Battle Creek native Diop Harris II named 2025–26 Peter J. Christ Fellow at BCCF

BATTLE CREEK, MI — Diop Harris II’s journey with the Battle Creek Community Foundation (BCCF) began when he served on the organization’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) as a student at Battle Creek Central High School and the Battle Creek Regional Center for Advanced STEM Studies.

Now, 31, he has been selected as BCCF’s 2025-26 Fellow in the Peter J. Christ Leaders Fellowship for Battle Creek.

Harris, a Battle Creek native, began the fellowship last month as a participant in Leadership Battle Creek, a Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce program for emerging leaders.

“It’s a true honor to be selected as this year’s Christ Fellow,” Harris says. “The hands-on engagement through BCCF and Leadership Battle Creek are exactly what I need to build skills, while diving into very specific hubs of the Battle Creek community.”

The Fellowship launched in 2024 to honor BCCF’s third president and CEO Peter J. Christ, and his passion to develop local leaders. Each year, one person is invited to work with BCCF and, through customized mentoring, financial support, and development tools, explore growth and networking opportunities. The fellowship offers hands-on training while building an individual’s leadership skills.

“Diop Harris is a great choice to honor the legacy of leadership that Peter Christ exemplified both at BCCF and in the community,” says Mary Muliett, BCCF CEO. “I look forward to hearing about the connections Diop makes among local leaders and professionals, and to seeing the impact and inspiration he will bring to our community.”

Harris works as a federal policy advocate and electoral organizer. Earlier this year he announced his candidacy for Michigan’s 4th Congressional District.

He is an organizer and advocate with a background in federal government policy and community advocacy for financial reform, and holds a degree in Public Policy from Michigan State University

The Christ Leaders Fellowship program is tailored to the Fellow’s specific goals and vision. Candidates may be nominated in the spring; the year-long fellowship begins in the summer.

Inspired by examples he witnessed as a member of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi on the Pine Creek Reservation, Harris is passionate about making affordable childcare available.

“He strives to be a role model for young people of color like those who inspired him growing up, including Lynn Ward Gray, BCCF Senior Development Officer, and Larry Caper, Harris’s football and track coach at Battle Creek Central High School, “ says a press release from BCCF.

Harris has been volunteering as a track and field coach at his alma mater.

He hopes to connect with school leaders to learn about the state of education; speak with law enforcement and members of the fire department about community safety; and meet with business and economic development leaders dedicated to growing job opportunities for residents.