In 2009, 10 Encore Fellows – through support of The David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the Hewlett Packard Company – served nonprofits in California’s Silicon Valley. The fellows became integral parts of the organizations, bringing the experience and skills they had developed across decades in the corporate world. Here, nonprofit directors and executives from the Packard Foundation and Hewlett Packard explain how Encore Fellows benefit communities and everyone involved.

Mary Simon
Executive Director, Resource Area For Teachers (RAFT)

Mary Simon credits Fellow Nigel Ball for bringing a unique perspective to her organization. She says her nonprofit gets a tremendous value “from being able to have somebody on our team – on our staff – who has skills beyond what we could ever afford with a nonprofit salary.”

Derek Mitchell
CEO, Partners in School Innovation

Derek Mitchell praises Fellows Leslye Louie and Lyle Hurst for showing their commitment to his nonprofit through long hours, helping expand the organization. He says: “An hour of Leslye and Lyle is really 16 hours of your average Joe.”

Carol Larson
President, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation

Carol Larson recognizes Encore Fellows for their ability to strengthen nonprofit leadership. She explains: “We’re funding the Encore Fellows because it’s opening up a whole new set of leaders to contribute to nonprofit organizations and thereby contribute to conservation, the environment and children.”

Yvonne Hunt
Former Vice President Social Investment, Hewlett Packard Company

Yvonne Hunt talks about how corporations can show their commitment to their employees and their communities by sponsoring Encore Fellowships. She notes: “I think it sends a huge message, in terms of the values of the corporation to its current employees. I think it sends a huge message to the potential future employees. And I think that’s a huge, huge win for a corporation.”