This week, The Leonidas Foundation LEO Program had the incredible opportunity to spend two transformative days with the outstanding team at UPS. Our students were immersed in a world of leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation, discovering the many pathways to success within one of the world’s leading logistics companies. Throughout the visit, students engaged in hands-on learning and thought-provoking discussions about what it takes to excel in the business world. From leadership strategies to operational excellence, they gained a deeper understanding of the qualities and mindset required to turn challenges into opportunities and ideas into action. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to North Atlantic District President Dave Brennan and Catskills Division Manager Marty Perricone for orchestrating such an impactful experience. Your dedication to fostering the next generation of leaders is truly inspiring. A special thank you goes to the amazing UPS guest speakers who generously shared their expertise and wisdom. Their stories and insights sparked new ideas and inspired our students to dream big. The exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of UPS operations was the icing on the cake, offering a firsthand look at the precision and teamwork that drive their global success. Programs like this exemplify the core of the LEO Program: empowering students to lead with purpose, think entrepreneurially, and seize opportunities to make a difference. Thank you, UPS, for showing our students that the sky’s the limit when it comes to their futures. Together, we’re shaping tomorrow’s leaders and innovators.
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 40 talented juniors were inducted into the prestigious 8th Cohort of the L.E.O. Program at Don Bosco Prep! After a rigorous application process last spring, these ambitious Ironmen are ready to embark on an extraordinary journey that will challenge their creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit. Starting in January, these students will form dynamic entrepreneurial teams and take on key roles as CEO, CFO, CTO/CIO, and CMO. Together, they’ll tackle the challenge of creating a unique product or service and developing a comprehensive business and marketing plan to bring their vision to life. 🚀 The induction ceremony was an inspiring event led by Mr. John Esposito, Chair of the Business Pathway and Director of the L.E.O. Program. Attended by parents, friends, and the Don Bosco Prep community, the ceremony featured powerful speeches from distinguished professionals and accomplished alumni who shared valuable insights and words of encouragement for the next generation of leaders. This marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for these young entrepreneurs, and we can’t wait to see the innovative ideas and exceptional teamwork they bring to the table. Stay tuned for updates as they dive into this transformative experience and work toward achieving their goals. Congratulations to the 8th Cohort of the L.E.O. Program—we are so proud of you and excited for all that lies ahead!
The L.E.O. Program to Provide High-Level Mentorship, Entrepreneurship Opportunities, Leadership Training, Business Curriculum, and Networking Activities that Expose Newark Students to Plan and Build a Career Original post located here. [Newark, New Jersey - October 23, 2024] Newark's elected, community, and education leaders will join together with West Side Principal Akbar Cook; Councilman Dupree Kelly; Legendary Hip Hop Rapper Anthony “Treach” Criss; Multiple Grammy Award-Winning Producer and President of 1801 Records, Karriem “K-Mack” Mack, Tiffany Mack and Cicely Criss of Bold Beginnings and The Leonidas Foundation on Monday, October 28th, at West Side High School for a ribbon-cutting event to publicly launch the LE.O. Program, establishing a new world-class work-study program for its students that will provide tools, support, and hands-on work experiences and exposure to secure academic, financial, and professional support. "West Side is dedicated to fighting for Newark students and ensuring every child is provided with the equity - and that starts with creating unique, innovative, and valuable programs that ensure our kids are rightly provided with the opportunity they deserve," stated West Side Principal Akbar Cook. "Parents in Newark will not find a more robust work-study opportunity in Montclair, Summit, or any area of the state. West Side is building valuable programs that can serve as a bridge to attending college, building a career, or discovering a passion. We are grateful to The Leonidas Foundation for providing West Side the funds to add to our ever-growing slate of initiatives for our students and specifically bringing the work-class L.E.O. Program to Newark. We deeply appreciate Councilman Dupree Kelley and the District Office for helping us build another valuable strategic partnership. Together, we are making West Side an important and valuable focal point for education in our City." "The Leonidas Foundation was created to promote public service and foster mentorship and equity in students," stated Rhonda Clarke, Executive Director of Leonidas Foundation. "The access, networking, and mentorship the L.E.O. Program provides students is unprecedented - it can change lives. We are thrilled to bring this initiative to the City of Newark. Our investment comes specifically from the relationship we have forged with the leadership at West Side and our commitment to ensure that all students, regardless of race, location, or economic status, are provided with opportunity. Our commitment to Newark is deep and will not only stretch years into the future but will have a tremendous impact on all students attending West Side." The L.E.O. Program, which was created to honor the memory and legacy of Leonidas "Leo" Vagias, offers highly motivated students who have the desire to make a difference the unparalleled means by which to enhance their business knowledge and life skills, providing students the opportunity to learn how to develop their own product or service; build mentorships with top entrepreneurs and business experts from across the United States, and the opportunity to participate in various seminars, trips, and internships and compete in a Shark Tank-style competition to earn scholarship funds. The establishment of this new West Side initiative was made possible by the Leonidas Foundation, which developed the program and its pedagogy and provided a significant endowment to ensure the initiative is maintained for at least the next five years. To learn more about the L.E.O. Program, click HERE. On Monday, October 28th, the Newark community will hold a formal ribbon cutting at West Side High School's newly designed Student Business Center to formally launch the program. In addition, Leonidas Foundation and L.E.O. Program Teaching Advisor, West Side's Mr. Jamal Smith, will announce and "pin" the West Side High School scholars participating in the inaugural cohort. WHO: West Side High School, Leonidas Foundation, Newark Elected Officials, and Celebrity Guests WHAT: Launch and Formal Announcement of the "L.E.O. Program" WHEN: Monday, October 28th at 10 am WHERE: West Side High School Student Business Center 403 South Orange Ave, Newark  A big congratulations to the 6th cohort of the L.E.O. Program at Mount Saint Dominic Academy! We are thrilled to welcome 32 outstanding members of the junior class into our ever-growing community of leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. The induction ceremony was an inspiring event, featuring heartfelt reflections from two incredible speakers. Thank you to Regina Salandra ‘25 and Lindsay Joyce ‘99 for sharing your wisdom, experiences, and encouragement. Your words left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance and set the stage for this new chapter in the L.E.O. Program journey. This marks the beginning of an exciting time for our newest members. The L.E.O. Program is more than just an initiative—it’s a platform to foster growth, inspire creativity, and empower students to lead with purpose. Through teamwork, mentorship, and real-world experiences, these students will develop the skills and confidence to make an impact in their communities and beyond. To our new cohort, we cannot wait to see what you accomplish! The opportunities ahead of you are endless, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Here’s to an exciting year of learning, growth, and success for the L.E.O. Program at Mount Saint Dominic Academy!  Members of the L.E.O. Program at Don Bosco Prep and Mount Saint Dominic Academy had the opportunity to hear from a diverse group of speakers representing a wide variety of career paths, each offering invaluable insights into their fields and sharing their unique journeys to success. Their stories resonated with all of us and offered guidance as we consider our own future career trajectories.
One of the highlights of the conference was the opportunity to connect and network with these accomplished professionals. Building relationships will benefit long after the conference has ended, opening doors to mentorship and potential opportunities in the future. In addition to the incredible panels, we took time to explore the rich history of Washington, D.C. Our visits to the Capitol, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the Supreme Court, the FDR Memorial, and the White House were a powerful reminder of the significance of leadership and the change we can all strive to make in our communities. |
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November 2024
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The Leonidas Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, EIN: 81-3116420
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