LU40

LU40

Coordinator

Annetta Watkins Foard

Program

LU40

Description
Coordinators
Class Roster

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LU40 Alumni

PURPOSE

Leaders Under 40 (LU40) is a leadership development program that convenes and supports a diverse, cross-sector group of emerging community leaders to:

Build connections across difference,
Learn about their own leadership styles,
Explore more intentionally issues of inclusion and equity,
Become more aware of and educated about the community and community issues and
Connect with established leaders in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

LU40 is founded on the premise that we live in a community that has been shaped by decisions made by leaders in years, decades, or even centuries past. Today, we have both the opportunity and responsibility to participate knowledgeably and actively in decisions being made that will impact our community in the present and for years to come. CBI believes today’s young leaders have a vested interest in assuring our community is both inclusive and equitable, and in advocating for change in both their personal and professional lives.

PEOPLE

The success of LU40 requires an inclusive group of participants – including diversity across race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, time in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, employment, background and perspective – to form an active and engaged network of people.

CBI recruits a diverse group of up to 50 Leaders Under 40 from the public, nonprofit, corporate, education, and religious sectors of the community to participate in each LU40 class. Candidates are nominated by leaders of community institutions, organizations and groups, and by individuals connected to CBI who identify within the nominee the potential for and commitment to leading for change within their spheres of influence.

HISTORY

LU40 was piloted in 2011, and since then 500 people have participated from 25 cross-sector organizations.

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NOMINATIONS

Nominations are accepted based on the following criteria:

Under 40 when the program begins;
Connection to a constituency / sector / organization;
Desire to participate in LU40 as a personal development process and as an opportunity to increase their awareness of and impact within the community;
A commitment to prioritize attendance and actively participate in all LU40 sessions.

All nominations are reviewed to assure the demographic balance of each LU40 Class. Acceptance of persons to fill any remaining open seats in a class – those not filled by LU40 sponsors or contributing organizations - is determined by CBI.

PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS & TIME COMMITMENT

LU40 consists of 11 monthly sessions - plus an Orientation and a concluding Graduation. All LU40 sessions are offered on weekdays and take place during the work day. From time to time, CBI may offer additional optional sessions for participants to increase their exposure on topics related to current events or issues.

Because LU40 is an iterative program and each session builds on the previous session(s), it is essential that participants prioritize attendance. This is important not only because of the experiences and learnings being provided but also in order to support the building of authentic and meaningful relationships with other class members. LU40 is not a “class” in which missed sessions can easily be made up; rather, consistent participation is crucial for achieving desired results – for participants, for their organizations, and for CBI as the program sponsor. In order to maximize the experience or all participants, it is recommended that participants are not dually enrolled in other leadership development programs.

As a part of their leadership development, participants may be asked to contribute to the design and / or facilitation of sessions related to their area of expertise.

INVESTMENT

LU40 is made possible through the generous support that CBI receives from key LU40 Program and Session Sponsors and from community partners who underwrite the participation of their LU40 nominees. This generous support allows CBI to recruit and accept a diverse and cross-sector group of participants for each LU40 class and involve representatives from organizations that have limited professional development dollars.

Non-profit or community organizations are asked to contribute $1,000 to defray costs associated with participation of their representative in LU40. Opportunities for LU40 scholarships exist, and CBI is open to discussing this option with any nominating organization or nominee.

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Our Main Coordinators

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Contact Us

Class 11 Program Sponsors

Class 11 Speed Networking Sponsor

Red Ventures

Class 11 Bus Tour Sponsor

JE Dunn

Class 11 Sponsors

Ally Financial

Balfour Beatty Construction

Charlotte Center City Partners

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Equitable

Fifth Third Bank

NoDa Brewing Company

PwC

RSM US

United Community Bank

UNC-Charlotte

Testimonials

“What I got from this program was the ability to sit in an awkward moment of silence and understand that it’s okay to do that, and to give others the space to bring things forward.”

-Natalie Betancur

“LU40 not only exceeded my expectations for the class, but opened up so many avenues of thought and action that have challenged me to become a better member of my community. The knowledge gained during this experience is something I will carry with me forever."

-Brian Fromal

“I love that I always felt included, even when I had a different opinion. I learned so much from listening to other points of view from people with whom I would have normally not had interactions."

-Monica Gutierrez-Altenhoff

There was a lot of realization for me of what happens locally that is so important. You’re going to be introduced to so many people in Charlotte who are going to be great resources for making change locally. So, make those connections, meet people.”

-Bonnie Holden

“A big key take-away for me was just understanding that you can make an impact – it doesn’t matter how big or small.”

-Perry King

“In society, we're conditioned to go fast, to get results, to be right - which robs us of the space and time to truly reflect, listen, and learn. LU40 taught me to be fully present in conversations; to listen for the unspoken questions, and to be in a space of noticing what I am noticing. It means being committed to centering the voices of those who are going to be most impacted by our decisions and choices."

-Justin Lyons

“LU40 has pushed me to think more expansively about how and with whom I want to build community - about what it really means to value authentic relationships, with everyone, not just people who think like me. And the power that comes from overcoming that focus on the self."

-Glenda Mauck

“This room is a safe space, and space to get to know other young professionals. That’s not all that this program is for, but you can take those communications practices into your work, with your family, with your friends. It’s a solid program to bring your authentic self to.”

-Brittany Norton

“One of my main take-aways from LU40 last year was the fact that, even though it was hybrid, that you brought your authentic self, you were vulnerable, you talked about tough topics at times, but you also listened and respected everyone. And that really challenged the way that I perceived life with my husband, with friends, with colleagues. Being able to receive and appreciate where people are coming from is very valuable.”

-Clark Simon

“My biggest take-away was really understanding the public policy aspects behind the scenes, how it works. During the program a lot of community people spoke with us around public health, affordable housing, different areas, even the Charlotte 2040 Plan. From my perspective, I’d never really understood how all that works and what’s included in those decisions. It was very helpful to understand the impact that we can make.”

-Tanya Taylor

“When I came into LU40, I thought ‘This is great; there are a number of opportunities to connect.’ But what I really took away was that there are so many different ways not only to connect but to make an impact in our community. You are not far off from being the key movers and shakers.”