Graduate Programs

Last night I went to a networking event hosted by the 2010-2011 Graduate Leadership Formation Cohort.  The purpose of the event was for members of the cohort and of the SU community to meet the 2011 nominees of the Red Winged Leadership Award.  Two of the three nominees were present, and shared their stories with the attendees.  I was mesmerized by the passion and energy that these two have for their non-profit organizations, and how much wisdom can be gained by just taking the bull by the horns and following a vision.  Both Danna Johnston and Shan Greene had moments in their lives when they decided to take a huge chance at starting a non-profit that would help others.  It was extremely empowering to hear the excitement in their voices and the concern that they have for the people that they help.    

Shana’s company, Village Volunteers, sponsors professional volunteers (doctors, lawyers, and engineers) as they travel to Africa and conduct projects or staff clinics that aid inhabitants of small villages that would otherwise be neglected.  Danna’s company, the Danna K. Johnston Foundation, works with young inter-city girls to get them into college.  Both of them shared success stories along with the challenges that they face daily.  The third nominee Chris Fontana, who was in Guatemala on a service project, started Global Visionaries which connects students from the US with students from Central America, and challenges them with community service projects.    

The Red Winged Leadership Award will be held at 6pm on May 12, 2011 in Campion Hall, and will celebrate the dedication that Danna, Shana, and Chris give to their organizations.  Everyone is welcome to come to the award ceremony and celebrate these local leaders.  I almost guarantee that you will be energized by their commitment and hard work.   

Learn more about the award at: http://www.seattleu.edu/albers/redwinged/ 

Written by Peter Graziani. Contact him at graziani@seattleu.edu