The Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE) recently announced its selection for the 2008-2009 class of its Connecting Leaders Fellowship Program. Jonse Young, donor services director at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation is one of eleven individuals representing philanthropic organizations across the nation selected to participate in ABFE’s leadership development program. The fellowship is designed to sharpen the skills and strengthen the leadership capacity of foundation staff, donors, and trustees who are committed to assisting Black communities through philanthropy. Jonse’s experience in the Fellowship Program will officially begin on October 14 at a leadership summit in New York City. Over the course of the next year, Jonse and her classmates will receive instruction and guidance from seasoned grantmakers, organizational development experts, and executive coaches about how they can become more effective change agents within their institutions and within philanthropy. Each Fellow will be assigned a leadership coach as part of the program. Congratulations to Jonse on this most excellent achievement!