IL Nonprofit Leaders to Participate in AmEx Leadership Academy

Common Purpose, in partnership with American Express, has announced the new class of 77 high-potential non-profit leaders from across the Americas selected for the 2023 American Express Leadership Academy. The program was relaunched this year with a new curriculum to help non-profit leaders accelerate their development and build new skills to meet the unique challenges that the world is facing today.

The six-month Academy will be conducted by Common Purpose in partnership with American Express, with programming support from community partners, the TED Foundation, and Taproot Foundation. The theme of this year’s program is “Resilient Changemakers” and it will kick off in New York City with further academies to follow in Europe and Asia later in 2023.

“There is a real need to provide skills and development opportunities to non-profit organizations and their leaders, particularly when these challenging economic conditions can mean that training budgets are often one of the first areas to be cut,” said Adirupa Sengupta, Global Chief Executive, Common Purpose. “The American Express Leadership Academy is invaluable in helping delegates from across the Americas to come together with U.S. business leaders to develop and hone core skills and provide crucial support networks and inspiration to high potential leaders.”

The American Express Leadership Academy is an excellent opportunity for non-profit leaders to enhance their leadership skills and make a positive impact in their communities. The new curriculum is especially relevant in today's rapidly changing world, where non-profit organizations face unique challenges in adapting to new technologies, addressing social and environmental issues, and managing resources effectively.

This class of non-profit leaders based in IL will represent the following organizations working in climate and green spaces, education, health, disability, LGBTQ+ support, mental health, homelessness, and equity.

2023 American Express Leadership Academy, including past AmEx grant recipients:

• YMCA of the USA (grant recipient, leading nonprofit committed to strengthening individuals and communities across the country) - Kaleena Escallier, Senior Manager, Community Strategy.
• Boss Women Matter (focused on business growth) - Aleah Moore, Founder, Chief Business Operations
• West Side United, Rush University Medical Center (community health and economic wellness) - Patrick Hendricks, Director of Development
• Youth Guidance (guiding kids to bright futures)- Michael Berry, Executive Director
• Clean Energy Leadership Institute (Located in both Oakland, CA & Chicago) - Anna Broughel, Director of Energy Leadership

About Common Purpose:

Common Purpose is a global non-profit devoted to good leadership. Its mission is to develop people who can cross-cultural, social, and institutional boundaries, both at work and in wider society. It does this by delivering compelling, surprising, and powerful leadership programs & workshops. Routed in the real world. Both in-person and online. Programs where people are having real, purpose-driven conversations, are the types of conversations we need to have to bring about real change.

Founded in 1989 as a non-profit social enterprise, Common Purpose now runs local programs for leaders in cities across the world and global programs for leaders from over 100 countries across six continents. Each year, 5,000 leaders become Common Purpose alumni.

About American Express:

American Express is a globally integrated payments company, that provides customers with access to products, insights, and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, instagram.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.
Key links to products, services, and corporate sustainability information: personal cards, business cards and services, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, Accertify, Kabbage, Resy, corporate card, business travel, diversity and inclusion, corporate sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance