Open Horizon Leaders Retreat
Since 2023, Open Horizon has hosted an annual Leaders Retreat, offering leaders at all levels from our partner organizations a multi-day experience centered on Reflection, Connection, and Renewal. These retreats provide a valuable opportunity for partner leaders to pause, reflect, and build connections with peers. Participants have shared that this experience not only enhances their leadership skills but also underscores the importance of a stronger commitment to self-care. In the photo above from January 2024, participants gathered after spending two days connecting with other leaders and reflecting on their roles and vision.
Our 2024 Leaders Retreat was held at Ipade, a Black woman-owned gathering space in Washington, DC.
OH leaders represent a variety of issue areas within the social sector.
The Leaders Retreat provides a chance to reflect and share with peers.
Leaders Network
A gathering with our OH staff leaders for DC-based Black leaders is one example of affinity programming.
Recognizing that professional development and support are continuous and should be ongoing, Open Horizon pairs attendees with a coach for personalized support after participating in a Leaders Retreat. In addition to coaching, leaders can engage in workshops on organizational, leadership, and personal development topics, with an increasing focus on identity-based affinity programming.
Ignite the South
In January 2023, Open Horizon and Imagine US launched Ignite the South, a six-month leadership development program tailored for social justice leaders in the Southern United States. Since its launch, Ignite the South has empowered over 60 leaders from across the region.
Ignite the South is designed for emerging staff and elected leaders who hold significant responsibility within social, racial, and economic justice organizations in the Southern United States. The program offers an opportunity to learn, reflect, and collaborate, blending in-person immersive experiences, individual coaching, and online learning. Over six months, participants will enhance their leadership skills through exposure to new ideas and best practices, while building relationships with like-minded individuals across the region. Graduates of the cohort will join a connected, supported, and well-resourced network of leaders throughout the South.
In January 2023 Ignite the South’s first cohort had its first three-day retreat in New Orleans, Louisiana. A highlight was a ‘Hidden History Tour’ in the French Quarter led by local elder Mr. Leon.
Fellowships and Internships
Open Horizon is committed to creating pathways for professional growth and financial stability. Through policy advocacy, educational programs, and support for initiatives that provide practical experience, we empower individuals to build successful careers.
Open Horizon funds opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience with our non-profit partners. These experiences not only foster professional development and skill-building but also enhance the financial prospects of participants. By supporting their growth, we help cultivate the next generation of leaders, while simultaneously advancing the missions of our partner organizations through valuable contributions to their teams.
Open Horizon currently partners with the following organization to support Fellowship and Internship programs:
Open Horizon Criminal Justice Fellowship at Council for Court Excellence
Open Horizon’s Criminal Justice Fellowship at the Council for Court Excellence (CCE) offers a D.C. law school graduate a one-year opportunity to work on local criminal justice research, policy advocacy, and educational initiatives.
For nearly 40 years, CCE has been a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to creating a fair and equitable justice system in D.C. By convening diverse stakeholders, CCE addresses justice-related issues, makes data-driven policy recommendations, advocates for reform, and educates the public to increase civic engagement.
Crystal Nieves Murphy 2024-2025 Fellow
As the 2024-2025 Open Horizon Criminal Justice Fellow, Crystal will be working with various individuals in the DC justice system to create policy with the goal of improving the current DC criminal legal system for all Washingtonians. Crystal just received a JD from the Washington College of Law at American University in 2024. While there where she was part of multiple award-winning teams at the INADR International Mediation Tournament; she also served as the Events Coordinator and Vice President with the Alternative Dispute Resolution Honor Society. During law school, Crystal was a student attorney for the Criminal Justice Clinic, a Dean’s Fellow for the Immigrant Justice Clinic, and was also the 2024 winner of the Andrew E. Taslitz Award for outstanding student in criminal justice. Her internships include the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, Rosenberg & Fayne, and Ayuda. She also holds a B.A. in International Affairs and Political Science from the George Washington University.
Previous Open Horizon Criminal Justice Fellows at CCE
Morgan Grizzle (2023-2024 Fellow)
Anya Kreider (2022-2023 Fellow)
Open Horizon National Health Law Program Summer Internships
For 50 years, the National Health Law Program (NHeLP) has advocated for low-income individuals, people with disabilities, and children, working to improve access to quality healthcare and uphold their legal rights. NHeLP’s lawyers and policy experts fight for affordable, non-discriminatory healthcare through advocacy and litigation.
The Open Horizon Summer internship offers undergraduate and graduate students with the chance to spend a summer with NHeLP, learning from experts, gaining insight into public interest advocacy, and supporting NHeLP’s mission while preparing the next generation of health rights advocates.
Summer 2024 Interns
“Leadership is the ability to call forth your own best efforts, and the best efforts of others, to achieve a shared future that people care about.”
– From the book Missing Conversations: 9 Questions All Leaders Should Ask Themselves by Bridgette Theurer and Heather O’Neill Jelks