Farewell Letter from Sheila Leddy
Dear Friends-
As Fledgling moves into its next phase, I too will be starting a new chapter. In early July, I will be joining a Boston-based foundation that will allow me to continue to work on social justice issues with a focus on women and girls and vulnerable populations.
Before I go, I want you to know how grateful I am to Fledgling’s grantees, partners and colleagues who I have had the privilege to work with over the past 15 years. You have deepened my own personal understanding of critical social issues and the power of storytelling. I don’t think it is possible to summarize the many lessons that I have learned, but I know that my work with Fledgling, and with you, has transformed me in many important ways. Thank you for letting me be a part of your work. I feel better equipped to engage with so many pressing social issues in this moment – including systemic racism and oppression – because of the stories and films you have shared and the work you have done.
I am also deeply grateful to my longtime colleague Diana. As some of you know, Diana and I worked together even before she started Fledgling. Our professional relationship and our friendship spans many years. I never could have guessed when she asked me if I was interested in helping her think through the strategy for a family foundation that I would spend next 15 years at The Fledgling Fund. It has been an amazing experience and her mentorship and friendship has been invaluable to me on so many levels. I will deeply miss working with her on a daily basis, but I know that our friendship will continue.
While I will not be working specifically in the documentary film space, please stay in touch. After June 30th, the best way to reach me is sheilamleddy@gmail.com.
Thank you again for the work you do and the stories you will continue to make.
Warmly,
Sheila Leddy