As CEO, Shelby Pedersen focuses on expanding access to ICAN’s no-cost/out-of-school programs for school-aged youth living in underserved communities. She has led the expansion of ICAN, which has grown from one site serving 200 youth to five sites serving more than 750 youth. Pedersen joined ICAN in 2008 and led its philanthropic efforts and hard-working team to substantially grow the organization’s annual operating capacity and brand awareness. She helped lead its $5.65 million capital campaign, culminating in a new 21,000 square foot facility that more than doubled program capacity in 2012, In 2016 she was appointed CEO. Prior to ICAN, Pedersen served in nonprofit leadership roles for nearly two decades; her experience includes working in marketing and business development for the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Project C.U.R.E.

Pedersen’s Fellowship will focus on further developing skills to lead community-level change and innovation, keeping the wellness of those who carry the work at the forefront. As she leans out of operational leadership and into a more community-minded strategic leadership approach, she strives to evolve her community collaboration skills to lead true innovation in educational partnerships that better meet the growing needs of students. Her plans include attending Harvard Business School’s Executive Education Program (with a focus on leading and building a culture of innovation), engaging in an intensive Spanish immersion program, and participating in 1440 Multidiversity—A Transformation Workshop for Women in Leadership. Pedersen believes that with the number of families in crisis, innovation and a focus on collective impact are needed more than ever to move forward successfully—and because collaboration is extensive and can be challenging, she is also eager to grow her tool belt in leading and empowering teams around individual wellness.