Reflections From My Fellowship

All of us at #TeamPossible congratulate Faith on completing her fellowship with our Health Policy Team. She joined us two years ago when we were re-energizing our work under a new strategic direction—an opportune time to foster growth not only as an organization but for an emerging leader as well. Faith played an important role in conducting research and supporting work to foster systems change for a healthier Georgia, which we greatly appreciate. 

Patience, Collaboration, Humility, and a Willingness to Keep Learning 

by Faith Olatile, Health Policy Fellow

When I was selected to join as Health Policy Fellow at the Initiative, I knew it would be an opportunity to deepen my understanding of health policy and contribute to meaningful work across Georgia. But I did not yet know the extent to which it would reshape my thinking.  

When I walked into the office for my first day in September 2024, I was unsure of what philanthropy looked like in practice. I assumed, like many people, that philanthropy was primarily about funding organizations and supporting worthy causes. I also came in thinking about policy solely through the lens of legislation and regulation.  

During my fellowship, I discovered that some of philanthropy’s significant contributions occur outside the context of grantmaking; we can play an important role in facilitating important policy conversations. I also learned to see policy as a tool for solving problems, strengthening systems, and improving lives. The Initiative’s role as a bridge-builder showed me how philanthropic organizations can convene diverse perspectives, foster productive conversations, and serve as trusted sources of research and information that shape policy. 

I saw this most clearly through my work on Medicaid-related initiatives. One contribution that was especially meaningful to me was developing a Medicaid glossary for Insights on Medicaid in Georgia, our annual publication focused on fostering a shared understanding of Medicaid’s impact across Georgia. Authoring the accompanying glossary to define terms and demystify acronyms reinforced an important lesson: progress begins with shared understanding. 

Throughout my fellowship, I was continually reminded that behind every discussion, research project, and strategic decision on how health policies should be structured are real people. This was reinforced through my participation in projects examining outreach and enrollment efforts and assessing member experiences engaging with the state Medicaid program to inform systems improvements. Whether discussing access to care, enrollment barriers, or broader health outcomes, keeping people at the center reminded me why systems change matters.  

The importance of centering people also taught me that collaboration is essential. Lasting impact rarely happens through the efforts of a single individual or organization. Through supporting partner convenings at the Initiative, I witnessed the power of bringing people together around a shared purpose. The fellowship also opened doors to conversations and opportunities I once only hoped to be part of, including the chance to learn how policymakers, funders, advocates, and community leaders each play a role in improving the health and wellbeing of Georgians. One of those learning moments took place during a visit to the State Capitol during the legislative session. I was standing in a busy hallway and observed as conversations unfolded around me. Legislators moved quickly between offices, advocates spoke about the issues important to their constituents, and policy discussions suddenly felt immediate and real. 

Experiences like that helped me discover what excites me most: working at the intersection of policy, philanthropy, and systems change. I found myself drawn to the big questions: How do we build stronger systems? How do we create lasting solutions rather than temporary fixes? How do we ensure communities have the resources they need to thrive? And how do we bring people together to make that possible? 

As I reflect on these past two years, I am filled with gratitude. Serving as a Health Policy Fellow has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my professional journey. It has taught me that progress requires patience, collaboration, humility, and a willingness to keep learning.  

While my fellowship may be ending, the lessons, relationships, and sense of purpose I gained at the Initiative will remain with me. I leave this experience with gratitude, clarity, and a lasting commitment to collaborative work that helps communities thrive. 

Faith throughout her two years with #TeamPossible.