In September 2006, Patricia Blunt and Martin J. (“Mike”) Koldyke established the Patricia Blunt Koldyke Fellowship in Social Entrepreneurship to recognize emerging leaders who are transforming society through innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. Pat Koldyke has spent years furthering awareness and understanding of international affairs in Chicago and the Midwest and is particularly interested in public education and youth leadership.

A Koldyke Fellow is selected annually by a committee representing The Chicago Council, the Koldyke family, and outside experts. Selected fellows are emerging international leaders who are developing creative responses to social problems – especially those related to children and youth.  Each year, the fellow spends one week in Chicago, participating in a series of programs with local NGOs, schools, academic institutions, the media, and other organizations. The fellow also delivers the annual Patricia Blunt Koldyke Lecture and is honored by The Chicago Council’s Board and other leading figures in the city at a dinner following the lecture.

2009 Fellow - Shehzad Roy, Pakistani pop star and president and founder of the Zindagi Trust

2008 Fellow - Ada Onyejike, cofounder and chief executive officer, Girl Child Art Foundation 

2007 Fellow - Shaheen Mistri, founder and managing director, Akanksha Foundation