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News Articles
Dr. Jeffrey Gardere
National Urban Fellows First Public Policy Forum:
Mental Health Issues in Communities of Color
National Urban Fellows will present its first Public Policy Healthcare Forum, Mental Health Issues in Communities of Color, on Thursday, May 8, 2008, from 5:30 – 8:00 PM.
Joining us will be two distinguished guest speakers, Dr. Garth N. Graham, MD, MPH, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Minority Health and Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH, Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Acting as the evening's Moderator will be America's Psychologist, Dr. Jeffrey Gardere, Ph.D. www.drjeffgardere.com
Paula Gavin, National Urban Fellows President, stated "we feel a strong need to begin a dialogue that generates awareness and sensitivity around this critical community healthcare concern, while preparing future public policy makers to be responsive agents of solutions and change. At the end of this evening we hope to walk away with public policy action items that we will share with elected officials from both the city and state of New York, as well as with our presidential candidates."
This first public policy forum will be a roundtable discussion designed for NUF Fellows, Alumni and Mentors, presented by healthcare professionals, mostly National Urban Fellows' Alumni and Mentors, who will address mental health issues and their impact in communities of color. To date joining Dr. Garth N. Graham, a NUF Mentor, in the Roundtable discussion are: Dr. Debra J. Perez, Ph.D., M.P.A., M.A., (NUF Class of ‘97) and Mentor and Senior Program Officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Dr. Shoshanna Sofaer, MPH. and Dr.PH., Bernard M Baruch College School of Public Affairs and Dr. Benjamin Ortiz, MD, Assistant Attending Physician and Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Networking Cocktail Reception Immediately Following.
RSVP REQUIRED BY MONDAY MAY 5, 2008, to alumni@nuf.org or call 212.730.1700
This Public Policy Forum is presented in association with Bernard M. Baruch College School of Public Affairs and sponsored by
The increase in diversity across the nation calls for leadership that will more accurately represent the rapidly changing population. National Urban Fellows is committed to developing leaders who represent our changing America with confidence and competence. Today, more than ever, the nation needs individuals who are committed to public service and to careers in the government and nonprofit sectors – individuals like you, who will fulfill National Urban Fellows mission.
Help NUF make certain that others will follow in your footsteps by supporting the next generation leaders and by supporting this campaign. Your tax deductible generous gift will be used to support:
- Placement of Fellows at national Mentor organizations
- Development of National Urban Fellows Alumni programs including:
- Enhanced Communications
- Networking Opportunities
- Professional development
The Alumni Campaign for Change is $100,000. As you review your charitable giving, please continue to support our mission and help us to meet our financial goal with a tax-deductible donation to National Urban Fellows.
Join the Alumni Campaign for Change Committee by supporting the first Alumni Campaign For Change
Alumni Campaign for Change Committee
Larry King, Campaign Chair (Class of '79)
Dr. Tony Allen, Ph.D. (Class of '97)
Ben Butler, (Class of '89)
Winston Crow, (ESMF Class of '90)
Andrea Foggy-Paxton, (Class of '06)
April Gariepy, (Class of '06)
Shirley M. Haulsey, (Class of '86)
Alfred Ramirez, (Class of '85)
Willie Ramos, (Class of '06)
Lafayette Smith, (Class of '83)
Lorraine Vega, (Class of '84)
LOOK FOR YOUR BROCHURE COMING SOON! Or to find out how to make a tax deductible donation or for more information about the Alumni Campaign For Change contact David Chu, Director of Alumni Development at alumni@nuf.org or call 212.730.1700
NUF Announces Fellows Class of 2009
Following a rigorous selection process the National Urban Fellows Class of 2009 has been selected.
41 women and men were awarded Fellowships. Here's a statistical close-up:
NUF Co-founder
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro
Celebrates Alumni
Hon Rosa L. DeLauro
On Thursday, April 11th, over fifty Washington, DC, area Alumni gathered for a networking reception and celebration sponsored by the American Express Foundation. Larry King, the evening's reception host, welcomed Alumni ranging from the Class of '70 to the Class of '07. Guests also included members of the class of '08 and the recently selected Class of '09, as well as Anna Flores, Vice President of American Express. Paula Gavin, President congratulated Alumni on being accomplished and courageous change agents and reminding the entire gathering of the National Urban Fellows mission.
Ben Reyes, Chair of the NUF Board of Directors enjoyed the pleasure of welcoming very special guest, a co-founder of National Urban Fellows, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. What follows are her stirring remarks:
Thank you Ben.
Paula Gavin, thank you for your warm and inspiring remarks. The National Urban Fellows is fortunate to have your leadership and experience. And with your vision and passion going forward there is no limit to what we can do.
Indeed that sentiment, that boundless potential is something we imagined and felt when the National Urban Fellows was nothing more than an idea nearly four decades ago, but to see it take life here today and in the work of Fellows all over the country, it is simply thrilling.
To David Chu and the entire National Urban Fellows staff, as well as the entire board and all of the current fellows, mentors and alumni, gathered and celebrating, please let me welcome and congratulate you. It is a great privilege for me to join all you here, to see so many friends and familiar faces, people dedicated to equity and social justice, and to think about that kernel of an idea that started it all in New Haven so long ago.
Let me say, I feel as if I have finally come home to an extended family. More than 1,000 alumni! A 39 year-track record! Upwards of 40 Fellows for the 2009 class. Simply Remarkable.
Transformational mentorships and high impact placements across the country are the heart and soul of National Urban Fellows. And year after year they are a powerful testament to the reach of this organization and the passion of the people who give it life.
Nearly 4 decades ago, I was working at a community organization, New Haven's Community Action Institute. Frank Logue who directed that effort would later become mayor of New Haven. At that time, the National League of Cities and the US Conference of Mayors were looking for a way to confront and address the problems of the late ‘60s – violence and social unrest. How could you bridge the gap between city governments and minority communities? There was a dearth of minorities and women in city and state government.
We saw an imperative for change, and the need for a new model of leadership — new leaders from minority communities because — because, frankly, the old model had left too many people out of the process — out of the board rooms — out of the city halls and the state legislatures — out of public agencies and non-profit organizations — out of positions of influence and power.
So, under the auspices of the National League of Cities and the US Conference of Mayors, with funding from the Ford Foundation, the National Urban Fellows got off the ground. We knew our success was dependent on getting a few key elements right.
We knew we had to recruit impressive fellows — courageous people with the capacity to learn and grow. We were offering an amazing opportunity – education and experience — but we were asking a lot as well. We were being ambitious — seeking not only to inspire great leaders but also to change the entire leadership structure, the very world our fellows were about to enter.
We also understood that good policy requires passionate policy makers. And that passion is instilled and inspired by the insight you make possible. So our Fellows had to have genuine leadership experience in changing cities — to make a real difference and see change happening in real time. We had Fellows all over the country, working with Walter Washington, the District's first mayor, Cleveland's Carl Stokes, the first African American mayor of a major city, and Tom Bradley in Los Angeles — the kind of experience that allows young leaders to build lasting networks — the kind of networks that stay with you for life.
I am proud of how far National Urban Fellows has come. And I am excited about where you are going, because I know we need the National Urban Fellows. One-third of the country is now made up of multiethnic, multicultural individuals, while only 15 % of the top elected government officials such as members of the U.S. Congress are African American, Latino, Asian American or Native American; and only 24% are women.
We must close this gap and that is why the National Urban Fellows is so critical. Many may think we have already won these battles especially in a year when we have an African American and a woman vying for the presidential nomination, but clearly — when 84% of the country's non-profit organizations leaders are white, with 42% of these organizations serving only white communities — we have long way to go.
Even in the Congress where I have seen remarkable progress in the last 18 years, there are less 20 percent of the Representatives and Senators are women.
With baby boomers soon to retire in vast numbers, there will be many vacancies in top posts, in every sector, creating greater opportunity for diverse leadership.
Now is the time to prepare a new generation of leaders of all ethic and racial backgrounds. National Urban Fellows mission is as relevant today as it was 40 years ago.
Shirley Chisholm said that — "Service is the rent that you pay for room on this earth." And I know that each of you embrace that sentiment every day in your work and in your lives, in your presence here today and in all that you do.
Thank you and congratulations!
Remarks of the Hon. Rosa DeLauro
National Urban Fellows Reception
Friday, April 11, 2008
NATIONAL URBAN FELLOWS
2009 ANNUAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
Be There! When National Urban Fellows convenes the 2009 Annual Leadership Conference January 12 – 17 at the beautiful Gallery One Fort Lauderdale, located in sunny, scenic Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Conference Program Activities:
- Plenary sessions with national speakers
- Keynote luncheons
- Power networking
- Fort Lauderdale's hottest social events and activities
Make plans now, mark your calendars. More details to follow!
National Urban Fellows
Welcome 3 New Board Members
The National Urban Fellows' recently expanded its board of directors to include three new members. New board members Larry King, Nina Martinez and Dr. Sherece West were elected on April 12, 2008.
Larry King (Class of '79) has been the Vice President of CH2M Hill in Washington, DC since 2004 and comes to National Urban Fellows with extensive experience in engineering and operations.
Nina Martinez, J.D., (Class of '88) is the State Secretary of the Republican Party of New Mexico. Ms. Martinez served as Assistant Counsel to Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and held positions in New York City and Federal Government.
Dr. Sherece West is currently the President of Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation in Arkansas. She previously served as President of the Carrier Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation.
Benjamin Reyes, National Urban Fellows Board Chairman said, "I am pleased to welcome three new stellar individuals to the board, two of whom are NUF Alumni. I am confident that National Urban Fellows will benefit greatly from their leadership as we move our mission forward."
First Public Policy Forum
A Success
1st Public Policy Forum, May 8, 2008
Dr. Leonard Reich, Vice President of Behavioral Health at HIP, Health Plan of New York with Paula Gavin, President, National Urban Fellows
Jacqueline Martinez, Senior Program Director, New York State Health Foundation
Dr. Thomas Frieden
Dr. Jeffrey Gardere
Dr. Garth N. Graham
Dr. Shoshanna Sofaer
Dr. Benjamin Ortiz
Dr. Mary T. Bassett
National Urban Fellows presented its first Public Policy Healthcare Forum, Mental Health Issues in Communities of Color, on Thursday, May 8, 2008.
The Forum, offered to acknowledge and address mental health issues and their impact in communities of color, has started a dialogue that promises to generate awareness and sensitivity around this critical community health care concern, while preparing future public policy makers to be responsive agents of solution and change.
Speakers for the first Public Policy Forum included: Dr. Tom Frieden, Commissioner, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, who set the tone for the roundtable discussion. Dr. Garth N. Graham, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, was the lead speaker of the roundtable with panelists, Dr. Shoshanna Sofaer, Professor, Baruch College School of Public Affairs, Dr. Benjamin Ortiz, Assistant Attending Physician and Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Dr. Mary T. Bassett, Deputy Commissioner for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
The evening's moderator was Jeffrey Gardere, Ph.D.
The Forum concluded with audience members identifying and voting on three top public policy actions items that emanated from the round table discussion. The top three action items are:
- Improving recruitment and retention of culturally competent professionals.
- Begin to address mental health issues in schools with youth.
- Creation of community level coalitions to address and promote sensitivity to mental health issues.
The action items will be shared with elected officials from both the city and state of New York, as well as with our presidential candidates.
National Urban Fellows gratefully appreciates HIP-GHI for generously underwriting the taping of this Public Policy Forum event.
 (L to R) Secretary, John Saunders, immediate past Chair and Executive Committee member, Mary Wong Lee, Board members Carole I. Smith and Elsa Vega-Pérez, and newly elected Chair, Benjamin Reyes. NUF Board of Directors Elect New Officers
The National Urban Fellows' Board of Directors recently elected a new slate of officers. Elected on January 19, 2008, were National Urban Fellows Alumni, Benjamin Reyes, (Class of '80) Chair, and Floyd T. Johnson (Class of '76), Vice Chair. Also elected was Clifford W. Graves, Treasurer. John E. Saunders, III, is Secretary. New Executive Committee members are immediate past Chair, Mary Wong Lee (Class of '78) and Paula L. Gavin, President.
Speaking as the new Chairman, Ben Reyes said, "After serving on this Board of Directors for a number of years, I look forward to serving in this new capacity. I feel confident that in working along with the wonderful strong board and staff leadership, we will take this organization to the next level of excellence."
 New Look,
New Tagline,
Renewed Commitment
National Urban Fellows is proud to present a new logo and tagline, Leadership for a Changing America.
Our new logo's 3-star icon represents the three pillars of excellence that are the foundation of the National Urban Fellows' Leadership Development program: academics, mentorship, and life-long personal and career development.
These three pillars are the promise we make to the courageous, accomplished women and men who strive to be leaders of our communities and our nation, and who possess a strong commitment to equity and social justice.
 Meet the Program Director
Miguel A. Garcia Jr., National Urban Fellows' Program Director will be recruiting accomplished, mid-career men and women for the National Urban Fellows Class of 2010 in major cities throughout the country. Join him at one of the upcoming career fairs in a city nearest you.
2008 Career Fair Cities
Washington, DC, June 18
New York City, NY, June 20
Boston, MA, September 15
Philadelphia, PA, September 22
Seattle, WA, October 7
San Francisco, CA, October 14
St. Louis, MO, October 23
New Orleans, LA, October 30
Atlanta, GA, November 3
For times and locations, contact Program Manager, Abigail Torres at atorres@nuf.org.
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