The Aspen Institute

The 2019 American Express Leadership Academy 2.0 at the Aspen Institute welcomed 15 social sector professionals to Aspen, Colorado for a week-long values-based leadership development program. Led by the Aspen Institute Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation, in partnership with the American Express Foundation, the Leadership Academy 2.0 is a fellowship for emerging nonprofit leaders, who are selected annually through a competitive nomination process. The Fellowship strengthens the capacity of nonprofit leaders working in organizations that enrich communities and tackle pressing social issues, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Aspen, fellows used the Aspen Institute method of text-based dialogue to examine classical texts and contemporary readings in a neutral forum, reflecting on timeless human values, pursuing common ground, and cultivating a richer understanding of the human condition. The seminar provided fellows with the opportunity to move beyond daily operational concerns and take time for an enlightened exploration of the core values that animate their work—inspiring them to become more effective, innovative leaders.

The 2019 American Express Leadership Academy 2.0 featured a keynote conversation between two leaders of the Aspen Institute: Jane Wales, vice president and executive director of the Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation, and Janet Topolsky, executive director of the Community Strategies Group.

Fellows hailed from diverse, global backgrounds, and share a proven commitment to serving the public good.

Participation for the Academy 2.0 is by invitation only.

Meet the Fellows

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