Healthy Fellow

Local urban farmer builds healthy communities as an Aspen Institute Fellow

By Stephen Lucke, MA, COF

The Aspen Institute, renowned for its commitment to fostering leadership and addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues, has selected Stephen Lucke as an Aspen Institute Healthy Communities Fellow. This prestigious fellowship program aims to connect visionary leaders with the tools, resources, and support needed to drive meaningful change in communities across the United States. Stephen Lucke’s appointment to this fellowship is a testament to his dedication to improving community health and well-being.

affect the health and well-being of communities. Fellows are carefully selected based on their demonstrated commitment to community health and their potential to drive change. The fellowship provides them with a platform to collaborate with like-minded individuals, learn from experts, and access resources that enable them to create innovative solutions.

Past Fellows and Their Impact

The Aspen Institute’s Healthy Communities Fellowship is a unique and transformative program designed to empower leaders like Stephen Lucke to tackle the complex and interconnected challenges that

The Aspen Institute Healthy Communities Fellowship has seen a remarkable group of past fellows who have made significant contributions to their communities and beyond. These leaders have addressed a wide range of healthrelated issues, from improving access to healthcare to tackling food insecurity, mental health challenges, and more.

One notable example is Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, a pediatrician who played a pivotal role in uncovering the Flint water crisis. Through her work, she raised awareness of the lead contamination issue in Flint’s water supply, leading to a public health emergency declaration and catalyzing much-needed action to rectify the situation.

Another standout fellow is Kirsten Lodal, who co-founded LIFT, an organization that empowers families to break the cycle of poverty. LIFT has helped thousands of families across the country access critical resources and support systems to improve their economic stability and overall well-being.

Sponsors of the San Antonio Cohort

The Aspen Institute Healthy Communities Fellowship in San Antonio is fortunate to have the support of two prominent organizations, the H-E-B Foundation and Methodist Healthcare Ministries. Their sponsorship plays a vital role in ensuring that this program can continue to identify, nurture, and support leaders like Stephen Lucke who are committed to the betterment of their communities.

The H-E-B Foundation, the philanthropic arm of H-E-B, one of

Texas’ leading grocery store chains, has a long history of community investment and a strong commitment to improving the lives of Texans. By partnering with the Aspen Institute, the H-E-B Foundation helps create opportunities for local leaders to drive positive change.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries, one of the largest private, faithbased health care organizations in South Texas, is deeply dedicated to providing access to healthcare and social services to underserved communities. Their sponsorship of the Aspen Institute Healthy Communities Fellowship reinforces their commitment to improving the overall well-being of the region.

A Beacon of Hope

Stephen Lucke’s inclusion as an Aspen Institute Healthy Communities Fellow is a testament to his dedication and the remarkable work he has done in San Antonio. As an advocate for community health, he has worked tirelessly to improve access to healthcare and address the social determinants of health that impact his community.

With the support of the Aspen Institute, the H-E-B Foundation, and Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Stephen Lucke is poised to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of San Antonio. By collaborating with a network of passionate and driven leaders, he will have the tools and resources needed to drive transformative change and continue the legacy of past fellows who have made a significant difference in their communities.

The Aspen Institute Healthy Communities Fellowship, with the support of sponsors like the H-E-B Foundation and Methodist Healthcare Ministries, continues to identify and empower leaders like Stephen Lucke who are committed to making a positive impact on community health. As Stephen Lucke embarks on his fellowship journey, we can look forward to seeing how his work will contribute