L-R: Stacie Nc Grant of Achieving Leadership’s Purpose, Inc., with students
By Isseu Diouf Campbell
Even the alumni who graduated 20 years ago remember the impact that Achieving Leadership’s Purpose, Inc., had on their lives.
For many of them, participating in the not-for-profit organization, which provides two-years of leadership development training to high school youth of the African Diaspora, was a life changing experience.
At a recent breakfast event, Danielle Leblanc, who recalled the interview before being accepted into the program, said “I never experienced anything like that in my life. It was so hard but after that I can tell you that I was ready to face any interviewer.”
Graduates of Achieving Leadership’s Purpose’s 19th class will be completing their studies in a few months and the grueling training has not weakened says Samara, a fellow in the program. “It is not easy for teenagers to commit to the three hours every Sunday that the program requires,” she said.
And Juanita, who never thought that she could speak in front an audience, was the first fellow to volunteer to give a testimony during the breakfast session. She said her personal feat was made possible by the love and support she had received.
Robert Reefkin, who was the event’s keynote speaker, said, despite humble beginnings, he was able to overcome life challenges to become a vice president at Goldman Sachs and run 49 marathons to raise money for youth organizations.
The breakfast was an opportunity to raise money, but also honor board service from Melissa Fernandez, Melvin Jackson, L’Heureux Lewis, David “Buddy” Orange, Khari Shabazz, and volunteer service from Andrea Rogers and Leblanc. For more information about the organization, visit alp.reuniontechnologies.com.
Photos of the event
