Greetings, Global Fellows! This year our vibrant community continued to grow: 1,260 change agents from more than 44 countries, representing 17 distinguished leadership programs, have decided to join our network. We also welcomed the new cohort of Community Leadership Network Class III graduates at a March ceremony in Detroit! (The latest group of CLN fellows, Class IV, will start their 18-month journey in January 2026). Throughout 2025, fellows continued to connect, collaborate and act to make transformational change across the world.

 

Across the year, GFN created more than 1000 touchpoints with fellows through gatherings like Global Racial Healing conversations, WKKF’s President and CEO La June Montgomery Tabron’s book launch event and Leader as Convener trainings. Other events such as our new @crossroads series — an open, fellow-led space that allows fellows to discuss pressing local and global issues — and a new coaching initiative in Southern Africa called CO-ACT helped fellows foster belonging while deepening their leadership skills. Along the way, coffee chats and informal gatherings strengthened local connections.

 

Most recently, 10 fellows went to Brazil for Cazumbada, where they connected with the land and waters that sustain the Quilombola Cajueiro Community and visited the Buritirana Agroecological Park in the State of Maranhão to walk through the Amazon rainforest within the private reserve. Five fellows traveled to the International Leadership Association (ILA) conference in Prague, where they explored innovative ways leadership can be a catalyst for positive change. During the summer, 16 fellows gathered in Mexico for COPERA, an empowering training examining racism in leadership practices. Fellows explored how racism operates within their communities and how healing can be both a personal and strategic act of leadership.

 

Learn more about Cazumbada, and find out details about the Prague and Mexico City events in the “News from the Network” section below.

 

Bringing the impact to life, WKKF is thrilled to debut a new video about the Global Fellows Network! Featuring interviews from fellows who attended the Global Leadership Forum in 2023 and clips from fellows’ projects over the years, this video explores the support, innovative ideas and power this global network provides. Share it on your social channels to spread the word about the network!

In October, five fellows from Southern Africa attended the 27th ILA Global Conference held in Prague, Czech Republic. This marked the second year the GFN participated in the conference. It gave fellows the opportunity to network and exchange ideas with global leaders who are also working to drive positive change in their communities.

 

Find out how these sessions helped Southern African fellows deepen their leadership skills.

Across the United States, the actions of Global Fellows continue to reflect a shared commitment to justice, healing and transformational change. Fellows have also been supporting each other, collaborating on initiatives that drive their shared goals, and creating spaces of celebration and healing through class reunions.

 

A recent example is Yilin Wendland (CLN-3) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who hosted the West Michigan Asian American Association’s 2025 Asian Gala. Wendland tapped Cuong Huynh (CLN-1) to keynote the event that highlighted youth leadership across the state.

 

Find out how these spaces, rooted in solidarity, are supporting the collective efforts of U.S. fellows.

Over the summer, 16 fellows travelled to Mexico for a transformative workshop called, “The Effects of Racism on Leadership.” Co-organized by the GFN team and the Colectivo para Eliminar el Racismo (COPERA), an organization dedicated to examining racism as both a structural system and an emotional reality. The workshop explored how racism, privilege and identity shape leadership practices, influence organizational cultures and affect the emotional well-being of community leaders.

 

Find out what fellows learned: how racism operates within their communities and how healing can be both a personal and strategic act of leadership.

Mark your calendars! Jan. 20, 2026, is the 10th observance of the National Day of Racial Healing. On this milestone day, communities across the U.S. and beyond will reflect on our journey since the first observance and honor the values we share. We encourage Global Fellows everywhere to host an event!

New Racial Healing Audio Series: In the lead up to the 10th commemoration, WKKF has also released “How We Heal: The Audio Series.” It features honest, heartfelt conversations among people who have discovered healing in different ways — from embracing Indigenous cultural practices to combating impostor syndrome, and from unlearning racist attitudes to finding solidarity in the workplace.

Resources

 

Build a Rapid Response and Crisis Communication Plan: The Strategic Communications Hub offers valuable resources for organizations during a critical time. Find templates for building a crisis communications plan, rapid response protocol and more at the Hub.

Have you met up with another Global Fellow recently? If so, please share your pictures on OpenChange.

 

Happy holidays from the WKKF GFN team!

 

As we close out the year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you across our global network. Your compassion, leadership and unwavering commitment to building more inclusive, just and connected communities continue to inspire us.

 

Across countries, cultures and traditions, we know this season carries many meanings. In whatever ways you honor this time—through rest, reflection, celebration or connection—we hope you find moments that replenish your spirit and remind you of the impact you make in the world.

 

Thank you for the wisdom you share, the bridges you build and the hope you carry into your communities.

 

May this season bring you joy, peace and renewal. Here’s to another year of meaningful work and a brighter future!

W.K. Kellogg Foundation
One Michigan Avenue East, Battle Creek, MI 49017