The Pauli Murray Fellowship: Investing in the Next Generation of Leaders

A college of a female and male student working, with the Supreme Court building collaged on top

The Pauli Murray Fellowship: Investing in the Next Generation of Leaders

Part of the ACLU’s broader Systemic Equality Campaign, the Pauli Murray Fellowship is one avenue through which the ACLU is committing to addressing the legacy of systemic racism and inequality in America by investing in and cultivating leadership pathways for aspiring nonprofit professionals.

Last updated on March 5, 2024

Share This Page
Share This Page
Apply Now

About the Fellowship

Collage of black and white and brown photos of Pauli Murray with words "Pauli Murray Fellowship" written over it
This embed will serve content from {{ domain }}. See our privacy statement

The Pauli Murray Fellowship, founded in honor of the Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray – activist, legal theorist, author, Episcopal priest, and former ACLU board member – is for college graduates who have overcome systemic barriers to achievement. It is designed for individuals eager to embark on a career in the nonprofit sector, with a focus on organizational and operations aspects of nonprofits advancing civil rights and civil liberties. The program will provide fellows with meaningful exposure, access, and training to enhance and broaden their leadership skills.

Fellows will work with cross-functional ACLU teams charged with overseeing critical internal initiatives, projects, and priorities, within the Communications and Development departments. Fellow placements will be determined based on experience and interests. By joining the ACLU, Fellows will work with experienced colleagues, engage in meaningful work, and strengthen the skills and networks they need to launch their careers.

In fall 2024, the program will sponsor two fellows as full-time employees of the ACLU for 18-months.

Informational Webinar

View a recording of our informational webinar to learn more about the fellowship program and application process.

Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray (she/they)

Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray left an indelible mark on the ACLU, serving on the ACLU Board of Directors beginning in 1965. Murray battled discrimination on the basis of sex and race throughout their personal and professional life, carving out an intersectional approach to legal strategies and civil rights discourse that still shapes the ACLU’s work today.

Key Features of the Pauli Murray Fellowship include:

Selection Timeline

All applications are due on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 11:59pm EST

Interviews: March & April 2024

Final Selection: End of April 2024

Who Should Apply?

Individuals making their entry into the nonprofit sector full-time, overcoming systemic barriers to achievement, are encouraged to apply—especially those with a fresh perspective and a commitment to our mission.

Selection Criteria

The selection committee will engage in a consistent and holistic review process, with attention to applicants with:

  • A demonstrated commitment to sustained leadership and service.
  • A demonstrated resilience in the face of systemic barriers.
  • A commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, and social justice.
  • Commitment to the mission of the ACLU.
  • No prior connection to the ACLU (via past internships, fellowships, other connections) a plus

How to Apply

Access the application form and detailed instructions here. You will be asked to submit:

  • Resume
  • Responses to two essay questions
  • Two letters of recommendation

If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page or email fellowships@aclu.org

Apply Now

Pauli Murray Fellows

Diamond Mark headshot

Diamond Mark

Former ACLU Pauli Murray Fellow

they/them

Diamond Mark (they/them) is a writer, scholar, restorative justice practitioner, and early career EDIB professional from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Diamond was one of four fellows in the ACLU's inaugural cohort of Pauli Murray Fellows. They were placed on the equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB) Team, which is housed within the National office’s…
Diamond Mark
Esmeralda Quintero-Cubillan headshot

Esmeralda Quintero-Cubillan

Former ACLU Pauli Murray Fellow

they/she

Esmeralda “Esmé” Quintero-Cubillan (they/she), a former inaugural Pauli Murray Fellow, worked within the ACLU’s Affiliate Support & Nationwide Initiatives (ASNI) department in the Program & Strategy Team. Esmé worked at the intersection of gender, immigration, and Indigeneity, supporting a variety of projects such as the Southern Collective, Indigenous Justice, community building, and youth political education.…
Esmeralda Quintero-Cubillan
Fernanda Alcantara headshot

Fernanda Alcantara

Former ACLU Pauli Murray Fellow

she/her

Fernanda Alcantara, was a Pauli Murray Fellow from Rogers, Arkansas and worked with the Nationwide Development Resource team. Some of her key projects within the department included supporting the Nationwide Development Convening and a cross-organizational strategic planning effort to align equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB) principles into the ACLU’s nationwide fundraising culture and practice.…
Fernanda Alcantara
Sophia Bos-Shadi headshot

Sophia Bos-Shadi

Former ACLU Pauli Murray Fellow

(she/her)

Sophia Bos-Shadi is a 2022 graduate of Georgetown University, with a major in Justice and Peace Studies and minors in Anthropology & Arabic. She was born and raised in Kankakee, Illinois, and has been involved in advocacy and organizing since 2015. While attending Georgetown, Sophia channeled her passion for social justice into action by advocating…
Sophia Bos-Shadi