August 21, 2024 —Since its inception in 2012, the Kendal Leadership Fellows Program has been a cornerstone in developing leadership skills among staff members across the Kendal System. This year’s program recently concluded with the graduation of thirteen dedicated individuals representing various Kendal communities.
The Kendal Leadership Fellows Program is a comprehensive, year-long initiative designed to equip staff members—regardless of their current role or title—with the essential skills, self-awareness, and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of leadership. Rooted in Kendal’s mission and values, the program nurtures effective leaders who are prepared to uphold and advance the organization’s core principles.
The success of this year’s program was greatly supported by the Leadership Design Team, which included Judy Sorum Brown—the lead designer of the program since its beginning—and Lynne Giacobbe, CEO of Kendal at Home. Their guidance and expertise were instrumental in shaping the program and ensuring its effectiveness.
A Year of Growth and Discovery
The 2023-2024 curriculum featured nine monthly sessions, each centered on key leadership themes. Held virtually via Zoom, these sessions covered a wide array of topics such as self-awareness, Quakerism and Kendal values, belonging, leadership tools and appreciative inquiry, identifying strengths, resilience, authenticity, mortality, and the power of self-awareness in leadership.
The final session provided graduates the opportunity to reflect on their journey. One participant described the program as “incredibly inspiring,” highlighting the transformative power of vulnerability and self-discovery. She shared, “This Leadership Fellow program will change your perspectives and help you become a better person and a better leader. I hope everyone who has the chance to participate takes it—it’s a journey worth taking for yourself.”
Looking Ahead: New Opportunities
Kendal extends its congratulations to the newest Leadership Fellows and wishes them success as they continue to grow and lead within their communities.
- Cyndi Moran, Kendal at Oberlin
- Tyler- John Robinson, Kendal at Ithaca
- Jacquelyn Wheeler, Kendal at Lexington
- Abigail Ferris, Barclay Friends
- Anthony Bradford, Kendal on Hudson
- Stephanie Tewes, Kendal at Home
- Briana Giuliano, Kendal on Hudson
- Shjon Amaker, Kendal at Ithaca
- Joseph Dishler, Kendal at Ithaca
- Dave Larkin, The Kendal Corporation
- Mariesly Febles, Barclay Friends
- Madeline Nolan, Kendal at Hanover
- Darrell Smith, Collington
The application process for the next Kendal Leadership Fellows Program is open until September 13. Interested staff members are encouraged to visit the Leadership Fellows page for more information and to apply.
If you’re a Kendal employee team member considering this opportunity, talk with your supervisor—participation in this program could be a life-changing experience!