Growing Your Vision, Expanding Your Opportunities

Do you have a world-changing goal or vision that can strengthen our communities?  The CUP Fellows program was created to empower you with the skills, connections and resources to take this vision to the next level.

Who are CUP Fellows?

CUP Fellows are talented, visionary minority and women professionals aged 25 to 45 with the passion to become powerful civic or political leaders in their communities.

What is the Fellowship experience?

CUP Fellows share an intense 10-month journey that includes comprehensive training, events and board placement services that prepare them for their leadership path, introduce them to distinguished leaders who motivate and inspire them, and guide them as they navigate the winding road towards their highest goals.

What skills do Fellows gain?

The Fellowship curriculum prepares emerging leaders by focusing on five key ingredients for success in civic leadership: Public Speaking, Strategic Communications, Policy Research, Fundraising 101, and Grassroots Organizing.

How will the Fellowship impact my life and career?

More than 40 CUP Fellows have graduated from the 9-month program exploring new and innovative ways to engage in public service.  During and after the Fellowship year, CUP Fellows benefit from a range of opportunities that increase their visibility, skills, and influence within their respective industries.  If selected, you will receive structured guidance and training from the CUP staff and respected experts, as well as support and guidance from our members.

Benefits of the Fellowship Experience

• Board Membership
  The CUP Fellows program prepares you to join influential public and private sector boards.  For instance, Fellows Natasha Holiday, Anka Twum-baah and Janco Damas were invited to join the boards of Arthur Ashe Foundation, Opus 118, and the Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights respectively.
• Prestigious Networks
  CUP Fellows gain access to highly competitive leadership development opportunities. Fellows Christina Grant, Bernel Hall and Adrienne Harris were accepted to attend the Aspen Institute Seminar on value-centered leadership.
• Professional Advancement
  CUP’s vast network of public and private sector leaders supports you as you pursue advancement on your career paths.  For example, Fellow Leslie-Bernard Joseph became the founding dean of students for Coney Island Prep, the first charter school in Coney Island, as a result of relationships developed as a CUP Fellow.

2010 CUP Fellows

• Janelle Alexander
  Principal, Alprion Capital Management LP
• Angel L. Audiffred
  Chief of Staff, Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez
• Kevin Boakye
  Associate, Carlyle Mezzanine Partners
• Fernando Bohorquez, Jr.
  Litigation Partner, Baker & Hostetler LLP
• Liz Caldas
  Director of Private Markets, NYC Office of the Comptroller
• Patricia Charlemagne
  COO, Future Leaders Institute Charter School
• Chi John Duong
  Former Consultant & Strategic Advisor, White Energy
• Jen Early
  MD of Individual Giving, Teach For America
• Kenneth Ebie
  Litigation Associate, Friedman Kaplan Seiler & Adelman LLP
• Chanel Haliburton
  Carol H. Pitchersky Development Fellow, American Civil Liberties Union
• Vincent Harris
  Associate, Prudential Capital Group
• Sandy Hussain
  Senior Project Manager, Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation
• Levan Moulton
  Analyst, Goldman Sachs
• Stephan Nicoleau
  Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Critical Value Advisors, LLC
• Marvin Pierre
  Director of Student Life, Achievement First Endeavor Middle School
• Summer Poole
  Research Associate, Harlem Children’s Zone
• Paymon Rouhanifard
  Chief of Staff to Deputy Chancellor, NYC Department of Education
• Reshma Saujani
  Congressional Candidate – 14th District, New York
• Cidra Sebastien
  Associate Director, The Brotherhood/Sister Sol
• Courtney Williams
  SVP of Development & Strategy, Interactive One, LLC