Cecil Corbin-Mark Vanguard Fellowship
A six-month development program passing decades of governance wisdom to the next generation of environmental leaders of color.
View Our 2024 Fellows →The Program
Peer-to-Peer Learning, Built for Leaders of Color.
Green Leadership Trust is the first cross-sector network of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color fiduciaries serving on the boards of U.S. nonprofit environmental organizations. The Cecil Corbin-Mark Vanguard Fellowship is a six-month development program where we leverage our combined talent and shared knowledge to impart valuable lessons to the next generation of environmental and conservation leaders of color. It's a peer-to-peer learning experience — primarily virtual with in-person training when possible. Through a series of 90-minute webinars, Fellows learn the essential functions of board service specifically for people of color, taught by veteran board members — many of whom were the first or only board member of color in their spaces.
The Process
A Curriculum That Builds Real Governance Skill.
Success is measured by the increase in opportunities for the next generation of leaders now being recruited to serve on environmental and conservation boards. Upon graduation, Fellows join a cadre of Vanguard alumni and apply new governance skills to the boards they sit on.
In Memoriam · 1969–2020
Honoring Cecil Corbin-Mark's Legacy.
The Vanguard Fellowship is named to honor the legacy of Cecil Corbin-Mark (1969–2020). Cecil D. Corbin-Mark, Deputy Director and Director of Policy Initiatives at WE ACT, was a brilliant and effective environmental champion. A member of Green Leadership Trust since 2014, Cecil was a force to be reckoned with. We hope our Fellows build on his legacy by championing justice and equity for the environmental movement.
In Their Words
What Fellows Say.
I feel seen, heard, activated, and empowered! The Vanguard Fellowship program has been transformative for me.
Dr. Natasha DeJarnettThe Vanguard program was exceptional and such a unique offering. Care went into the curriculum, matching mentees and mentors, and creating a brave space. My expectations were exceeded in all aspects.
Taylor JangA deeply enriching experience. It helped me grow as an individual and as part of a talented, diverse group of BIPOC environmental leaders — a sense of belonging I wasn't finding on my board.
Steffanie MunguiaMore than any other resource I've encountered, it shared decades of knowledge and experience that will transform not only my fellows' experiences serving, but the organizations we represent.
Roshan PatelAn invaluable opportunity to challenge my assumptions and broaden my understanding of what it means to be a responsible board member in the environmental movement.
Kim KellerDiversifying boards is not enough. We must equip board members to share their lived experiences for positive change while navigating board structures and responsibilities. Vanguard helps get us there.
Abel Olivo