Mission and Vision

Redwood Fellows’ mission is to build a statewide community to support accomplished leaders in achieving their aspirations, accelerating their individual and collective impact.

Fellows envision and lead a statewide community.  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.  By 2030, Redwood Fellows will grow to more than 200 Fellows actively advancing a statewide community and leading institutions.

"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.  Redwood Fellows creates the framework and sets the conditions for these kinds of relationships.  In my experience in Redwood Fellows, 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 organized around four in-person retreats, as well as additional opportunities for collaboration in between retreats. Ultimately, Redwood Fellows aspire for the Fellowship to lead to an active statewide community that grows and matures over time as additional cohorts join.

The retreats follow a programming arc that is intentionally designed to build community among leaders and support Fellows in achieving their leadership goals.  This investment in leaders is essential to help each individual thrive and ascend, and to collectively expand opportunity and prosperity throughout Connecticut. The program arc emphasizes specific themes:

  • Building trust: the foundation

  • Being vulnerable: opportunities for growth

  • Embracing purpose: aspiration and legacy

  • Expanding opportunity and prosperity: active community  

Retreats bring these themes to life while delving into practical strategies for success.  In between retreats, Fellows organize additional activities as necessary to further cultivate relationships and advance the goals of the Fellowship.

The Fellowship experience will lead to membership in a statewide community. The Fellowship experience launched in early 2025 and the broader statewide community experience will launch in 2026.   

Accomplished leaders who participate in Redwood Fellows benefit in the following ways:

  • Access:  Fellows increase their access to influential leaders, networks, and resources.

  • Professional Learning:  Fellows strengthen their skills in inclusive, transformative leadership.

  • 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.

  • 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 receive active support from a statewide community of accomplished leaders who help them ascend and lead institutions.

  • Efficacy and Impact:  Fellows become more successful in their individual leadership positions, accelerating the impact of the institutions they lead.