Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder
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A Global Community of Values-Driven Leaders

The AGLN brings together more than 4,000 leaders across 62 countries who share a commitment to values-based leadership and addressing humanity’s greatest challenges

4000+

 across 62 countries on 6 continents

30+

sectors represented, including business, government, education, healthcare, tech, finance, media, nonprofits, and the arts

16+

Fellowship programs tailored to specific regions and sectors

2,500+

social impact ventures launched by Fellows

“The most valuble part of the Fellowship was gaining a trusted group of advisers and a reference point on all matters. A great support system in challenging times and a source of strength and encouragement.”

MEET THE COMMUNITY

Fellow Directory

Explore our global network of more than 4,000 leaders working across sectors and geographies to create positive change. Our directory allows you to browse by Fellowship program. 

EXPLORE FELLOW DIRECTORY

Becoming a Fellow

The Nomination Process

Our rigorous nomination and selection process identifies leaders at a critical inflection point — accomplished individuals who have demonstrated significant success and are now ready to apply their unique talents, influence, resources, and networks toward addressing society’s most pressing challenges.

Each Fellowship class forms a carefully curated “mosaic” of 20-22 diverse individuals whose varied experiences will challenge and inspire one another. This intentional diversity becomes the catalyst for transformation, as Fellows encounter perspectives that expand their worldview and possibilities for collaborative impact.

Who We’re Looking For

Each Fellowship class forms a carefully curated “mosaic” of 20-22 diverse individuals whose varied experiences will challenge and inspire one another. This intentional diversity becomes the catalyst for transformation, as Fellows encounter perspectives that expand their worldview and possibilities for collaborative impact.

The Ideal Candidate Has:

  • Demonstrated significant accomplishment and leadership capacity
  • Reached a point where they’re ready to expand their impact
  • The ability to commit fully to the Fellowship experience
  • Potential to contribute to and benefit from a diverse cohort of peers

Who May Not Be the Right Fit

“Fully Baked” leaders who have already reached the transformation our programs aim to catalyze.

Individuals so consumed with building their career or organization that they cannot dedicate the necessary time and focus.

Those not yet ready to deeply examine their leadership trough new and challenging perspectives.

Duration of Fellowship

Each Fellowship is distinctive and may vary in duration. Most Fellowships last anywhere between two and two and half years, with seminar experiences spaced throughout this period.

Candidate Characteristics

Our Fellowships seek leaders who are like-hearted, differently-minded, and driven by a desire to build a lasting legacy. While some Fellowships focus on specific sectors or regions, others intentionally draw from a wide range of disciplines.

All Fellows are expected to engage fully—with an open heart and an open mind—ready to embrace a new chapter of purpose and growth.

How Do I Begin?

Fellowships hold nomination cycles at different points throughout the year. Explore our Fellowship programs below to learn more about specific nomination timelines and criteria.

More on fellowships

Behind the Impact: Fellow Spotlights

explore behind the impact q&As

Driving Sustainable Impact Through Asset Management: Leadership Lessons with Malungelo Zilimbola

Malungelo Zilimbola is the CEO and founder of Mazi Asset Management. Based in South Africa, the company operates across the continent and globally. Zilimbola is also a Fellow of the African Leadership Initiative – South Africa (ALI-SA) – a part of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. He also serves on ALI-SA’s Venture Committee for our current Class 14 and has played a guidance, mentoring and coaching role to the Class 14 Fellows in assessing and providing feedback on their ideas for their ventures. In this interview, he shares his journey, insights into sustainable investing, and advice for future leaders.  

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A Recipe for Change: Chef Sarah Simmons’s Unconventional Approach to Inclusive Leadership Development

Sarah Simmons is a chef, and CEO and founder of CITY GRIT Hospitality Group, which operates restaurants and a non-profit in Columbia, SC. Unlike most restauranteurs, her goals extend beyond busy brunches and James Beard Awards (those she’s got one of those). Through its non-profit arm Feed the City, the company works to end poverty and increase local food access, and runs a successful workforce development program centered on the hospitality industry. That program serves non-college bound youth from the most underserved and poorest communities in the city.

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From Victims to Victors: How Gloria Walton and The Solutions Project are Redefining Climate Justice

What comes to mind when you think about the climate crisis? You might picture increasing pollution, degrading environment, resource scarcity, and suffering communities. Rarely do we think about justice. Gloria Walton (Civil Society Fellow), CEO and President of The Solutions Project (TSP), is shifting the narrative around the climate crisis to one about climate justice, community power, and solutions – starting by centering and resourcing the exemplary leadership by people on the frontlines of the problem.  “For us, it’s about reclaiming our narratives,” Walton says. “Our communities are too often depicted as victims when, in fact, we are victors.”

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Navigating Growth, Change, and Impact: Insights from Laela Sturdy, Managing Partner at CapitalG

Laela Sturdy is the Managing Partner of CapitalG, Alphabet’s independent growth fund, where she has led investments in transformative technology companies such as Stripe, Duolingo, Gusto, UiPath, Webflow, and Whatnot. Notably, Laela’s promotion to Managing Partner in 2023 positions her among the few women leading established multibillion-dollar venture firms. Prior to joining CapitalG in 2013, she served as Managing Director of Emerging Businesses at Google, contributing significantly to the growth of YouTube and Google Search.

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Behind the Impact Collage

Coming Soon:
AGLN Connect

AGLN Connect is our App exclusively for Fellows, providing tools to find and connect with other Fellows, access programming opportunities, join communities of practice, and amplify your impact through collaboration.