Open Society Foundations Announces 2023 Leadership in Government Fellows

NEW YORK—The Open Society Foundations are pleased to announce the 2023 recipients of the Leadership in Government Fellowship, which supports the work of individuals who have made significant recent contributions to advance social, economic, and racial justice while serving at a senior level in various levels of government in the United States. 

“People leave leadership posts in government with a wealth of knowledge that can immeasurably enrich and sharpen the work of other sectors. This includes an understanding of where there are cracks or fissures on issues of equity and inclusion,” said Laleh Ispahani, executive director of Open Society-U.S. “That makes their expertise especially valuable for civil society organizations, at a time of spikes in attacks on migrants, and on the right to vote and to speak freely. I draw deep hope from this all-star lineup of fellows. They’re geographically diverse, emerge from all levels of government, and have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to human rights, equal opportunities, and an inclusive, multiracial democracy.” 

The 2023 awardees have occupied roles from elected official to chief of staff and senior legal counsel. Their accomplishments while serving in government include granting non-citizens the right to vote in local New York municipal elections; achieving wins for renters’ rights and eviction diversion in Philadelphia; leading a successful fight for a $15 minimum wage in Los Angeles; co-authoring the strongest eviction moratorium in the state of California; creating the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s first Equity Action Plan; and more. 

“This is the seventh year of a program which has seen alumni build the power of communities to influence decision-making, advance economically, and work toward racial justice,” said Elizabeth Guernsey, chief of office at Open Society-U.S. “This opportunity gives individuals a chance to reflect on their time in government so they can continue to deploy their impressive experience toward future careers as changemakers and advocates.” 

The projects of the 2023 fellows will advance migrant rights, housing justice, poverty, racial justice, and other issues pertaining to equity and social justice; many will work directly with elected officials, nonprofits, movement organizations, and community members to build wins that will directly benefit communities. 

The fellowship was founded in 2016 to provide individuals with an opportunity to reflect on their time in government and to undertake a project that advances policy ideas for social change. Fellows will receive a stipend in a general range of $110,000 to $150,000 depending on percentage of time committed to the project. Projects are either 12 or 18 months in duration. 

2023 Leadership in Government Fellows 

Carlos Menchaca will gather and share stories of migrant families crossing the southern U.S. border seeking asylum with the aim of educating the public and inspiring humane immigration policies. 

Jennifer Kates will develop accessible models for nonprofit and movement organizations to effectively use the power of local government to improve material conditions and build power for marginalized communities. Her project will contribute to a broader understanding of how cities can lead in strengthening democracy, remedying inequality, and advancing social progress. 

Mike Bonin will advance housing justice, economic justice, and public safety by building capacity and infrastructure to implement progressive solutions in partnership with elected officials and community-based organizations. 

Miya Saika Chen will build the capacity of community organizations to develop a pipeline of legislative staff and civil servants to work inside government towards policy and budgetary solutions that address the root causes of poverty. 

Montina Cole will create a community advocacy toolkit to ensure that Black histories are included in federal environmental justice reviews. It will demonstrate cumulative harms to overburdened Black communities threatened by polluting gas infrastructure projects.