LeadersUp Celebrates 10 Years Of Economic Inclusion And Workforce Development

LeadersUp, a talent development accelerator and social enterprise, marks its tenth anniversary this year. The organisation was founded following a pivotal meeting between Jeffery Wallace, the current President and CEO, and Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks. With initial funding from Starbucks, LeadersUp embarked on its mission to create economic opportunities for BIPOC young adults.

Over the past decade, LeadersUp has collaborated with over 200 companies, positively impacting the lives of more than 60,000 young people. The organisation has catalysed nearly $1 billion in economic return while championing a more equitable and antiracist economy. Reflecting on this journey, Jeffery Wallace stated, "The past decade has shown us the incredible power of purpose and partnership."

On May 31, LeadersUp hosted Equity Unleashed at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The event celebrated the organisation's achievements and ignited enthusiasm for the next decade. Influential leaders, employers, and community partners gathered to nurture the next generation of leaders for an inclusive workforce.

During the event, Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas and Miguel Santana, President and CEO of California Community Foundation, were honoured. The evening's success was supported by partners including Brotherhood Crusade, FOX Studios, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), Los Angeles Urban League, Mosaic Genius, Paramount Studios, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, California Community Foundation, and Clark Construction.

Mission and Vision

Built on pillars of rigorous insight, informed experimentation, and radical imagination, LeadersUp aims to change how America works by prioritising the voices of BIPOC young adults. Jeffery Wallace emphasised that while $1 billion in impact is significant, it is not the finish line. "To truly transform our economy into one that works," he said, "we must shift practices and systems now."

Future Goals

As LeadersUp looks ahead to its next decade, it remains steadfast in its mission to prioritise the voices of BIPOC young adults. Wallace highlighted that younger generations are the heartbeat of innovation. By empowering them, LeadersUp aims to cultivate a more inclusive economy for everyone.

About LeadersUp

Founded in 2013 to tackle high youth unemployment in America, LeadersUp bridges the divide between the untapped potential of at-risk young adults of colour and businesses' challenges in finding and keeping talent. The nonprofit recognises barriers for diverse young adults who are most adversely impacted by labour market distress, particularly during COVID-19.

Through advocacy and professional development tools, LeadersUp helps employers transform their diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies into highly inclusive business practices. For more information about LeadersUp, visit www.leadersup.org or follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.