The 2019 LEDA Career Institute, hosted at New York University School of Law, marked a significant milestone in career development for promising young leaders. Among the esteemed employer partners was PIMCO, a leading global investment management firm, highlighting the importance of real-world experience in career exploration programs. This year’s expanded class of 180 LEDA Career Fellows, selected from 34 states and representing 59 colleges, embarked on an intensive journey focused on career readiness and professional growth through the 2019 Summer Career Exploration Program Pimco and other industry leaders supported.
The LEDA Career Institute serves as the gateway to the LEDA Career Network, a vital initiative designed to address income inequality’s impact on career opportunities. For first-generation college students, who comprised 90% of the 2019 cohort, programs like the 2019 summer career exploration program PIMCO offer invaluable exposure and support. These fellowships provide crucial pre-career exploration, interview skill enhancement, internship search assistance, and ongoing career planning throughout their college years. The commitment from partners like PIMCO underscores the collaborative effort to equip these talented students with the tools they need to succeed in competitive professional landscapes.
Image alt text: Two LEDA Cohort 14 Scholars, Jessenia and Ji Hong, smiling warmly, representing the success of LEDA’s college preparation programs.
LEDA’s Commitment to College and Career Success
Beyond career exploration, LEDA’s dedication to its Scholars is evident in their exceptional college admissions results. The achievements of Cohort 14 exemplify LEDA’s comprehensive approach. An impressive 98% of Cohort 14 gained admission to at least one of Barron’s “Most Competitive” institutions. Furthermore, 69% were admitted to at least one Ivy League school, MIT, or Stanford, demonstrating the effectiveness of LEDA’s personalized college guidance process.
LEDA’s college guidance is a cornerstone of their program, beginning with the Aspects of Leadership Summer Institute and continuing throughout the Scholars’ senior year. This individualized support, combined with college campus visits, extensive resources, and a strong peer community, is crucial to LEDA’s consistent success. As Jahnelle McMillan, LEDA’s Director of College Guidance, emphasized, “At LEDA, the college application process is truly a group effort… We are here to support Scholars through matriculation and beyond.”
This holistic approach extends to financial aid and scholarship applications. Cohort 14 Scholars received significant institutional and external financial aid, further enabling their access to top-tier education. Notable scholarships awarded include the Gates Foundation Scholarship (13 Scholars), the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship (9), and the Horatio Alger Association Scholarship (8), among others. These achievements, coupled with programs like the 2019 summer career exploration program PIMCO, highlight LEDA’s commitment to nurturing future leaders from diverse backgrounds.
Image alt text: LEDA Cohort 14 Scholar Gaby, a young woman with a bright smile, symbolizing the individual success stories within the LEDA program.
Welcoming Cohort 15 and Celebrating 15 Years of Impact
The LEDA community continues to grow, welcoming 100 new Scholars in Cohort 15. Representing 39 states and diverse backgrounds, 86% of Cohort 15 are first-generation college students. They began their LEDA journey at the Aspects of Leadership Summer Institute at Princeton University, following in the footsteps of previous cohorts who have benefited from LEDA’s transformative programs and career initiatives, including insights gained from the 2019 summer career exploration program PIMCO.
LEDA’s 15th Anniversary Celebration marked a significant milestone, recognizing 15 years of empowering over 1,400 young leaders. The event, attended by more than 320 guests and Scholars, celebrated LEDA’s history and future, raising a record-breaking $1 million to support its ongoing mission. Honorees included Arun Alagappan, Founder of Advantage Testing, and New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, with Lisa Opoku, Managing Partner at Goldman Sachs, as the guest speaker.
Image alt text: Group photograph of LEDA Scholars at the 15th Anniversary Celebration, showcasing the vibrant community and collective impact of the LEDA program.
LEDA Scholars shared powerful testimonials at the anniversary event. Cohort 6 Scholar Yenifer (Amherst ’16) emphasized the vital support of the LEDA family, stating, “I had my LEDA family to remind me that I was smart enough and strong enough to pull through. Knowing that LEDA has my back has allowed me to strive for goals that are unfamiliar and scary.” Cohort 9 Scholar Viviana (Yale ’18) highlighted the symbiotic nature of leadership and community, reflecting, “I developed my leadership at LEDA and modeled it on LEDA’s own leaders.”
| Image alt text: LEDA Scholar Yenifer, a young woman speaking confidently at a podium, sharing her impactful experience with the LEDA program during the 15th Anniversary Celebration. |
LEDA’s 15th Anniversary Celebration sponsors included Advantage Testing, Strada Education Network, Goldman Sachs, and Paul, Weiss, among others, demonstrating broad support for LEDA’s impactful work, including career-focused initiatives such as the 2019 summer career exploration program PIMCO.
Strengthening Leadership and Remembering a Dedicated Advocate
LEDA’s Board of Directors welcomed new members Eden Abrahams, Andrew Fisher, and Hilary A. Parker, adding diverse expertise to guide the organization’s strategic direction. These leaders bring valuable experience in executive coaching, technology solutions, and higher education administration, further strengthening LEDA’s capacity to empower young leaders through programs like the Career Institute and initiatives supported by partners like PIMCO.
LEDA also mourned the passing of Dr. Gail Furman, a long-time Board member and advocate for underserved youth. Her dedication to expanding opportunities for young people and her commitment to LEDA’s mission left a lasting impact. The Dr. Gail Furman Scholars Fund was established to honor her legacy and continue her commitment to LEDA Scholars, ensuring that her passion for education and opportunity lives on.
In conclusion, the 2019 summer career exploration program PIMCO and the broader LEDA Career Institute exemplify LEDA’s commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for talented, under-resourced students. Through comprehensive programs, dedicated support, and strong partnerships with organizations like PIMCO, LEDA continues to transform lives and cultivate the next generation of leaders. The success of Cohort 14 college admissions, the enthusiastic welcome of Cohort 15, and the celebration of 15 years of impact all underscore LEDA’s vital role in fostering educational and career equity.
