Mission and Vision
The Redwood Fellowship’s mission is to build community among leaders to help each individual thrive and ascend, and to collectively expand opportunity and prosperity throughout Connecticut.
Fellows envision and build a statewide community that actively supports accomplished leaders in achieving their aspirations. Fellows show up for each other, and every time they do, the community becomes stronger. The stronger the community, the greater the opportunity and capacity to transform Connecticut.
The vision starts with 42 Fellows in 2025, but that’s only the beginning. The Redwood Fellowship will grow over time as Fellows shape the statewide community and derive transformational value from it.
"The most important issues we need to address as a state will require one another: a linking of arms and trusting authentic relationships among a large group of values-aligned individuals who have the will to take courageous action towards a better future for Connecticut. The Redwood Fellowship creates the framework and sets the conditions for these kinds of relationships. In my experience in the Fellowship, I have met individuals (whom I might never have met) leading with strength in their own work. And I have deepened relationships with individuals I have had the privilege to know for years. I was challenged and had the chance to take risks with others, in a way that added depth to my own confidence and solidified meaningful connections with others for the years to come. During the Fellowship sessions, we were not working on our own project, venture, or organization. Our project instead was each other — and building a foundation of trusting relationships to beget a stronger community in the state we love."
Caroline Tanbee Smith, Alder of Ward 9, New Haven Board of Alders
Fellowship Experience
Redwood Fellows engage in a fellowship experience with periodic meetings throughout the year. The primary aim is to support Fellows in achieving their leadership goals and building relationships with colleagues in different, yet equally influential, leadership positions. This investment in leaders through community is essential to help each individual thrive and ascend, and to collectively expand opportunity and prosperity throughout Connecticut.
Fellowship sessions focus on building trust-based relationships and community, as well as leadership development activities. The sessions follow an arc that centers around the aspirations and legacies of leaders, and delves into practical strategies for success. In between sessions, Fellows may elect to organize additional activities as necessary to further cultivate relationships and advance the goals of the Fellowship.
Accomplished leaders who participate in the Fellowship benefit in the following ways:
Community: Fellows become part of a supportive statewide community and develop meaningful relationships with leaders who share a commitment to expanding opportunity and prosperity throughout Connecticut.
Professional Learning: Fellows strengthen their skills in inclusive, transformative leadership.
Access: Fellows increase their access to influential leaders, networks, and resources.
Self-Care: Fellows experience a beautiful retreat setting where they are safe and encouraged to reflect, restore, and prioritize themselves.
Health: Fellows increase their happiness and well-being as a result of fostering close relationships and connections with other leaders.
Professional Advancement: Fellows earn a prestigious credential that helps to validate their leadership and supports their professional accomplishment.
Efficacy and Impact: Fellows become more successful in their individual leadership positions, accelerating the impact of the agencies and organizations they lead.