E3 Alliance Launches Susan Dawson Fellowship to Honor Founder’s Legacy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Austin, Texas — May 14, 2025 – E3 Alliance is excited to announce the launch of the Susan Dawson Fellowship, a transformative program designed to empower the next generation of leaders in the social impact sector. Named in honor of E3’s founder and current President Emeritus, Susan Dawson, this prestigious fellowship aims to provide exceptional students from the Austin Community College District and Concordia University with invaluable internships, mentorships, and networking opportunities.
Launched in the spring of 2025, the Susan Dawson Fellowship program offers recipients a paid internship at a leading nonprofit organization, personalized mentorship from distinguished professionals, and access to a dynamic networking summit. This innovative initiative recognizes the potential of young leaders and seeks to cultivate a vibrant community of socially conscious individuals committed to making a lasting impact.
“I was truly surprised and deeply moved by our current leadership for honoring me in this way,” said Susan Dawson, President Emeritus. “It brings me great joy to know that my family name will continue to thrive through E3, and my family and I take immense pride in this. By offering this opportunity, we are building a stronger pipeline of leaders dedicated to improving education outcomes, not just at E3 but in organizations across Central Texas.”
Participants in the Susan Dawson Fellowship will undertake a paid internship spanning the summer, fall, and spring semesters, typically lasting 10 weeks each, at E3 or one of its partner organizations. The program matches fellows with social impact opportunities, focusing on data-related projects and the chance to engage in other organizational roles. Currently, undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Austin Community College and Concordia University are eligible to apply, with plans to expand eligibility to additional institutions in future semesters.
Each fellow will begin their fellowship under the guidance of a distinguished industry leader, offering continuous academic support, professional mentorship, and valuable insights throughout the program. The fellowship mentors may include CEOs, senior directors, investors, and other influential figures committed to promoting growth within the nonprofit sector for the benefit of the fellow.
The program’s rigorous and enriching design enables students to envision a future in the nonprofit education sector. Key components of the program include hands-on projects, educational workshops, and personalized mentoring.
Cindy Shantell has been named the first recipient of the fellowship. Originally from Kenya, Shantell moved to Botswana at the age of 16 and is currently an international student at Austin Community College, pursuing a degree in health science with the goal of entering nursing school. Her ultimate dream is to return to Kenya and establish a medical practice that delivers quality healthcare to her community.
Participants in the fellowship will gain professional experience while engaging in meaningful discussions about effective strategies to enhance student involvement, persistence, and performance. They will learn techniques for measuring significant outcomes, preparing them for future career success.
“The Susan Dawson Fellowship reflects our commitment to investing in young leaders and amplifying their potential to drive positive change,” said Richard Tagle, president and executive director of E3 Alliance. “By honoring Susan’s legacy through this program, we are laying the groundwork for a future where dedicated individuals work collaboratively to create impactful solutions.”
Organizations interested in learning more about partnership opportunities can complete the Fellowship Interest Form available on the fellowship webpage.
To learn more about the Susan Dawson Fellowship, eligibility requirements, and application details, please visit our website at https://e3alliance.org/about/our-team/susan-dawson-fellowship/.
For additional information, please contact Emily Pickens, Operations Manager, epickens@e3alliance.org.