Jackson, MS – Parents for Public Schools® (PPS) is proud to announce that Chiquikta Fountain, Project Manager for Mississippi, has been selected as one of just 80 fellows nationwide for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network (CLN) in partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership. Fountain joins a distinguished cohort of local leaders from across the country who are committed to advancing equity and creating conditions where children, families, and communities can thrive.
The 18-month fellowship is designed to equip leaders with the skills and tools needed to drive transformational, systems-level change. Through immersive learning experiences, collaborative problem-solving, and national networking, fellows deepen their understanding of collective leadership, systems transformation, and strategies for navigating complex challenges while bringing diverse stakeholders together.
As Project Manager, Fountain works closely with families, educators, and community partners to strengthen public schools and amplify the parent voice in decision-making. Through the Kellogg Fellowship, she will expand her leadership capacity to further advocate for equitable education policies and sustainable community-driven solutions.
Of this opportunity, Fountain shared, “I am extremely honored and appreciative to be selected as a WK Kellogg Community Leadership Network fellow. This opportunity would not be possible without the recommendation of Joann Mickens, our fearless leader of PPS, and her encouragement to apply. The work that I am doing across the state is meaningful and pushes me each day to strive to be a better leader, advocate, and community partner, so having the chance to develop my skills alongside other fellows and mentors from around the country is not one that I take lightly. I look forward to an incredibly immersive experience that I know will positively impact my life for years to come.”
Class four of the WKKF Community Leadership Network fellowship began in January 2026 and will continue for 18 months. Through six in-person and three virtual gatherings, the fellows will have a chance to build relationships and begin their journey of self-discovery and transformation.
To follow Chiquikta Fountain’s journey and to learn more about the WKKF Community Leadership Network with the Center for Creative Leadership, visit wkkfcln.org.
About Parents for Public Schools ®
Parents for Public Schools, Inc. ® (PPS) is a national nonprofit organization that works to advance the role of families and communities in securing a high-quality public education for every child. Learn more at www.parents4publicschools.org.