Cultivating Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy

Margaret Dillard, Elizabeth Ireland and Leah Bartley discuss their Fellowship experiences at The Duke Endowment.

Created in 2005, The Duke Endowment's fellowship program honors Mr. Duke's vision of philanthropy by giving emerging leaders a unique opportunity in the philanthropic sector. The Fellowship is a full-time, two-year experience that encourages creative thinking and leadership development. Fellows typically begin their work at the Endowment during the summer.

Fellows are exposed to all aspects of philanthropy in the Endowment's four program areas. Fellows rotate through each area, giving them experience with many different issues across the Carolinas. Access to the Endowment's executive leadership and a variety of personalized professional development opportunities allow Fellows to make meaningful contributions, not only to the Endowment, but also to the larger nonprofit community.

Current Fellows

Heather R. Huskey

2010-2012 Fellow

Heather joined the Endowment in the spring of 2010. A native of Charlotte, N.C., she received a bachelor’s degree in Visual Art and a certificate in Markets and Management Studies from Duke University. She wrote her senior thesis on soldier experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan and their portrayal in the media. After graduation, Heather spent a year in the Dominican Republic, teaching social studies and art to students in grades 8-11.

In Charlotte, Heather served in AmeriCorps VISTA, working with Communities In Schools. During her one-year assignment, she helped enhance college access for at-risk students and provided resources for pregnant and parenting teens.

Contact information: 704.969.2116 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Chantalle M. Carles

2011-2013 Fellow

A native of Miami, Fla., Chantalle joined the Endowment in the summer of 2011. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida with a major in political science and a minor in English, and pursued her interest in public policy and administration by interning in Sen. Bill Nelson’s office and at The Charles Group in Washington, D.C.

After graduation, Chantalle joined Teach for America and spent two years teaching special education English in Henderson, N.C. She established a program for her students at a local newspaper and helped her class achieve an average reading growth of 1.89 grade levels in one semester. Chantalle is pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration through Northwestern University in Illinois.

Contact information: 704.969.2126 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

View recording of the webinar that explains the Fellowship program.

Applying for a Fellowship

Candidates for Fellowships

• Past or current residents of North Carolina or South Carolina, or
• Recent graduates of a college or university located in North Carolina or South Carolina

When selecting a fellow, preference will be given to those who:

• Have a graduate degree, or have one to two years of work experience after obtaining an undergraduate degree
• Have demonstrated interest in the nonprofit sector
• Have exhibited leadership potential in civic and/or professional life

The Fellowship is a two-year, full-time assignment with an annual salary and benefits.

The 2012-2014 Fellowship application is now closed. Please check back in the summer for information regarding the 2013-2015 Fellowship application and selection process.

More Information

Browse former Fellow profiles and frequently asked questions or download our brochure to learn more about our Fellowship program.