John Sankara—2013 Fellow
Year: Class of 2015
Organization: Meda & African Development Center
I spent my summer learning about financial education and financial services. At Meda, I worked on a research project where I investigated the organization’s impact in the minority-owned business landscape based on metrics such as job creation and business growth. I also organized a series of financial literacy workshops in partnership with Hope Street homeless shelter and a small group from the Brian Coyle Center. The workshops were primarily aimed at high school and college-age youth.
The CGF has been highly rewarding. I was particularly impressed with and challenged by the discussions in the classroom setting which helped form a solid theoretical base for our eventual projects. In all, the fellowship places a crucial emphasis on self-direction and proactivity – two very key personal skills for future community leaders.