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When Hard Questions Lead to Real Change: A Fellow's Journey in Leadership I remember the moment I realized that effective leadership wasn't just about being in the room - it was about transforming it. As a National Urban Fellows (Class of 2012), my path from managing local preschool programs to shaping national workforce policy taught me that real change starts with seeing the whole system. Today, I see this same transformative vision in our recent graduate, Mynhan (Mayan) D.. Like many of us, she could have chosen a traditional path. Instead, she chose National Urban Fellows with a bold purpose: "I saw something that would challenge myself and think about racial equity and social justice in a very different way." During her fellowship at Project for Pride in Living (PPL), Mynhan turned this vision into action. She didn't just lead racial equity messaging initiatives – she reshaped conversations about inclusive workforce development. She didn't just participate in discussions – she facilitated crucial dialogues that pushed boundaries and opened minds. Her insight about leadership particularly resonates: "Effective leadership isn't just about being 'front and center' – it's about asking the hard questions that others can't or won't ask." As she explains, "There needs to be more people like us at the table... people who are pushing the buttons and asking the hard, hard questions, because not everyone there is able to push those questions." This is what makes National Urban Fellows unique. We don't just train leaders – we empower change-makers who understand that transformation requires both courage and compassion, both hard questions and humble listening. Will you join me in supporting the next generation of leaders like Mynhan? Your gift ensures that more fellows will receive: A transformative Georgetown education that reshapes how they think about leadership Mentorship that helps them translate bold questions into meaningful action Skills to build partnerships that create lasting systemic change ✨ Because when leaders like Mynhan emerge, our whole community grows stronger. Support the next generation of equity-focused leaders: