ST. PAUL, MINN.: The Bush Foundation has announced its 2018 Bush Fellows. The 24 recipients are leaders dedicated to improving their communities in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and in the 23 Native nations that share the same geography.

Among the recipients is playwright Rhiana Yazzie, who was selected from a pool of 751 applicants. She and each of the fellows will receive a cash prize of up to $100,000 over a 12- to 24-month period that can be used toward learning experiences, advanced education, or networking opportunities to develop leadership skills.

“The 2018 Bush Fellows are exceptional leaders who have made the most of the opportunities in their lives,” said Bush Foundation Leadership programs director Anita Patel in a statement. “We believe the well-being of our region is directly impacted by investing in individuals who will shape the future. We are betting on the potential of these 24 Fellows to make a significant impact in their communities.”

Yazzie, of St. Paul, Minn., creates original work that reveals the complex and beautiful reality of Native Americans. She founded New Native Theatre in 2009, a company dedicated to helping Native people reclaim their narrative with playwriting, performing, designing, and filmmaking. With the Bush Fellowship, she will connect with theatre companies around the globe, and pursue coaching to develop a strategic leadership plan that reflects her artistic ambitions and cultural values.