University of Minnesota Extension educator Serdar Mamedov was recently named a 2026 Bush Foundation Fellow.
In his role at Extension, Serdar Mamedov has been at the forefront of efforts to make halal foods accessible across Minnesota. He works with community stakeholders and partners to raise awareness of the importance of cultural foods, supporting and building initiatives to grow the supply chain. Mamedov collaborates with farmers, meat processors, distributors, retailers, nonprofit organizations, funders, and policymakers to find innovative solutions that meet the needs of diverse communities.
He is one of 30 regional leaders who will receive up to $150,000 each to pursue self-designed leadership development plans and work on community-driven initiatives. The Bush Fellowship is a highly selective program that invests in individuals who have a proven record of impact and a bold vision for transformational change.
“I first learned about the Bush Fellowship in 2018 through Kathryn Draeger, while serving on the Regional Sustainable Development (RSDP) Board of Directors. At that time, I thought the opportunity was inspiring, but I wasn’t sure I possessed the qualities and leadership characteristics worthy of such an honor,” Mamedov says. “Last year, when I mentioned it to my supervisor Cassandra Silveira, she strongly encouraged me to apply. Their confidence in me helped me recognize that leadership is not about having all the answers, it is about having a vision, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to serving others.”
“Being an Extension educator is a continuous learning journey that exposes you to new ideas, innovative practices, and different ways of thinking,” says Mamedov. “What appealed to me most was that the Bush Fellowship invests in people rather than projects, empowering fellows to pursue personalized growth on their own terms.”
Over the next 24 months, he plans to learn from global halal food systems, gain skills in emerging digital supply chain management technologies, grow his understanding of policy and systems leadership, and build partnerships that will help scale culturally responsive food infrastructure in Minnesota and beyond.
“For me, this fellowship is both a tremendous honor and a profound responsibility. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity—not only for my own growth, but to create lasting benefits for the people and communities I serve,” says Mamedov. “I would not have been able to pursue this work without the support, encouragement, and opportunities provided through Extension.”
He will begin his fellowship in August 2026.
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