Legacy Fellows
A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER
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Dear Future Fellow:
Are you tired of trying different jobs and programs or going through school still not knowing what to do next with your life? Do you feel stuck or anxious and wish you had more one-on-one guidance as you make decisions about the future? It's as if all of the sudden after high school (for some college) you were expected to have it all figured it out as a young adult?
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Like many of you, I constantly asked what “figuring it out” meant and questioned how I could understand the value of independence with no one to process life with. Even after I graduated college I had some insight into my future with some of the work I was involved in, but still lacked a lot of skills necessary to get into spaces that many dream of. My family was not very dependable, and I had difficulty relating to others who didn’t understand my story. Being an adult comes with pressure and not knowing who to talk to about the struggles that came with making mistakes was even more complex when all was said and done.
Over time, with the right support, I learned that being a successful young adult meant that I walked in my full potential and purpose through the power of fellowships and internship programs. I made fantastic friends and connections with whom I am still tied to today. I also found life-long mentors that pointed me in the right direction as I figured myself out. These experiences opened the doors to my current success, and the lessons I learned have changed my life. For this reason, my team and I set out to create a fellowship experience that would open the same doors for you and has changed the lives of many. We genuinely believe in the power of young adults and know what it takes to propel them into success!
As you review the application and consider the commitment to the Fellows initiative, consider giving yourself the permission to do something that matters, invest in yourself, and apply. We are looking for young adults ready and willing to do something worthwhile for themselves. It’s not about having the best grades, being in school, having the perfect job, or having the right family upbringing. It’s about believing in yourself and allowing others to believe with you in your abilities to do something beyond what you imagined.
Make the decision and personal investment to apply, we look forward to reading your application and learning about you!
Leading for Change,
Everett Gutierrez Jr.
Everett Gutierrez Jr, E.M.L., M.N.A.
Founder and Executive Director
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Want to learn about how being a Fellow can change your life?
Click the video below to hear if from them! ​
About Fellows
Legacy Fellows (ages 21-30) help Leaders of Color achieve financial independence and life balance by discovering their purpose, developing business opportunities, and creating a network of success that generates generational wealth. We elevate young adults to become the best version of themselves and teach them to share their stories with the world!​
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Receive leadership and entrepreneurial training virtually every 1st Saturday of the month (in-person / in Chicago) from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM from February 3, 2024 through December 7, 2024 in addition to 4 virtual in-service meetings per year.
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Connect with a personal mentor 1-2 times a month virtually to talk to discuss life issues, gain connections, and develop careers.
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Go on an out-of-state, action-packed leadership retreat.
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Be a part of a triad with two to three other fellows in the program for a year to develop strong bonds.
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Earn a certificate of completion at the end of the program that can be used as a reference and added to a resume or future application.
We believe that every person has a unique one-of-a-kind purpose of fulfilling in life and has the opportunity to live it out in a meaningful way. The Legacy Fellows program is a select group of young adults (ages 21 - 30) seeking to activate their purpose and realize their full potential to change the world around them. We believe that every person is born to make a positive difference in the world that only they can uniquely make!
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Click the drop-down arrows on the right to learn more about each category
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Ideal Candidates & Their Commitment (Please Read)Invested in Healthy Relationships: Fellows are dedicated to developing healthy relationships with themselves, family members, friends, co-workers, mentors, and other Legacy Fellows. They find ways to help other Legacy Fellows thrive and are willing to keep themselves and others accountable to boldly finishing the program. Problem Solvers: Legacy Fellows must be willing to seek solutions when faced with problems and not be easily discouraged when they don’t see immediate answers. They are individuals committed to thinking of creative solutions for personal and professional challenges to remain committed to the program. Active Participants: Fellows are willing to be committed to bettering themselves personally and professionally through active engagement. They speak up and share their experiences and have the grit to commit to finishing the program. They must also commit to attending weekly meetings with other Legacy Fellows, mentors, and staff for 9 months. Fellows must check in with their mentors during sessions for personal and professional development/support. Any other meets set outside those times are at the mentor's and the fellow's discretion but are not required. They must commit to being flexible for two other special events, which will be communicated to them in advance, and attend a mandatory out-of-state weekend retreat. Event and trip expenses are included in the membership fee. Problem Solvers: Legacy Fellows must be willing to seek solutions when faced with problems and not be easily discouraged when they don’t see immediate answers. They are individuals committed to thinking of creative solutions for personal and professional challenges. Service Focused: Fellows are young adults who care about serving others; exemplifying selfless love, leading by example, and managing the needs of others is a top priority. Age & Education: Fellows are graduates from high school (may have some college or completed college) residing in Illinois and between the ages of 21-30, from diverse backgrounds and experiences. They may be previous participants from the Legacy Scholars program, but this is not a requirement for acceptance.
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Submit Your Application and Set Up An Interview HereAll candidates must complete and submit the application, which includes one personal and professional reference. Please make sure to start the application process early so your references can submit their information before the deadline. Applications will be reviewed by Legacy Leaders staff and Legacy Mentors. Be on the lookout as you will be receiving an email to take part in a virtual interview.
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Next Steps Once SelectedParticipants will learn of their selection via email and must sign a statement agreeing to meet the program and time commitments if selected. They also agree to the values of the Legacy Fellows Program and Legacy Leaders (leading organization), which includes but is not limited to full participation at monthly meetings, events, the retreat, networking, and promotion on behalf of the organization.
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Fellows Expectations and PoliciesThe following is our policy for all participants of the Legacy Fellows program. Failure to comply with any of the following can result in a warning or termination from the program. To arrive on time (15 minutes early) to all sessions and come prepared with my materials. Come with an open mind ready to receive from other leaders even when it comes to receiving feedback. If there is an emergency situation (described as illness or death in the family), the Fellow must contact Everett Gutierrez in advance via phone or email at least 3 days in advance. Missing excessively can terminate membership in the program as each Fellow can not miss more than one in-person session. Online sessions are primarily reserved for those that are joining the program that live out-of-state and must be approved to join via zoom in advance. Participating via zoom is only recommended when a participant has an emergency (as described above) and must be requested at least 24 hours in advance for approval by Everett Gutierrez. Be respectful and professional in speech and refrain from inappropriate language during Fellow meetings and program events. Meeting with mentors once a month during scheduled Legacy Fellows sessions and fully interact/participate in this experience. This includes asking for advice, receiving honest feedback and coming prepared with questions based on my learning. Fellows also agree to not engage in inappropriate conversations with mentors as the main focus is their professional development and should be confined to a professional nature. Mentors are to hold information confidential for the exception of sharing with Legacy Leaders staff. Fellows will dress business casual and appropriately for gatherings upon request. Fellows are to be committed to their self-growth and will come prepared to learn with a laptop/tablet/phone and notebook. They are responsible for completing all required monthly Legacy assignments before monthly meeting dates. Legacy Leaders and its staff has the right to change or modify the policy at any time throughout the duration of the program without notice and can terminate a Fellow's membership in the program. Any Fellow in the program agrees to these terms through their participation.
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Meeting DatesIn-Person Meeting Dates: * May 25, 2024 through May 24, 2025 on every last Saturday of the month from 8AM - 2:30 PM * Two additional gatherings (Dates TBD) In-Person Lake Geneva Retreat * September 12th - 15th
Contact Information
For additional questions or concerns, contact:
Everett Gutierrez
773-336-2782