Highlights of My Experience:-Delivering a TedX talk to my cohort, stepping out of my comfort zone thanks to Briar Goldberg and the TEDx team.-Problem-solving, mind-mapping, and engaging with some of the most inspirational leaders I’ve ever met.-Building resilience, enhancing storytelling skills, and fostering relationships that will last a lifetime.-Meeting Adam Faircloth who works alongside my friend Karen Smith Wells.-Meeting Richy Peña, MPPA, and texting two PLAN4SUCCESS FOUNDATION students who interned with the National Basketball Association (NBA) this summer. Dillon Taylor Kyla Emory.-Meeting Leah Wade, MPA from The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), and texting two of our students who received their scholarships. Dorian Moody Kirsten Martin.-Personally shaking hands and meeting all 75 of my cohort participants!***And yes, what happened at karaoke stays at karaoke!American Express Leadership Academy and Common Purpose develop diverse high potential non-profit leaders from around the world. Founded in 2007, the American Express Leadership Academy builds the personal, business, and leadership skills of emerging nonprofit and social purpose leaders through multi-day, in-person training. The initiative has grown into a global program, training world-class leaders in the areas of education, the arts, social services, health, the environment, and more. American Express has invested approximately $100 million since 2007 to help more than 165,000 social purpose leaders reach their potential.

As a participant in cohort 2 of Change Collective, I successfully created a Civic Action Plan for the PLAN4SUCCESS National College Success Guide initiative.The Change Collective is a national leadership network for rising local leaders who are passionate about solving issues in their communities and combating social isolation, political polarization, and civic disengagement. They train, connect, and elevate these leaders, equipping them with the tools to build a more robust and inclusive democracy from the ground up. The vision is to reinvent civic life for a new generation, starting in your city.TRAINBuild the skills and tools necessary to drive change and have an impact in local communities.CONNECTConnect a network of local civic leaders to learn from each other, from local leaders in other communities, from mentors, and from subject-matter experts.ELEVATELeverage a nationwide network to build a strong culture of civic leadership and participation. Do this by elevating and celebrating the work being done in communities and helping advance the field of community work and leadership by analyzing, identifying, and sharing out key trends and best-practices identified by participants.

PLAN4Success is a 501(c)(3) Foundation that provides educational, social and cultural experiences for teens in the Chicagoland area. In less than 3 years we have serviced over 400 youths and awarded 32 college scholarships. We host life skills workshops in Financial Literacy, Career Building, Character Development and College Prep. An Edna Lee Stewart Scholarship Fund has been established in honor of my Aunt Edna formally of Edna’s Restaurant to assist students with financial need and achievement recongnition. Additionally, we help organize other non-profits in our “Community Network” to allow kids, parents and donors funnel resources more effectively. We ask that you consider making a generous donation, of any mount, to support the teens in Chicago to become better contributors to society!

Online tutorial grooming maintenance program for boys and girls of color.