The Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship offers emerging young leaders the skills and networks needed to create the community they envision and jumpstart a career in public service. In our #FellowFriday weekly blog series, hear from members of the 2016-17 Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship cohort about their year-long experience working and living in Cleveland.
Eli Stacy
College: University of Virginia
Hometown: Chesapeake, VA
Fellowship Host Site: Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority
Why did you initially decide to participate in this fellowship?
I decided to participate, because I knew that I wanted to go into public service and the city of Cleveland is a great place to live.
What has been the most valuable aspect of your fellowship experience?
The most valuable aspect is the Individual Development Plan. Our Individual Development Plan is our roadmap to professional improvement that has to be approved by the foundation and our host sites. It has a focus on personal betterment and relationship building. It involves scheduling opportunities that cost money (conferences, classes, etc.) and opportunities that are free (informational interviews, networking events, etc.).
What has been the most challenging aspect of your fellowship experience?
The most challenging aspect was finding housing not being from Cleveland.
When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing around Cleveland?
Honestly, when I am not working I am completing school work at Cleveland State. But in those few moments I do have free time, I love going to one of the many great restaurants in the Greater Cleveland area.
What’s your favorite Cleveland restaurant, and what dish do you recommend there?
My favorite place is the Stonetown Restaurant, and I love their Lobster Quesadilla.
What’s your favorite public space in Cleveland?
The Cleveland Public Library.
Where would you take a friend who is visiting Cleveland for the first time?
I would take them to Playhouse Square to see a comedy show.
How has this fellowship affected your career plans?
The fellowship has given me a passion for employment services.
Why would you recommend this fellowship program to others?
I would recommend the fellowship to others, because of the relationships it enabled me to build across Cleveland.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying for the Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship?
If you have a fire for public service and you want to be surrounded by emergent leaders, you will be more than satisfied with your decision to apply for this fellowship.
Want to learn more about the Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship? Find details about the program and application process here, and sign up to receive email updates about the fellowship program here.
