The Anthony Cortese Fellowship Fund

IEN's Anthony Cortese Fellowship Program

The IEN Fellowship Program provides hands-on experience, mentorship, and community building opportunities to students and early-career professionals interested in sustainable and impact investing.

In 2024, as the Intentional Endowments Network (IEN) celebrated its 10th anniversary, we launched this fellowship to honor the extraordinary career of Dr. Anthony Cortese, a trailblazer in sustainability and impact investing. Over 40 years, Dr. Cortese has reshaped public policy, transformed higher education, and pioneered sustainable investing.

Learn About Dr. Anthony Cortese's Legacy

In 1993, Dr. Cortese co-founded Second Nature with U.S. Senator John Kerry and Teresa Heinz Kerry, launching a movement to integrate sustainability into higher education. His leadership helped establish the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) and the President's Climate Leadership Commitment.

In 2014, Dr. Cortese and Georges Dyer co-founded the Intentional Endowments Network (IEN), providing endowed institutions with the tools to align their endowments with sustainable practices. His leadership and forward-thinking approach have transformed the field of sustainable finance.

About the Fellowship & How to Participate

The Fellowship Program supports 4-6 fellows annually, including students and early-to-mid-career professionals from underrepresented backgrounds in finance. These fellows gain hands-on experience in sustainable investing and build the networks and skills they need to become future leaders in the industry.

Who is eligible:

Current students in finance, economics, environmental studies, or related fields
Early-to-mid-career professionals (0-5 years of experience)
Individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in finance
Those committed to advancing sustainable and impact investing

The current program offers fellowships to students at Yale, Bunker Hill Community College, or those living in Massachusetts or studying in Massachusetts through the MassCEC program.

To indicate interest: Please contact us at [email protected] with your background and interest in sustainable investing. Applications for the next cohort will open in late 2025.

Meet Our Fellows: Bios and Testimonials

Hear from past and current fellows about their experience with the IEN Fellowship Program by viewing the videos and testimonials below.

View all former IEN Fellows and Interns.

"The fellowship provided me with the tools, language, and understanding I needed to enter the responsible investing space. I also received invaluable mentorship and opportunities to network with IEN members."

– Julia Cedarholm, 2020 IEN Fellow

"The internship taught me about ESG investing and sustainability in higher education. I learned that my career focus would remain on ESG investing, which continues to drive my professional goals."

– Meghan Ahern, 2019 IEN Fellow

Aviva Gornick

Hear about Aviva's experience as an intern at IEN, and the takeaways she will bring to her future professional roles.

Tim Anderson

Listen to Tim describe what drew him to IEN as an undergrad, and what he looked forward to as a part of the team in Summer 2025.

Leticia Carvalho

Watch as Leticia, a Social Media and Communications intern in Spring 2025, combined her interest in IEN's mission with her passion for communicating challenging topics.

Support the Next Generation: Contribute to the Fellowship Fund

Your contribution to the Anthony Cortese Fellowship Fund helps build a diverse and dynamic community of leaders dedicated to advancing sustainable and impact investing. Join us in shaping a more just, equitable, and sustainable future.

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