Abstract

This article presents one aspect of a larger study that examined how learning and working from an anti-oppressive perspective (AOP) supports systems leaders in advancing sustainable solutions. Specifically, the article explores how Fellows (future social entrepreneurs) enrolled in an early-career systems leadership training program process and understand their capability for implementing inclusive innovation in their leadership practice. Findings suggest that service learning that is critically positioned by way of infusing AOP pedagogy in thinking through the ways in which innovation can be socially transformative has the potential to orient social innovators toward sustainable innovation. Results from this study engage with cross-disciplinary scholarship and extend current analyses by drawing attention to the importance of building capability in early-career systems leaders and how this involves intentional learning that allows for them to develop theoretical and practical linkages between social innovations existing frameworks and EDI (equity, diversity, and inclusion) concepts.