Bonners Selected for the 2017-18 Newman's Own Foundation Fellowship

The Newman’s Own Foundation (NOF) is an independent, private foundation formed in 2005 by Paul Newman to sustain the legacy of his philanthropic work. The Foundation believes that each of us, through the power of philanthropy, has the potential to make a difference. The NOF focuses on four key areas of impact: encouraging philanthropy, children with life-limiting conditions, empowerment, and nutrition. For more information about the organization, please visit www.newmansownfoundation.org

The NOF Fellowship is a 12-month paid fellowship program that places recent college graduates, with a passion for and demonstrated commitment to community development and public service, at nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. The NOF Fellowship provides emerging leaders with the skills and experience that will set them on a path of social impact where they can use their talents, passion, and experience to make the world a better place, whether they decide to pursue a career in the for-profit, public, or nonprofit sector. 

We were happy to announce that four Bonners were selected as Newman Own's Foundation Fellows. This is the second year The Bonner Foundation has partnered with Newman's Own to identify strong candidates. These Bonners will be joining eight other fellows from across the nation as part of the Class of 2018 Fellows.

Below you will find a profile for each Bonner with information on where they will be working, and their personal reflection on how their Bonner experience has prepared them for this new venture they will embark.


Hannah McCandless, Lindsey Wilson College

Hannah McCandless, Lindsey Wilson College

National Farm to School Network Fellow, in Washington D.C. 

The National Farm to School Network is an information, advocacy and networking hub for communities working to bring local food into school systems and early care education settings. Hannah will be networking with partners from around the country, conduct research and data analysis, and develop program materials. 

“Bonner has helped me develop in many ways: pushing me to be professional, helping me hone skills in developing programming, and grow as a person. Being a part of the Bonner Family, has given me the confidence and emotional strength to push past my fears and venture out into the world. I'll admit I'm scared to move to a big city but the encouragement I have received from my Bonner family helps me not feel so afraid. Bonner has given me perspective on many issues and food justice wasn't even on my radar until I became a Bonner. Now, I'm going to be working at the National Farm to School Network. I could not be more excited about this opportunity, repping Bonner through such an empowering organization and spreading the Bonner love beyond my community to the nation.”

Anthony Moaton, Oberlin College

Anthony Moaton, Oberlin College

Journalism and Multimedia Fellow at WSHU Public Radio in Fairfield, CT. 

WSHU Public Radio’s mission is to be a unique and independent voice in the community. WSHU Public Radio is dedicated to making the community a better place to live via broadcasting exemplary NPR News, local reporting, classical music, and cultural programming. 

“I believe that Bonner has given me the time management, problem-solving, and community engagement skills necessary for working at any non-profit, such as WSHU Public Radio. I am very excited to continue to develop these skills through my time as a Newman's Own Fellow.”

Anna Grace Barry, Carson-Newman University

Anna Grace Barry, Carson-Newman University

Advancement Office Fellow for New Haven Farms in New Haven, CT.

New Haven Farms is taking action to impact the health and development of the community through urban agriculture. They fulfill this mission by transforming vacant dilapidated urban spaces into small organic farms in New Haven’s poorest neighborhoods. 

“My Bonner experience has been foundational in preparing me for my position at New Haven Farms as a Newman's Own Fellow. Between my summers of service in Charleston, SC, and Princeton, NJ, my time serving at a rural poverty alleviation center in Jefferson City, TN, and my two-year position as the Student Development Intern at the Carson-Newman Bonner Center, I have developed diverse skills that are integral in working within the nonprofit sector. Bonner has given me the opportunity to learn how to listen to a community, grow, and serve in a heartfelt and effective way. I am forever thankful for Bonner's role in my personal and professional development. I'm so excited to be up north again!”

Chrisovalanti Beckus, Montclair State University

Chrisovalanti Beckus, Montclair State University

External Affairs Fellow at Our Piece of the Pie (OPP). 

OPP is dedicated to helping 14 to 24 year-old urban youth become economically independent adults. They work with youth to achieve the goals of high school graduation, a college degree and/or vocational certification and rewarding post-education employment. 

“My Bonner experience has allowed me to find a level of confidence in myself that allows me to be able to embrace any environment and situation that I find myself in. It has given me a support system and family that has, and continues to, motivate me through my life. With everything I have been able to experience, it has allowed me to have no doubt about what I can bring to the table to any setting and place. I cannot wait to begin at Our Piece of the Pie and bring the same excitement and enthusiasm there that I was able to feel with Bonner.”