Our Rising Leaders speak their truths about challenges, superpowers, and how they pay it forward. Check out their stories to learn how MLT is changing the lives of individuals, their families, and their communities. We’re constantly inspired by our amazing Rising Leaders, whose talent and tenacity make the world better.
Frances Messano
"When I'm in situations that aren't working for me or others in my community, my first thought is, 'How can I make it better?' It's essential to recognize that we have the power to advocate for change."
Will Drewery
"Being a Leader of Impact is about more than getting recognition. It’s an opportunity to build the future that we believe needs to exist, and inviting others to join us in building it."
Francisco Estrada
"It's important for me to plant some seeds for that next generation of leaders that's going to step up. Being a connector, that's one of my superpowers."
Maxine Ezenwa
"You don't have to be the smartest person in the room or know everything before going into the recruiting process. You just have to be curious and willing to learn."
Darren Smith
"I'm at the level where I'm constantly trying to help my team—help them get better, give them focus, energy, excitement, and motivation so they can continue to move things forward."
Andrea Giraudo
"MLT creates such an atmosphere, not only of family, but of support. It’s because everybody wants each other to do well and win."
Vinice Davis
"MLT helped to shape my impact on my organizational leadership. Being paired with a leadership coach created a welcoming space for me to be vulnerable to learn and grow my leadership."
Ta'Niele Simmons
"My aspiration in life is to be an example for the people in my family who haven't had the opportunities the same as I have, and to help them get to where they want to be."
Triston Francis
"I’m a first generation college student...For me, this process of navigating corporate America was not something that was discussed at the dinner table."
Malachia Foard
"MLT has absolutely changed the financial trajectory of me and my family. I wouldn’t have the full-time offer I have now, if it wasn’t for MLT."
Chanel Alexander
""What I thought I was capable of and what I thought would be my max or my limit just wasn’t true. It’s 10x that. It’s limitless, actually.""
Yasmin Serrato-Muñoz
"Knowing that things that I once dreamed of are now concrete paths for others, like my brother, makes me hopeful for a future..."
Sean Heywood
"What John and the MLT team did quite well was significantly increase the probability that I would actually realize the future I had envisioned for my family."
Christina Whatley
"Service has been at the top of my mind ever since I was a kid...I use that as my North Star as I make my decisions."
Brandon Hoffman
"Before MLT, I was honestly skeptical of organizations that attempt to help those who are underserved, because I had personally never experienced an effective one."
Ariel Farinango
"MLT has helped me realize how unique my story is and channel that into what I'm trying to pursue long term."
Anddria Clack-Rogers Varnado
"“It’s not necessarily all about the work or your accomplishments; it’s about us, as people, and the impact that we’re having by living a fulfilled life.”"
Darryn Lee
"MLT gave me tremendous confidence to be bold and pursue things I may not have otherwise."
Siera Arena
"When I think about MLT's impact on my community and my family...I see it as a start of something bigger for the generations to come."
Caroline Ferreira
"I recognize the power of my leadership position, and how I can influence the lives of others by giving unconventional choices a chance."