The Stein Fellowship: Shaping leaders and Northeast Florida

When you ask a Stein Fellow what their experience meant to them, you’ll hear about lifelong friendships, personal growth, leadership journeys and a deepened commitment to Northeast Florida.

Since 2007, young professionals from all walks of life have come together to mentor youth, be mentored by philanthropic leaders and serve their community and help shape a stronger Northeast Florida. Established by philanthropists Linda and the late David Stein, the Stein Fellowship is a year-long program focused on leadership and mentorship. It prepares young professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to become strong philanthropic leaders. 

With applications extended through June 7 for the Class of 2026, we’re looking back at how the Fellowship has shaped the lives and leadership paths of past Fellows.

Finding a purpose in community 

For many, the Stein Fellowship is more than an opportunity. It’s a call to lead, serve and grow.  Sara Ley, Class of 2009, saw the Fellowship as a way to deepen her leadership skills and connection to the community. What began as a one-year mentoring relationship through the Fellowship grew into years of connection, with Sara continuing to support her mentee through high school graduation. “The Stein Fellowship was more than a program; it was a call to action,” she said. 

Now, as a mentor to a member of the Class of 2025, Sara continues to invest in others and give back to her community. She believes that leadership is about lifting others up and providing hope and opportunity. When you step into the Stein Fellowship, you’re stepping into a movement that makes lasting change happen, starting with yourself.

The power of mentorship

At the heart of the Stein Fellowship is mentorship across generations: real relationships that last far beyond a single year. Fellows mentor local youth while also learning from some of Northeast Florida’s most respected philanthropists, creating a legacy of learning, leadership and community impact. 

For Alonza Anderson, Class of 2010, mentoring through the Stein Fellowship was a full-circle moment. He had once been a student at Arlington Middle School and later graduated from Terry Parker High School — two institutions that shaped his early years. Through the Stein Fellowship, he had the opportunity to give back by supporting a student from Arlington, his former middle school.

“I was compelled to take action in a tangible way to affect my local community and two of the educational institutions that had played a major role in my life’s journey,” he said. “Going back to my old stomping grounds and connecting with a young man that I could identify with and positively impact was extremely exciting and fulfilling for me.” 

Alonza vividly remembers the moment he fully connected with his mentee: 

“I also remembered the look on his face when he realized that his new principal and I were buddies and when the principal put his arm around his shoulder and let him know that we cared about him and believed in him, and we had his back.”

Philanthropy, redefined

The Stein Fellowship challenges you to think bigger about giving back: not just through donations, but through time, action and connection. 

The Fellowship journey of Ned Peverley, Class of 2008,  is a testament to that. What began as a mentorship experience ultimately helped shape his personal philanthropy strategy. Inspired by the community bonds he built, Ned later joined United Way of Northeast Florida’s board of directors, was chair of the Community Impact Council and is a current Tocqueville Society member. 

“The Stein Fellowship shaped my personal philanthropy strategy and ultimately, my decision to make Jacksonville my forever home,” said Ned. 

Lifelong impact

The Stein Fellowship can mark the beginning of a lifelong journey of service, leadership and community change.

Daniela Fletes, Class of 2024, continues to stay connected, even after moving to Tampa, through group messaging and online social media groups. A former RealSense volunteer, too, Daniela values the Stein Fellowship for expanding her understanding of local issues and strengthening her commitment to service, whether mentoring youth or previously serving on the board of Lutheran Social Services. 

“To me, philanthropy is the opportunity to leave the world better than you found it,” she said. 

The Stein Fellowship creates a ripple effect: one leader, one mentee and one act of service at a time. 

Your journey starts here 

The Stein Fellowship is where young professionals level up their leadership, uplift others and build a lasting legacy while investing in themselves and their community.  

If you’re ready to grow, give back your way and make an impact you can see, apply now for the Stein Fellowship Class of 2026. Applications are due June 7.