Independent research is a cornerstone of the liberal arts, and inspiration can often come from an unexpected source.
Natasha Main, Bonner Scholar '16, Leads Small Business Relief Program in Colorado Springs
Leading a community relief program for small businesses devastated by a crippling pandemic was not in Natasha Main’s job description. She had plenty on her plate since becoming executive director late last year of Exponential Impact, a Colorado Springs-based, nonprofit incubator/accelerator for tech startups.
But she’s more than stepped up to the challenge, says Exponential Impact co-founder and chairman Vance Brown, who developed the Survive & Thrive relief program, which is being administered by XI. In fact, he says, “she’s crushing it.”
Frankie Dakin, Rhodes College '14 Bonner Scholar, Named Truman Democracy Fellow
Frankie Dakin, Bonner Scholar and Rhodes College Class of 2014, was just named a 2019 Truman Foundation Democracy Fellow. Frankie currently serves as appointed Public Outreach Liaison for Shelby County, Tennessee. He was appointed to that role by Mayor Lee Harris in September 2018. As Public Outreach Liaison, he manages special projects and is responsible for implementing strategies to ensure feedback is received from citizens, community groups, elected officials, and other agencies to support specific initiatives.