We're dedicated to supporting changemakers across the country.

Our Story

Progressive Pipeline launched in 2020, bringing together a diverse group of nonprofits, advocacy groups, campaigns, political consultants, and labor unions to create a first-of-its-kind fellowship program supporting students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in building lasting careers in politics, advocacy, and social change.

Since then, we’ve placed more than 300 fellows at organizations like the Working Families Party, Run for Something, the Analyst Institute, and SEIU - 73% identify as women or nonbinary, and 76% are people of color. Drawing on our experience identifying and placing high-potential early-career talent, we’ve grown to work further up the pipeline, helping mission-driven organizations recruit and retain staff from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

In 2024, Progressive Pipeline joined forces with Second Day, an organization dedicated to developing emerging talent across public service and advocacy. Together, we now offer enhanced programming and deeper support for both fellows and their managers, driven by a united team committed to launching the next generation of change-makers.

Collectively, Second Day and Progressive Pipeline have recruited, trained, and supported over 700 fellows, building a stronger and more diverse pipeline of social change leaders

Our Values

Equity

We open doors to opportunities that would otherwise stay closed.

Equity runs through every aspect of our work – from our recruitment and screening to our training and coaching – ensuring fellows have the support they need to build their careers. It also drives how we partner with organizations, helping them create workplaces where diverse talent grows, advances, and succeeds.

Authenticity

We believe in showing up as our full selves—and in making space for others to do the same.

Our screening process and personalized coaching are designed to meet fellows where they are, helping them recognize the value in their lived experiences and unique perspective.Through training and managerial support, we challenge outdated ideas of professionalism that have kept too many people from being fully seen, valued, and successful at work.

Belonging

We create spaces where everyone—across backgrounds, identities, and experiences—feels safe and valued.

By building a network of fellows, alumni, coaches, partners, and supporters, we expand who gets to participate—and lead—at nonprofits and mission-driven companies. We match fellows with organizations that invest in their growth and train managers to build teams rooted in a culture of belonging.

Change

We’re reshaping the social impact landscape by breaking down barriers that have excluded marginalized communities from power.

Through our fellowship and staff-matching programs, we open new pathways for emerging leaders. And by working directly with organizations, we help make hiring a lever for real, structural change.

Practical

We get things done—with tested, effective strategies for hiring and placement.

That means casting a wider net, making hiring processes more accessible, and offering support that sets fellows up for long-term success. It means coaching that helps fellows grow into leadership, and training that gives managers the tools to support them. And for organizations ready to hire differently, we provide clear, actionable steps to build strong, diverse teams in a way that lasts. 

Meet Our Team

  • Michael Michaelson

    Executive Director

  • Danny Perez

    Partnerships Coordinator

  • Erin Doolin

    Senior Fellowship Manager