Hello everyone,

We have now made it to the final week of the fellowship. I cannot believe that ten full weeks have gone by already. Ten full weeks of meaningful work, lasting connections, and experiences and knowledge that will last a lifetime.

This week, I wrapped up all my tasks at the MAC and made my goodbyes. I was honestly sad to say goodbye to all the people I have worked alongside this summer and to walk away from the desk that I called mine. I switched out the last old logo sign in our ceramics room, I folded brochures for an upcoming tabling event, I made my last trip to drop off marketing materials to a business in Worthington, and I helped start the Annual Fund Back-to-School Mailing process. The new year is beginning to really kick-start at the MAC with summer programming now done, and even though I will not be there during the year as a staff member, I am happy to have contributed to work that will continue to move forward and thrive.

We also had a busy last week at The Columbus Foundation. On Wednesday, we had our last Summer Fellows Learning session where we talked about transformational leadership, merging nonprofit organizations, and how nonprofits are like businesses. On Thursday, we had a networking session, and then on Friday we had our Summer Fellowship Closing Luncheon at The Columbus Foundation! Our various host sites and other stakeholders got to come and help us celebrate the summer! Even though I was pretty nervous about my Pecha Kutcha presentation, I am so glad I got to share what I have been doing this summer in a broader more visual sense. I am so proud of my fellow peers and their accomplishments this summer! Everyone did an amazing job on their presentation, and they really let their talent, passion, and leadership shine through. I am so happy I was with this group of girls this summer, and I wish everyone well in what they do next. I know it will be amazing things!

I am so grateful to The Columbus Foundation for providing this amazing opportunity to me this summer. I cannot imagine not having had this experience because I know it will be pivotal for me moving forward, within the nonprofit sector and moving forward as a young professional in general. The fellowship has not only taught me the highs and lows of the sector, but it has also further emphasized the impact of good work and being a “transformational” leader. I am excited to apply my new sense of leadership and skills in life moving forward. I am also grateful for my wonderful host site, The McConnell Arts Center! I first want to thank all the people who hosted me this summer at the MAC from the Executive Director to the Front Desk Associates. Their kindness and generosity to me this summer, in letting me really get the full nonprofit experience, was such a gift. I secondly want to thank everyone I directly and indirectly came in contact with through the MAC, from volunteers, to board members, to community leaders, donors, patrons, etc. Thank you! I also want to thank Dr. Lomax for his leadership and for his commitment to our fellow group this summer. Thank you!

Goodbye for now!

Graci