Harvard Business School has announced its 2025-2026 Leadership Fellows, a distinguished group of MBA graduates poised to take on pivotal roles in nonprofit and public-sector organizations across the United States. This initiative, rooted in a longstanding academic vision, aims to cultivate leaders with cross-sector experience dedicated to addressing societal challenges throughout their careers.
Bridging Business Acumen with Social Impact
Since its inception in 2001, the Leadership Fellows Program has placed hundreds of HBS graduates into one-year, high-impact management positions within various organizations. These placements are designed to harness the analytical and strategic skills of MBA graduates, enabling them to produce immediate results and build long-term capacity in public service and nonprofit environments.
The program stands as a unique opportunity for emerging leaders to gain frontline experience in solving social problems. Fellows apply their business training to initiatives that demand innovation, fiscal responsibility, and organizational development, reinforcing the value of ethical leadership in today’s complex world.
Participants receive a structured one-year fellowship in collaboration with their host organizations. Each fellow receives a base salary supported jointly by the host and the school, making it a sustainable model for organizations that benefit from high-caliber talent.
Meet the 2025-2026 Leadership Fellows
The 2025-2026 cohort comprises 16 graduates contributing their expertise to a broad array of organizations:
- James Bedford – Evidence Action
- Darren Berrigan – Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
- Simon Cui – Planned Parenthood Direct
- Mara Goldman – Whitney Museum of American Art
- Meredith Heckman – City of Boston
- Genevieve Hummer – Prime Coalition
- Sue Jia – Mercy Housing
- Kareem Land – Harlem Children’s Zone
- Alesia Michel – Year Up United
- Brandon Moore – State of Connecticut
- Kate Swain-Smith – Ownership Works
- Amal Tariq – American Civil Liberties Union
- Anna Tayag – Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
- Annabel Ware – Allied Climate Partners
- Lexi Watton – Boston Ballet
- Zijue Zheng – The Juilliard School
These fellows will tackle issues ranging from public infrastructure and climate policy to education, civil rights, and healthcare access.
Fellows’ Vision and Motivation
James Bedford is set to support Evidence Action with global health initiatives, aiming to enhance institutional effectiveness through digital strategies. Darren Berrigan will contribute to improving transportation systems, drawing from a personal connection to the Boston area. Simon Cui looks forward to expanding digital healthcare services at Planned Parenthood Direct.
Mara Goldman will bring her passion for the arts into her role at the Whitney Museum, while Meredith Heckman will focus on building effective city partnerships within Boston. Genevieve Hummer plans to work on climate funding strategies, and Sue Jia will contribute to integrating housing and healthcare solutions.
Kareem Land is driven to break cycles of poverty through education initiatives, and Alesia Michel will support programs that close the opportunity gap for underserved youth. Brandon Moore, a military veteran, aims to strengthen housing policy and energy infrastructure at the state level.
Kate Swain-Smith will help build equitable economic systems, while Amal Tariq will focus on defending civil liberties. Lexi Watton aims to advance arts outreach, and Zijue Zheng will drive revenue and strategic planning for The Juilliard School.
Program Structure and Support
The Leadership Fellows Program offers a competitive salary and grant-based support. Each fellow receives a salary from their host organization, with an equivalent matching grant from Harvard Business School. This financial model ensures that high-potential graduates can pursue public interest careers without immediate economic constraints.
The program is supported by a range of dedicated fellowships and philanthropic contributors, ensuring its continued growth and impact. These fellowships help cover expenses and enable fellows to focus entirely on their mission-driven work.
A Model for Cross-Sector Leadership
This fellowship experience enables participants to explore leadership from a new vantage point. It also exposes host organizations to fresh perspectives from recent business graduates, promoting innovation and operational excellence.
Upon completing the fellowship year, many alumni go on to leadership roles in government, education, philanthropy, and socially conscious enterprises. The program serves not only as a launchpad for their careers but also as a bridge between business strategy and civic responsibility.
Harvard Business School’s Leadership Fellows Program exemplifies a broader shift in business education—one that prioritizes ethics, impact, and service. As challenges in society grow more complex, the need for capable, principled leaders across sectors has never been greater.
By nurturing such talent, the program contributes to a future where business leaders don’t just respond to market trends but also actively shape a more equitable and resilient society.