Letter from Board of Directors

Dear Friends, Alumni, Partners and Supporters of Future Leaders in Action,

Since 2015, we have enjoyed working with Kirsten Abel, Executive Director, as she led FLIA from an idea into a thriving organization. We have developed a strong organization foundation, and we are excited for what will come. As Kirsten completes her tenure with FLIA as the Executive Director, we have invited her to join Future Leaders in Action’s Board of Directors.

The Transition Committee will lead the process of permanently filling the position. The Committee is led by Board Member, Juan J. Ramirez, and includes Board Treasurer, Julie Stapor, and FLIA Alumnae and Board Member, Clare Connaughton, and Executive Director, Kirsten Abel. FLIA will be accepting applications for the Executive Director position through February 15, 2021, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please see the Executive Director job description here. We invite those interested to apply, and for others to share with individuals who would be interested.

In order to ensure a smooth transition, the new Executive Director and Kirsten will overlap for a period of training and support. We are confident that this will be a smooth transition for our fellows, alumni, partners, and supporters.

If you have any questions about the transition or FLIA, do not hesitate to reach out to Kirsten or Transition Committee Chair, Juan.

Sincerely,
FLIA Board of Directors

Letter from Executive Director

Dear Friends, Alumni, Partners and Supporters of Future Leaders in Action,

Over the past six years, I have greatly enjoyed building and growing Future Leaders in Action. FLIA has been such a large part of my life that it is hard to believe I am writing this note. I have made the bittersweet decision to step down as Executive Director of FLIA. I am excited to share that I plan on attending business school this fall, and that I will remain closely involved with FLIA, and intend to join the Board of Directors after a brief transition period.

I have enjoyed watching fellows’ projects develop over the course of the fellowship and seeing what fellows have gone on to do after their fellowship’s completion. Thinking back to the beginning of FLIA, it’s amazing to see the growth of the program from an idea to a thriving organization, with 11 cohorts of fellows, 57 alumni, and 18 partner organizations. Last year, we pivoted the program to be online to ensure that we could successfully run our fall fellowship. All of these successes would not have been possible without our amazing donors and supporters and the hard work of FLIA’s fellows, partner organizations and board members.

 In early summer, I will officially join the Board of Directors and until then will work on initial transition steps. We are looking to hire a new Executive Director, and we invite you to share this opportunity with anyone that would be a good fit. My confidence in our programming and community has never been higher, and I am excited to support a smooth transition to new leadership.

I am incredibly grateful for the past six years. I look forward to supporting the incoming Executive Director, FLIA, alumni, and incoming fellows in a different capacity, while pursuing a graduate degree. If you have any questions about the transition or FLIA, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions you may have now or in the future.

Thank you,
Kirsten Abel