Bethel Alumna Uses Bush Fellowship to Advance Racial Justice

by Stephanie Green '09
Issue 15 | Winter 2008-2009

Bethel alumna Kim Smolik ’96 of St. Paul, Minn., recently completed her 13-month experience as a Bush Leadership Fellow. The program, for mid-career professionals making a positive impact in their community, is designed to prepare them for even greater influence. Only 20 people have received the honor annually since 1975, in such fields as public service, education, government, architecture, science, farming, forestry, law, trade unions, journalism, and social work.

Smolik, a former high school social studies and history teacher, now partners with racial justice initiatives in the Twin Cities while serving as a consultant to organizations, churches, and schools. During her time as a fellow, she completed her doctoral dissertation on how personal involvement in a racial justice initiative boosts one’s awareness of systemic racism. She received her Ph.D. in critical pedagogy at the University of St. Thomas in May 2008.
Among other learning opportunities that took Smolik around the world, she studied the use of arts in leadership through the Banff Centre in Canada and in Italy. Her findings confirmed the methods she had practiced as a high school teacher.

“Arts-based learning tools allow students to engage in difficult topics and conversations related to race in effective ways that linear, left-brain thinking tends to stunt,” she says. “They promote participation, awareness, meaningful dialogue, and... an advanced level of awareness about issues of race as well a commitment to dismantle racism.”
During her fellowship, Smolik also spent two months in Argentina to renew her Spanish language skills and to study photography. More locally, she did racial and social justice work with the Minnesota Collaborative Anti-Racism Initiative and EdChange.org.

“Without question,” Smolik says, “the Bush Leadership Fellowship is one of the greatest honors I have received.” She credits Bethel’s study abroad programs with igniting her “passion for studying culture, ethnicity, and differences.”
To learn more about the work of Kim Smolik, go to www.kimsmolik.com.