Fellowship Advisor and FacilitatOR

FORGe A PATH of PURPOSE

Designing and facilitating fellowship programs that unlock leadership, expand opportunity, and drive meaningful change.

Scenic wooden trail meandering through a dense green forest, with sunlight filtering through the canopy.

A smiling woman with blonde hair wearing a watch on her wrist and holding a pen in her hand.

Hello!

I’m Kristen

I’m a consultant, career coach, and capacity-builder, specializing in fellowship programs and leadership development. As a fellowship advisor, I partner with organizations who want to design and deliver high impact fellowship programs and other cohort-based learning initiatives. As a facilitator, I lead workshops for teams who want to build their individual skills and collective capacity. As a professional coach, I work with individuals who want to grow, pivot, or create more fulfilling careers. With over 15 years of experience across sectors, I am passionate about helping individuals, teams, and organizations advance their leadership, unlock their potential, and increase their impact.

More About Me

Current and Former Clients

I have had the immense joy of working on 15+ fellowship programs that have reached 1,000+ leaders across 50+ countries. As a recognized thought leader and practitioner in the fellowship landscape, I have partnered with a variety of groups on the design, delivery, and facilitation of leadership development programs. This includes:

Academic Groups: Columbia University (Social Impact Fellowship, Obama Foundation Scholars Program, and Neurodivergent at Columbia), Georgetown University, and University of California
Nonprofit Organizations and NGOs: Habitat for Humanity International, The Human Trafficking Legal Center, IREX, Girl Security, New Sector Alliance
Associations: United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA), Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA)
Government: United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Foundations: The B.A. Rudolph Foundation, The Longbrake Family Foundation

Past Projects and Impact

My Services

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Fellowship Consulting

I advise organizations on the design and delivery of cohort-based learning programs, measuring their impact, and maximizing reach and results.

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Workshop Facilitation

I facilitate interactive and inclusive trainings that build more effective teams and leaders. Participants develop their skills, competencies, and collective awareness on topics related to leadership development, teamwork, and more!

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Career Coaching

I partner with individuals to identify their strengths and growth opportunities, set clear goals, and create actionable plans to achieve more balance, fulfillment, or success in their chosen fields.

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Public Speaking

I deliver engaging presentations that integrate research-backed insights, share best practices, and employ storytelling techniques to engage audiences. Attendees leave inspired and equipped with practical tools and strategies to take back to their teams and organizations.

View all Services

Testimonials

"We hired Kristen to help Habitat for Humanity International design a new practicum fellowship program funded by USAID. She shaped the practicum fellowship in a way that made it more inclusive, focusing on the experience of the fellows. Without her work, we probably would have faced way too many issues, as she was able to steer the program in a direction that allowed it to be both feasible and meaningful. I would fully recommend Kristen if your organization is aiming to increase its impact on youth engagement and professional development through internships or fellowships."

Irantzu (Iru) Serra Lasa, Sr. Director of Disaster Risk Reduction and Response, Habitat for Humanity International

"Kristen embodies a unique blend of strengths that make her a standout in the leadership development field. I've had the personal pleasure of working with her on several initiatives, particularly the '2020 Fellowship Industry Report', which benefited from her insightful questions and rigorous research. Kristen brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of evolving trends and best practices in leadership development, the fellowship landscape, and social impact. She is reliable, inclusive, personable, and professional."

John Cape, Chief Program Officer, Global Health Corps

"Kristen brought an exceptional presence to her facilitation work with Black Professionals in International Affairs, combining deep expertise with genuine warmth and care for the community she was engaging. What stood out most was Kristen’s ability to translate complex leadership concepts into practical, community-centered strategies. The session struck a rare balance between grounding and energizing, offering space for introspection while also reinforcing a sense of momentum and shared purpose. I would highly recommend Kristen to organizations, networks, and institutions seeking a facilitator who can skillfully hold space, foster connection, and deliver leadership development experiences that are both impactful and affirming."

Alexandria J Maloney, President, Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA)

"As a facilitator, Kristen's superpower lies in her ability to make people feel safe and seen almost instantly. Both adults and adolescents naturally lower their guard around her, even while facilitating a group of nearly 100 learners. Kristen balances a deep level of knowledge in leadership development with an approachable, nonjudgmental presence. That combination invites real vulnerability, even in new or unfamiliar settings."

Shannon Harrison, Director of Learning and Training, Girl Security

"Kristen was an amazing coach at the UC Berkeley-sponsored 'Next Opportunity at Work' (NOW) Conference, the largest career and professional development conference for University of California staff. Kristen supported our staff to discover their potential and map their success. On behalf of the NOW Conference Planning Committee, we thank Kristen for her dedication, time, and talents!"

Colin Gerker, Sr. Talent Strategy Partner, University of California, Berkeley

"Kristen's impact on my career journey has been nothing short of transformative. Before the fellowship, I found myself standing at a crossroads, uncertain about which area I should channel my efforts into to make a long-term impact. Kristen's guidance not only helped me navigate this complex terrain but also empowered me to uncover the values that resonate most deeply within me, guiding my decision-making and shaping my purpose."

JOHANNA MARTINEZ, 2022-2023 SOCIAL IMPACT FELLOW, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

Take the First Step

Ready to take your career, team, or initiative to the next level? Schedule an appointment today for personalized career coaching, engaging workshop facilitation, or project-based consulting. Unlock your full potential, gain valuable insights, and achieve your goals with tailored guidance and expertise.

Book An Appointment

Kristen Hecht, LLC

A boutique consulting firm that partners with organizations to design and deliver high-impact fellowship programs, facilitate workshops that strengthen teams and cohorts, and provide one-on-one coaching to help leaders turn vision into action.

Washington, DC, USA

Working remotely in the Washington, DC area, across the United States, and worldwide.

kristen@kristenhecht.com