Kristin Vogel — Milwaukee, WI
FUSE Project: Implementing a Framework to Advance Racial Equity in Milwaukee County
I am inspired by Milwaukee County’s strategic plan commitment and action toward addressing racial inequities to enable the County to become the healthiest in Wisconsin. Through the FUSE fellowship, I aim to be additive to the good work underway, applying my years of experience in information science, leadership, innovation, and continuous improvement skills & strengths in service to this pressing and vital work.
Quincy Brewington — Atlanta, GA
FUSE Project: Utilizing Data to Advance Equity in Education
Having an opportunity to make substantial improvements in the lives of students and families in Atlanta drew me to the FUSE fellowship. As a former classroom teacher, I always felt a limited impact on the lives of the children holistically. This FUSE fellowship [allows] a district like Atlanta Public Schools [to utilize] its reach to spurn collective action of community organizations. I am excited to be equipping this collection with a tool that will ensure those future decisions to provide opportunity, resource, and support are done equitably. Years after my FUSE fellowship concludes, my hope is that Atlanta families feel and see the impact of APS and its community partners [are] utilizing the tool for collective community action and are seeking new ways to continue its utility.
Mike Kunkle — Fresno, CA
FUSE Project: Building Strategic Partnerships to Expand Career and Education Opportunities
I’ve already begun fulfilling one of my FUSE goals. I’m applying years of experience in industry to a more altruistic mission – to help kids!
Kary Anne Weybrew — Los Angeles County, CA
FUSE Project: Expanding Access to Equitable Healthcare Career Education and Opportunities
Nurses are seen as the most trusted profession above law enforcement, military, teachers, judges, & clergy. I feel as a nurse, I must do my part to assure access to quality and equitable health education and services to optimize health and well being for all, which means we need to foster a healthcare workforce that is able to address those needs. My belief is with FUSE I will improve access to quality health education, improve diversity in our nursing workforce, and inspire more nursing leaders to also strive to achieve health equity and enhance population health.
Roxanne Ferand Mayfield — Los Angeles County, CA
FUSE Project: Creating a Cohesive Service Delivery Model for the Justice Impacted Population
The fellowship is a way to get involved in a social issue that I am very passionate about in the hope of helping to move the social injustice “ball” forward.
Julia Nelson-Young — San Joaquin County, CA
FUSE Project: Ensuring Equity in Affordable Housing Investments in San Joaquin County
FUSE has given me a platform to bring my seventeen years in the housing industry full circle. This fellowship has allowed me to pivot my career from the private sector to the Council of Governments where change starts and I welcome the opportunity to be an ambassador for CHANGE.
Ashley “AC” Cannon — Baltimore, MD
FUSE Project: Improving the Cleanliness, Health and Employment Outcomes for Underserved Neighborhoods
The moment I read the FUSE fellowship description for Baltimore City’s Clean Corps initiative, it instantly resonated with me. FUSE’s mission to remove the social and economic barriers to opportunities, that have continued through historical systemic and institutionalized racism aligned with me morally and professionally. Part of me immediately thought “this opportunity is too good to be true.” As a long time Baltimore City resident it is my honor to serve the community that has contributed so much to who I am both personally and professionally. I hope to bring to fruition a strong workforce development program via Clean Corps; that will serve as a model in providing underserved communities with equitable employment opportunities within the City of Baltimore.
Lysa Liggins — Los Angeles County, CA
FUSE Project: Streamlining Workflows to Support the Release of Over-incarcerated Individuals
I am presently working on my dissertation and my research is on reentry, recidivism, and social support. This FUSE project is one that parallels my research. It is almost as if someone has lifted the words of my research and created a JOB for me. I am grateful!