How to become e pluribus unum 

June 1, 2023

By Michael Cooper  We call ourselves the United States of America, but we’re anything but united these days.   The divisions aren’t about the issues. Instead, we’re sorting ourselves by culture, education level, negative partisanship, and the choice to associate only with those whom we agree with. That’s not healthy for our democracy or sustainable.  But we […]

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2022 Module One Recap: The Leadership Foundation

January 28, 2022

In January, the Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) Class of 2022 convened for the first time virtually. Check out a recap of the week’s activities.

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2022 Class of Presidential Leadership Scholars Announced

January 18, 2022

Seventh annual class composed of 60 Scholars including veterans, educators, physicians, public servants, and corporate professionals; program begins Jan. 18 Jan. 18, 2022 – The Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) program today named the 60 Scholars who will form the program’s seventh annual class. PLS serves as a catalyst for a diverse network of leaders brought […]

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Presidential Leadership Scholars Year In Review

December 23, 2021

The Presidential Leadership Scholars continue to increase the breadth and depth of their impact around the world. From sharing stories of triumph and devastation in Afghanistan to advocating against COVID-19 vaccine misinformation, the work of our Scholars has never been more important than in 2021. Take a look back at some of the most important and impactful moments.

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Presidential Leadership Scholar Stories of Gratitude

November 22, 2021

As we enter the holiday season, the PLS team is reflecting on our incredible Scholars who continue to be catalysts for action and positive change around the globe. We recently asked the Presidential Leadership Scholars to share their thoughts on gratitude and what they are most thankful for as they think back on the past year.

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In the News|Hispanic Impact Fund to Surpass $1M Given to Local Nonprofits

October 25, 2021 | Gerardo Interiano (‘17)

Class of 2017’s Gerardo Interiano gives an update on his Personal Leadership Project, the Hispanic Impact Fund, and reflects on how PLS has contributed to its recent success.

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Hispanic Heritage Month: Julissa Carielo

October 12, 2021

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we spoke with Class of 2018’s Julissa Carielo, Founder of the Maestro Entrepreneur Center and Dream On Group in San Antonio, TX, about her Mexican heritage, her personal leadership project at the Maestro Entrepreneurship Center, and how the two intersect.

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In the News: National service can heal our partisan divides

July 15, 2021 | AnnMaura Connolly (‘15) and | Rye Barcott (‘19)

Presidential Leadership Scholars AnnMaura Connolly (Class of 2015) and Rye Barcott (Class of 2019) recently wrote an op-ed featured in the Dallas Morning News. Take a look: https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2021/07/13/national-service-can-heal-our-partisan-divides/

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Immigrant Heritage Month: Sameer Vohra

June 23, 2021

My father has never fully shared his story.  Speaking of his challenges and struggles would be against his native traditions and culture.  However, I am still in awe of the risk that he took.  Born and raised in India by impoverished Muslim parents, he dared to dream.  At 23, my father left his rural village, […]

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Immigrant Heritage Month: Bing Wei

June 22, 2021 | Bing Wei (‘16)

Class of 2016’s Bing Wei shares a recent story inspired by President George W. Bush this Immigrant Heritage Month. When our PLS family gathered over Zoom last October 2020, I was depressed. My video update centered around reading my poem of describing helplessness through the imagery of Chinese cooking during the COVID lockdown. My poem, […]

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In the News: Bowser nominates Philadelphia school official to be D.C.’s superintendent of education

June 7, 2021

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser recently announced that Class of 2018’s Christina Grant will serve as the District’s state superintendent of education. Read more via the Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/christina-grant-dc-schools-state-superintendent/2021/06/03/08230cb6-c48d-11eb-9a8d-f95d7724967c_story.html

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