In a time when educational leaders are navigating unprecedented complexity, the inaugural Dr. Stephen Fink Fellowship created space for deep reflection and shared problem-solving. Over the 2024–25 school year, this diverse group of leaders came together to learn from one another, share what works, provide input into CEL’s materials and methodology, and reflect on their commitment to leading for just, student-centered schools.
The fellows brought perspectives from across the country — from a small rural district in Washington to one of the largest urban districts in California and a mid-size district in the Mid-Atlantic to an educational training and coaching organization in South Florida. The diversity of experiences broadened fellows’ collective understanding of leadership across contexts. Assistant principal Cristal Campos, whose leadership experience is in a small rural district, shared, “I am grateful for the learning opportunities from people outside of [my district] with a common purpose.”
The fellowship was created to honor the legacy of CEL’s founder, Dr. Stephen Fink, whose belief in the power of equity-driven leadership to improve student learning is still a cornerstone of CEL today. These leaders were chosen for their commitment to equity-driven, student-centered leadership that embodies Steve’s beliefs and the foundations of CEL.
The fellowship was a good reminder that even the most experienced leaders benefit from opportunities to stay in the mindset of learners, not just problem solvers. Fellow Gerardo Loera, Regional Director, shared that convenings like the Fink Fellowship provide leaders with “great opportunities to touch base with people facing similar challenges and explore creative solutions. It keeps leaders from being too isolated.”
Fellow Daphne Miles, Educational Programs Specialist, echoed that idea: “The fellowship has reinforced my belief that school leadership is both a profound privilege and a complex challenge. [The fellowship] deepened my appreciation for the strategic, relational, and adaptive dimensions of leadership and affirmed that growth as a leader requires continuous reflection, collaboration, and courage.”
The fellows’ insights also helped CEL strengthen our professional learning content and reaffirmed our commitment to learning with leaders. For example, thanks to funding from College Spark Washington, CEL is piloting an initiative to gather community insights in thoughtful ways that honor community knowledge and build on trusting relationships, work inspired by the fellows’ reflections on the value of community input.
“This fellowship continues to be driven by Dr. Fink’s legacy and his belief that leadership growth happens in community,” said CEL Executive Director Dr. Susan Enfield. “At CEL, this is how we want to show up: creating spaces where leaders’ knowledge drives collective learning and, ultimately, more just and student-centered schools.”
As we look ahead, CEL will continue to carry forward Dr. Fink’s legacy, fostering learning communities where leaders grow together on behalf of students. We are looking forward to recruiting a new cohort of leaders for the 26-27 school year. In the words of Fellow Ayesha Farag, Assistant Superintendent, “There is something powerful about connecting with others who share a deep commitment to serving all kids, interrupting patterns of inequity, and being drivers of opportunity and change.”