Omidyar Fellows Accepting Applications for 2013 Class

The Omidyar Fellows program is accepting applications for its 2013 leadership class through June 30.

Launched in May 2012 by the Hawaii Leadership Forum, the rigorous leadership program is based on global best practices in leadership development and a curriculum that’s been customized to cultivate a community of emerging executives in Hawaii.

Criteria and applications are available at http://www.omidyarfellows.org/apply.

Over a 15-month period, Fellows will participate in a program that’s designed to build stronger leaders, more effective organizations, and cross-sector connections that are necessary to collectively affect community change. The program covers all costs for each participant.

The motivation to create the Omidyar Fellows program originated with Pierre Omidyar, founder and chairman of eBay, who recognized the desire within the community for transformative learning opportunities.

Developed over several years, the Omidyar Fellows program is based on global best practices in leadership development and a curriculum that’s been customized for emerging leaders in Hawaii.

The customized program includes a kickoff event and series of orientation activities, one full-day session each month, executive coaching, and conversations with current leaders.

In addition, Fellows learn new skills, network with peers, self-reflect, and participate in personal growth opportunities.

“Last year we were fortunate to receive more than 150 applications from many engaged and dedicated individuals seeking leadership development for the benefit of not just themselves, but their organizations and their communities as well,” said Kalei Stern, director of Omidyar Fellows.

“We were impressed by the strong representation from all islands and sectors and the overall level of understanding and commitment to Hawaii.”

“We look forward to engaging with the community and the next generation of leaders to build a strong second cohort of Fellows.”

Omidyar Fellows is looking for applicants who represent a wide range of sectors including government, nonprofit, for-profit businesses, and labor unions.

The ideal candidate for the Omidyar Fellows is someone who has:

• Demonstrated, as a leader, the courage, commitment, passion, and capability to get things done.
• Solved complex problems within an organization or community.
• Developed a working style that incorporates problem solving, original thinking, collaboration, and innovation.
• Earned leadership responsibilities beyond his/her years of employment based on track record of accelerated achievement.

Selected participants for the second Omidyar Fellows class will be announced in September, and their program will begin in October.

The current inaugural class is nearing the halfway point of the 15-month program and will be graduating in November.

Of the 13 Fellows in the inaugural class, two are from Hawai’i Island, including Kaiu Kimura, executive director of the Imiloa Astronomy Center and Jason Fujimoto, chief operating officer of HPM Building Supply.

For additional information about Omidyar Fellows and Hawaii Leadership Forum please visit www.OmidyarFellows.org/Hawaii.