This summer, the Kensington Investment Company (KIC) joined the Lewis Family Foundation and Grand Circle Foundation in celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the Next Generation Leaders program. KIC was thrilled to host two alumni, Brima Koroma and Emanuel Vieira De Andrade, as interns in the Real Estate and Finance departments. During their 10-week internship, Brima and Emanuel worked closely with their teams, developing their leadership and professional skills.
In reflecting on his experience, Brima shared this: “The amount of support and advice I received this summer was spectacular. I’ve never learned or experienced this kind of love in any job before. It’s like everybody wants me to grow and become successful in anything I do. I truly appreciate my time here and hope I’ll have the opportunity to come back.”
To date, 70 youth from Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan have participated in the Next Generation Leaders (NGL) program. Each year, the Lewis Family Foundation selects 10 new graduating high school seniors on their way to a 4-year college and a select few alumni persisting in college to return. Through paid summer internships, international travel, and community service, their leadership skills are further honed and developed.
The goal of the NGL program is to give these teens the tools they need to pursue their dreams of success, education, and personal growth. These young leaders are assigned to strong supervisors throughout the company and expected to be an integral member of their respective departments. The NGLs are given responsibilities and tasks that give them the experience of real work in the corporate world.
Community service is another important element of this program, both locally as well as during their trip to Kenya and Tanzania. During their summer internships, the NGL take a 10 day trip to Kenya and Tanzania. This unique and eye-opening experience shows them the importance of their presence in service around the world. The NGLs grow their leadership skills by participating in a community service project, taking turns as “leader of the day”, learning about the culture, stepping outside of their comfort zones and participating in a variety of group-based work that requires determination and collaboration. At the end of the summer the teens will go on to college with a better understanding of life beyond their neighborhood. Equipped with refined leadership skills and knowledge of the world around them, success is inevitable.
“The NGL program has shaped my life for the next four years and beyond… Now, I am more than prepared for college, and most importantly, I know I deserve to be there. I have worked just as hard, if not harder, to get to college and I will ensure I make the most of every moment.” Maryan Aden – See NGL Personal Reflection Here
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