BEDAD 2023 Fellowship Cohort

We are so excited to have an opportunity to provide Black Executive Directors with equitable access to opportunities, resources and funding to lead thriving, sustainable organizations that holistically impact African-American youth. The purpose of the BEDAD Fellowship Cohort is to provide opportunities for Black Executives to elevate their impact as a leader in the nonprofit sector.

It is with great pride that we announce the 2023 BEDAD Fellows:

Cyekeia Lee, Detroit College Access Network

Cyekeia just celebrated her first year as the Executive Director of Detroit College Access Network. Most recently, Lee served as the director of community collaboration at Kalamazoo Promise, an award-winning initiative to pay up to 100 percent of tuition and fees for graduates of Kalamazoo Public Schools.

Rashard Dobbins, The Class Act Detroit

Rashard began his career in 2006, as an actor. His passion for performance coupled with his enthusiasm for civil rights and equity lead him to education. After recognizing his interest in instruction, he decided to make education and mentorship his lifelong career.

Sharnese Marshall, The Konnection

Sharnese Marshall was born in Detroit, MI and spent most of her early life in Detroit where she attended Detroit Public Schools until middle school. In March of 2020, she founded The Konnection which is a Detroit-based mentoring program empowering youth to improve their academics and attendance through travel.



​​The chosen 2023 Fellows will receive general operating dollars, executive-level coaching, professional development, meeting space, a wellness stipend and other professional services. The services included in this fellowship package is at a value of $50K per Fellow.  

We look forward to seeing the successes that will come for our Fellows and will be sure to keep you updated on how to support them, as well!