#United States #Dayton #Kettering Foundation #Democracy #Global Fellowships

Kettering Foundation Welcomes 2026 Global Fellows

The Charles F. Kettering Foundation, based in Dayton, Ohio, recently announced the recipients of its 2026 Global Fellowships, a prestigious program aimed at empowering leaders dedicated to the defense of democracy and human rights. This year, five outstanding individuals from diverse backgrounds were selected due to their remarkable efforts in combating authoritarianism and advocating for equality around the globe.

In a world where the ideals of democracy are increasingly under threat, the 2026 fellows represent a beacon of hope and resilience. Their responsibilities will not only include sharing insights through blogs and articles but also participating in webinars, conferences, and various engagements organized by the foundation. This fellowship encompasses a year-long commitment designed to foster collaboration and solidarity among international thought leaders dedicated to democratic values.

Meet the 2026 Charles F. Kettering Global Fellows:

Clare Byarugaba (Uganda)

Clare Byarugaba is a decade-long advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. As the diversity, equity and inclusion officer at Chapter Four Uganda, she has pioneered the first chapter of PFLAG in Uganda and has been instrumental in leading the fight against the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023. Furthermore, she co-founded the Uganda Kuchus Aquatic Team (UKAT), Africa's first LGBTQ+ swim team. Byarugaba is also a certified diversity trainer, contributing to broader discussions on human rights and social justice in Uganda.

Patrick Gathara (Kenya)

A prominent journalist, political cartoonist, and editor, Patrick Gathara has spent over 25 years championing media ethics and the importance of satire in accountability. Currently serving as the senior editor for inclusive storytelling at The New Humanitarian, Gathara's insights and critiques on democracy through various platforms have made tangible impacts in the realm of human rights and crisis response.

Julia Neiva (Brazil)

Julia Neiva co-founded Conectas Direitos Humanos, focusing on human rights advocacy and litigation. With a robust background that includes a law degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo and advanced studies at Columbia University, she has been at the forefront of numerous landmark cases aimed at bolstering equality and human rights initiatives in Brazil and beyond.

Urban Strandberg (Sweden)

As the co-founder and director of the International Youth Think Tank, Urban Strandberg is passionate about transforming youth activism into impactful democratic participation. An associate professor at the University of Gothenburg, his work combines academic research with practical applications in local governance and public policy, influencing future leaders to engage actively in democratic processes.

Kristóf Szombati (Hungary)

An influential scholar and political editor, Kristóf Szombati has dedicated his studies to understanding the dynamics of support for authoritarian politics, particularly within the Roma communities in Hungary. His extensive research, including founding the green Politics Can Be Different party, showcases his commitment to democratic resilience and community engagement.

Paloma Dallas, senior program officer for the foundation's Democracy around the Globe initiative, emphasized the importance of these fellows in strengthening the foundation's mission. She stated, "These fellows bring an important breadth of approaches to the work of defending democracy. Their involvement will significantly bolster our efforts against authoritarianism and in support of inclusive democracy worldwide."

Founded in 1927, the Charles F. Kettering Foundation aims to advance democracy by promoting citizen engagement, ensuring government accountability, and countering the rise of authoritarianism. The Global Fellowship program is instrumental in its ongoing dedication to fostering democratic values on an international scale. For more information about the foundation's initiatives and the work of its Global Fellows, visit their official website.