories to create accessible mental health resources, which helped reduce COVID-19-related disparities in underserved populations. Daniela holds a Master of Arts in Political Communication from American University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where she served as Vice President of the Student Government Association. Outside of work, Daniela enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, and cats.

    Learn more about Future Forward Institute.

  • Challenge

    Design a comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) onboarding plan for new employees within their first six months of employment.

    More Information

    The scope of work includes meeting with key stakeholders to understand current practices, creating a DEI onboarding strategy and implementation plan, developing an asynchronous training framework, creating a live, interactive DEI workshop, developing a DEI new hire checklist, and establishing metrics to measure onboarding plan success. The deliverables include comprehensive onboarding document, culture training framework, DEI initiatives workshop deck, new hire Notion page, and 3-5 metrics to gauge onboarding plan success. Ideal candidate qualities include strong strategy development and project management skills, employee-facing experience (HR, employee engagement, etc.), experience creating or facilitating adult learning experiences, passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and data collection and assessment skills.

    Mentor: Tymerra Coleman

    Tymerra Coleman is the Senior Manager of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) at Merit America, where she supports developing and implementing the organization’s DEI strategy. A proud womanist and lifelong learner, Tymerra is deeply passionate about amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. With eight years of DEI-focused experience, Tymerra’s equity journey began at Texas Christian University, where she studied Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies. Continuing her passion for learning, she then earned an M.A. in Multicultural Women’s and Gender Studies. She intentionally found ways to apply the theories she studied in the classroom to her personal and professional life. Throughout her career, Tymerra has used concepts of feminist thought to design programs that support students from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds. Rest and wellness are of utmost importance to Tymerra, particularly in the demanding field of DEI. In her additional free time, she enjoys traveling, baking, and spending quality time with her loved ones.

    Fellow: Annette Valdouin

    Annette Valdouin is a committed non-profit professional dedicated to advancing educational equity, workforce development, and fostering racial diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a first-generation Haitian-American raised in Greater Boston, Annette’s background profoundly shaped her interest in advocacy and education at an early age. Annette earned her Bachelor of Science in English Education from Boston University, where she developed a passion for creating inclusive educational environments and ensuring individuals from underrepresented backgrounds could emerge successfully in lucrative fields. With experience across various non-profit and academic sectors, including secondary school teaching, public policy advocacy, and young adult programming, Annette is driven by the belief that every individual deserves the chance to thrive and can do so once society removes the systemic barriers in the way of their success. When not in a professional setting, you can find Annette curled up with a good book, planning her next vacation, or spending time with her family.

    Learn more about Merit America.

  • Challenge

    Create and iterate on a playbook for hosting virtual convenings that amplify underrepresented voices in climate solutions storytelling.

    More Information

    The scope of work includes creating and iterating on a playbook for virtual convenings, conducting stakeholder interviews, synthesizing learnings to inform convening structure, supporting team in organizing and inviting participants, co-facilitating virtual convenings, creating synthesis reports for each convening, and integrating Drawdown Stories initiatives into convenings. The deliverables include stakeholder interview takeaways, draft convening structures and materials, synthesis reports from each convening, follow-up communications and surveys, and final playbook synthesizing convening outcomes and lessons learned. Ideal candidate qualities include experience working with underrepresented communities, strong understanding of storytelling and DEIJ in climate space, experience with diverse external partnerships, impeccable organizational and multitasking skills, and workshop development and facilitation experience.

    Mentor: Matt Scott

    Matt Scott is the director of storytelling and engagement at the global nonprofit climate solutions resource Project Drawdown and is the founding director of the Drawdown Stories program, where he helps everyday people find their role in climate solutions and justice on the community level. Matt hosts the climate solutions short documentary series Drawdown’s Neighborhood, featured on the Weather Channel’s Pattrn streaming network. To date, the series has featured climate heroes from Atlanta, The Bronx, Minneapolis and St. Paul, Newark, New Haven, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Before his work at Project Drawdown, Matt was the global community lead and storyteller of the NASA International Space Apps Challenge, the world’s largest global problem-solving hackathon — engaging over 100,000 people in over 150 countries. While building Space Apps – what’s been called the U.S. government’s largest citizen diplomacy initiative – he also worked with the Australian Government, Pivotal Ventures by Melinda Gates, USAID, the United Nations, Nike, Walmart, and the Obama White House. Matt is the creator of Let’s Care, where he interviewed 100+ changemakers and created the film 20s & Change: San Francisco, which is recognized at three film festivals to date.

    Fellow: Lydia Zemmali

    Lydia Zemmali is a dynamic bridge-builder whose passions lie at the intersection of health, climate justice, and human rights. Her multicultural and multilingual background guides her relationship-centered approach to systems transformation. With a degree in Human Biology from Stanford University and a Climate Change and Health Certificate from the Yale School of Public Health – Lydia is well-prepared to design strategies that shape resilient, healthy communities. Working at various direct service and advocacy organizations, she has gained skills in project management and partnership-building. Currently, at the Center for Care Innovations, Lydia drives collaboration to solve complex healthy equity challenges. Her skillful facilitation enables diverse stakeholders to align strategic priorities and problem-solve with purpose and joy. Lydia is an avid dancer, enthusiastic traveler, and cyclist who recently completed her first Climate Ride through Glacier National Park. Her deepest fulfillment is found in community—sharing good food and rich conversations.

    Learn more about Project Drawdown.

  • Challenge

    Develop and implement an equity overlay plan to enhance our organizational practices and policies.

    More Information

    The scope of work includes assisting in developing and implementing equity overlay projects, researching best practices for embedding equity into organizational policies, collaborating with staff to integrate equity considerations, conducting research on equity-related policy issues, assisting in drafting policy briefs and reports, providing administrative support for equity-related meetings, and engaging with community partners and stakeholders. The deliverables include regular progress reports on equity initiatives, data analysis and interpretation of equity outcomes, and metrics and indicators to measure effectiveness of equity strategies. Ideal candidate qualities include excellent written and verbal communication skills, collaborative work style with diverse teams, project management and data analysis experience, and familiarity with equity issues in public sector or nonprofit environments.

    Mentor: Courtney Lee

    Courtney Lee serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Public Knowledge, where she leads the organization’s daily operations, overseeing human resources, finances, and other key strategic functions. With extensive experience in nonprofit management, grant administration, accounting, human capital, and corporate compliance, Courtney brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Courtney holds an MBA and is deeply committed to humanitarian work, with a passion for helping others.

    Fellow: Tinuola Bisola Adebukola

    Tinuola Bisola Adebukola, MPH, CPH, is a dedicated public health professional and mental health advocate committed to advancing health equity through innovative, data-driven solutions. She holds a Master of Public Health with a certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology: Global Health and the Environment, both from Washington University in St. Louis. Tinuola specializes in improving population health and supporting underserved communities through evidence-based strategies, leveraging her expertise in program development, design thinking, and technology-driven innovation. She currently serves as a Senior Analyst at Aetna, a CVS Health company, where she leads initiatives to simplify care, improve access, and advance health equity. Concurrently, she contributes to research initiatives at Mental Health America, addressing youth mental health disparities and shaping actionable policy recommendations. Her career spans diverse facets of the healthcare sector, including optimizing patient care navigation in health systems, advancing managed care initiatives, driving innovation in health-tech startups, and conducting healthcare research. Tinuola is honored to join the MAP Fellowship and looks forward to advancing social impact leadership, tackling critical challenges in the nonprofit sector, and collaborating with leaders to create transformative change.

    Learn more about Public Knowledge.

  • Challenge

    Develop a playbook to inspire more Shedd Aquarium followers and visitors to take action for animals more frequently.

    More Information

    The scope of work includes completing a content audit, conducting a horizon scan of best practices, interviewing experts in the field, developing a best-practices playbook, and aligning playbook with Shedd's Centennial Commitment strategic plan. The deliverables include a best-practices playbook for increasing reach and efficacy of conservation calls to action. Ideal candidate qualities include strong content marketing strategy skills, passion for building environmental literacy and activism, experience with content audits and horizon scans, and ability to interview experts and synthesize information.

    Mentor: Meghan Curran

    Meghan Curran provides insight and direction to Shedd Aquarium’s strategic plan, serving as the primary leader for the aquarium’s experience master plan as well as for strategic programs that expand the aquarium’s footprint in nature, in the community and digitally. She champions Shedd’s experiential brand and helps guide the institution’s ongoing evolution and commitment to diversity, equitability, access and inclusion.

    Fellow: Gabriela Medina Florez

    For the past seven years, Gabriela Medina Florez has led the design of global products for Uber and Meta, which have ranged from transportation platforms to social media privacy features. Some of the highlights of Gabriela’s career include leading the creation of Uber Freight’s first enterprise tool to manage shipments transportation, co-leading and scaling Meta’s first Privacy Center, contributing to the strategy of Europe’s first Facebook and Instagram ads free subscription experience and empowering people to make informed decisions over the use of their data for Meta’s Generative AI features. Most importantly, her experiences have enabled her to serve as a mentor and advocate on inclusive and ethical practices in technology. Within her future work she hopes to inspire new possibilities to use technology as a catalyzer for social and environmental impact.

    Learn more about Shedd Aquarium.

Meet the 2025 Fellows

2025 MAP Fellow Requirements

Estimated Time Commitment

Tentative dates

Fellow Requirements



Check-in with Accountability Team

February 2025

1 hour


2 hours (9:00 - 11:00am MST)

March 5, 2025

Mind Meld


Check-in with Accountability Team

March 2025

30 minutes


4 days, including travel to and from Miami, FL

January 16 - 19, 2025

Kick-Off Event*


~12 hours per month

January - July 2025

Solving your MAP Challenge

2 hours (9:00 - 11:00am MST)

April 9, 2025

Mind Meld


Check-in with Accountability Team

April 2025

30 minutes


Check-in with Accountability Team

May 2025

1 hour


Virtual Event

May 2025

1 hour


Check-in with Accountability Team

June 2025

30 minutes


Public Speaking Coaching

June 2025

2 hours


Virtual Event

July 2025

1 hour


2.5 days, including travel to and from Denver, CO

TBD (By May 1, 2025)

Nonprofit Site Visit*


2 days, including travel

July 22-24, 2025

Culmination Event*

*The Morgridge Family Foundation funds all travel, meals, and accommodation expenses related to the program for fellows and mentors. Each nonprofit will have access to up to $5,000 to allow their selected fellow to test, explore, and further innovate their work.

FAQs

  • Information about the 2026 MAP Fellowship will be announced August 11, 2025.

  • 2026 Fellow applications open on August 11, 2025 and will close in October. Fellows will be notified of their status by December. The six-month program begins in January 2026 and runs through July 2026.

  • Being a fellow is not a full-time job. It is a rigorous professional development opportunity to be completed with concurrent employment or education. Each fellow pledges to dedicate approximately 15 hours per month, or 90 hours total, to the program.

  • See above, or download the Fellow Requirements document here.

  • No, there is no fee associated with the program. MFF funds all travel, meals, and accommodation expenses related to the program for fellows and mentors. Each nonprofit will have access to $5,000 to allow their selected fellow to test, explore, and further innovate their work.

  • MFF selects twelve mentors and twelve fellows. We shape each cohort to encourage an intimate, diverse learning community that brings new perspectives and ideas to each challenge.

  • Successful candidates will advance through two rounds of screening, with the final selection made by each mentor. Due to the high number of applicants to the program, we cannot interview everyone who applies.

  • MFF invites esteemed, diverse nonprofit executives to apply for a limited number of mentorship opportunities. In order to be selected, candidates must submit a compelling challenge their organization is facing and make the case for how a fellow can solve that problem during the six-month program.

  • Fellows do not need to live in the same city as their mentor. Fellows will work remotely for the majority of their time with the program, traveling to three events throughout the program.

  • All fellows must live in the United States and be able to travel domestically as outlined by the program.

  • No. The admissions team is looking for the strongest candidates possible, no matter their age.

  • Absolutely! Graduate students are encouraged to apply.

  • MFF will provide reasonable accommodations for the selection process and in the program. For accommodations or feedback, please contact Program Manager Ash Gallegos: ash.gallegos@thinkmff.org.

  • The Morgridge Family Foundation will:

    • Cover the cost of all travel, meals, and accommodation expenses for mentors and fellows throughout the program.

    • Provide each nonprofit $5,000 for their fellow to test, explore, and further innovate their work.

    • Oversee all programming and logistics of the fellowship. except fellow site visits. While MFF funds the site visits, scheduling and logistics are the responsibility of the fellow and mentor.

    • MFF’s Programming Team will work closely with program participants throughout their collaboration, acting as thought partners, coaches, and facilitators. 

    • MFF’s Communications Team will amplify the cohort’s work and is available to publish content as interested by each fellow and mentor.

  • Fellows and mentors are life-long members of the growing MAP community. Annual convenings, virtual get-togethers, and meaningful friendships will keep the network alive. The solutions generated by each fellow are designed to be sustainable and self-sufficient, impacting their mentor’s organization long after the program concludes.

  • MFF has long believed in the power of fresh perspectives to innovate stagnant systems. In 2020, the Foundation recognized an opportunity to usher in the next generation of social sector trailblazers by connecting them with vetted, impactful executives—and with each other. We wondered, what would it look like for the nonprofit leaders of tomorrow to collaborate directly with the nonprofit leaders of today? And from that, the MAP Fellowship was born.

  • We’re glad you’re excited about the program! If you have additional questions not answered on our website, or if you would like to have a deeper conversation, please contact Program Manager Ash Gallegos: ash.gallegos@thinkmff.org