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American Express hosts 50 notable, nonprofit leaders from around the world for inaugural leadership academy alumni summit
American Express hosts 50 notable, nonprofit leaders from around the world for inaugural leadership academy alumni summit
Event connects influential leaders to strengthen and develop the leadership pipeline in the nonprofit and social sectors
NEW YORK, March 16, 2015 –American Express celebrates eight years of its industry defining American Express Leadership Academy, a program which has developed more than 1,600 emerging, nonprofit leaders by bringing together 50 distinguished graduates for the first-ever Global Alumni Summit in New York City on March 23 and 24. These alumni will join Academy partners Aspen Institute, Ashoka Changemakers, ASU Lodestar Center, Center for Creative Leadership, Common Purpose, Community Foundation of Broward County, Points of Light and Thunderbird, to collaborate on opportunities to develop the next generation of social purpose leaders and strategies to advance the sector’s impact on society.
A survey of past American Express Leadership Academy attendees conducted in 2013 by Teng & Smith, Inc., found that 74 percent of responders said this was the first intensive, leadership development training they have ever had. The study also revealed that 73 percent cited the value of a national network of peers as extremely meaningful and wanted to continue to engage with each other following the Academy both virtually and in-person.
“We’re proud that our Alumni Network is made up of world class leaders who are tackling some of society’s most complex issues and having an impact on everything ranging from education, the arts, social services, health, the environment and more.,” said Timothy J. McClimon, president, American Express Foundation. “We believe the American Express Leadership Academy and Alumni network can help create a global platform for nonprofit leaders to train and grow on their journey serving the communities in which we all live and work.”
In an effort to benefit global emerging leaders in the social sector who are unable to attend in-person, American Express will live stream the first session featuring Nancy Lublin, CEO of Do Something, and Ami Dar, the Founder of Idealist.org discussing the future of social purpose leadership and how leaders can make an impact. The live stream is on Monday, March 23rd at 4:30 p.m. ET, and anyone can tune in by registering here and joining the conversation via twitter by using the hashtag #amexleads.
The Summit, in partnership with Atlas Corps, will feature a variety of workshops and panel discussions, focused on best practices and issues related to nonprofit leadership and will recognize one of its alumni, Anders L. Pettersson, executive director of ECPAT Sweden, with the first-ever American Express Leadership Academy award for his outstanding service in the social sector. In addition, his organization, ECPAT Sweden, will also receive a $25,000 grant from the American Express Foundation.
“Given all the great talent and leaders that pass through the Academy, this recognition is very humbling,” said Pettersson. “ECPAT’s mission is to end sexual exploitation of children, and the Leadership Academy
has really challenged me to take the fight to the next level. The inspiration that comes from these great programs has been a tremendous inspiration for me in forging a vision and strategy.”
To learn more about Mr. Pettersson and read the biographies of all 50 Alumni selected to participate in the Summit, please visit here.
Launched in 2008 in partnership with The Center for Creative Leadership, today the Leadership Academy includes nonprofit partners from around the globe, including Ashoka Changemakers, Thunderbird School of Global Management and Common Purpose. Each Academy is tailored to fit cultural nuances and serve different nonprofit niche needs, such as social entrepreneurship and international-facing nonprofits. In 2015, more than 600 nonprofit leaders and social entrepreneurs will participate in these global Leadership Academy programs.
To date, American Express has hosted over 50 Leadership Academy sessions in six countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Japan, Mexico and Canada, supporting more than 1,600 nonprofit and social sector leaders. In 2015, the Academy will extend with programs in China, Kenya and Senegal. Additionally, 15,000 leaders worldwide have benefitted from American Express leadership programs and grants. To learn more about the Academy and global partners, please visit http://about.americanexpress.com/csr/nla.aspx.
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American Express: Developing New Leaders for Tomorrow
One of American Express' three platforms for its philanthropy is Developing New Leaders for Tomorrow. Under this giving initiative, which recognizes the significance of strong leadership in the nonprofit and social sectors, American Express is making grants focused on training high potential emerging leaders to tackle important issues in the 21st century. Fifteen thousand emerging nonprofit and social sector leaders worldwide have benefitted from American Express leadership programs. Launched in 2008, the American Express Leadership Academy addresses the growing deficit of leadership talent in the nonprofit sector.
The Academy brings together emerging leaders from a diverse set of nonprofit, social sector and non- governmental organizations.
About American Express
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Contact:
American Express Ashley Tufts
212-640-3193
ashley.tufts@aexp.com