for Democracy, Leadership and Education
Fielder Graduate and Alumni Fellows Community Space
Welcome
Fielder Fellows
As Fellows of the Marie Fielder Center for Democracy, Leadership, and Education, you are part of a collaborative space dedicated to tackling pressing educational and social issues through research, public engagement, and advocacy. The Center honors Marie Fielder’s legacy of transformative change for social justice, drawing inspiration from her lifelong commitment to inclusive excellence in education. Beyond its core programs, the Graduate and Alumni Fellows initiative, the Fielder Medal for Social Transformation, and the Orlando Taylor Award for Excellence in Research, the Center also supports publications, special events, and projects that amplify the impact of your work. Guided by an advisory council, the Center ensures that Fellows have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful scholarship and action that address society’s most urgent challenges while advancing democracy, leadership, and education.
Dr. Marie Fielder
Dr. Marie Fielder was one of the most influential women in the history of California education.
Through her vision and commitment to justice throughout her lifetime and 60-year career, Dr. Fielder inspired many and left an indelible mark on the entire nation.
She was the first African American woman with a doctorate to teach in the San Francisco Bay Area and one of the first researchers who documented cultural bias in IQ tests. She helped the Berkeley public schools become the first in the nation to desegregate through two-way busing—one of her proudest accomplishments. She was also a member of the Founding Board of Trustees at Fielding.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Dr. Fielder contributed to the work of such civil rights leaders as Martin Luther King Jr. and Whitney Young. She also advised numerous government and civil-rights organizations.
Our Fellows Collaboration Space
This site is designed as a hub for collaboration, inspiration, and connection among new fellows and alumni. It’s a place to share ideas, exchange resources, celebrate accomplishments, and spark meaningful conversations. Whether you’re seeking advice, exploring new projects, or simply looking to stay connected with the community of Fielder Fellows past and present, this space invites open dialogue and mutual support across cohorts.
Fielder Center Calendar of Events
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