PRESS RELEASE: Rodney and Erika McLeod’s Change Our Future Foundation Brings Over 100 Philadelphia HS Students and Businesses Together Tomorrow for 4th Annual Youth Leadership Summit

WHAT: Change Our Future Foundation’s 4^th Annual “I AM” Youth Leadership Summit  

WHEN: Tomorrow, Friday, May 2, 2025

TIME: 9:30am – 3pm EDT

WHERE: The School District of Philadelphia -440 North Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19130  

PHILADELPHIA, PA- May 1, 2025: Tomorrow, Friday, May 2, 2025, Change Our Future founders Rodney McLeod Jr., a former Philadelphia Eagle and Super Bowl Champion, and his wife Erika McLeod will welcome over 100 high school students and nearly 30 business and community leaders from across the Philadelphia area to the foundation’s 4th Annual “I AM” Youth Leadership Summit; a transformative, full-day student experience rooted in empowerment, inspiration, and leadership!

The Summit, taking place from 9:30am to 3:00pm at The School District of Philadelphia (440 North Broad Street), serves as a powerful annual tradition and cornerstone initiative of Change Our Future. Now in its fourth year, the event continues to grow in impact and reach, cultivating the voices and visions of Black and Brown youth by providing real-world tools, access, and encouragement to lead with purpose.

The “I AM” Youth Leadership Summit is more than a workshop; it’s a celebration of potential. Designed to close opportunity gaps and uplift students from all backgrounds, the summit offers interactive leadership workshops, one-on-one resume reviews, career exposure, and open dialogue with business professionals from multiple industries and community leaders. 

This year’s event will feature a full lineup of guest facilitators and dynamic speakers including Change Our Future founders Rodney and Erika McLeod, Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, and business leaders from nearly 30 local companies and organizations including:

• Urban One Radio
• TD Bank
• STEM SOULcial
• Andre Duffie
• Blooming Belles
• Neptune
• PA CareerLink Philadelphia
• CiCi Consulting
• Maverick Realty
• Blockshoppers
• Lighthouse
• RNS Hospitality
• Princ3Chris Music LLC
• Samaritan Grants Consulting LLC
• FBI
• CHOP Social Workers
• Army
• Navy
• Temple National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Lenfest Center for Community Workforce Partnerships (LCCWP) at Temple University
• Community College of Philadelphia (CCP)
• Honey Florista
• The School District Of Philadelphia
• Lockheed Martin
• Medical Society of Eastern PA
• Greatness Was When

Students will explore a wide range of industries, learn how to tell their stories effectively, practice public speaking, and develop their own career-aligned projects, all while forming new peer connections and building confidence in who they are and what they aspire to be.

Throughout the day, students will participate in:

• Leadership & Power of Your Story Workshops with founders and guest professionals.
• Panel Discussion with Local Professionals focused on leadership.
• Career Connect Sessionsexploring:
  •  Resume Building and Personal Storytelling with expert feedback.
  • Interactive Discussions on culture, confidence, and connection.

The Summit is provided for Free for all pre-registered students by Change Our Future and breakfast and lunch are included. In addition to the activities, students will enjoy giveaways, prizes and more, including three scholarships to be awarded at the event!

Rodney and Erika McLeod are passionate about creating space for young leaders to be seen, heard, and affirmed, particularly those navigating systemic barriers and underrepresentation.

“This summit is personal for us,” said Erika McLeod. “We see ourselves in these students — in their dreams, their struggles, and their strength. Our goal is to inspire, support, and empower the next generation to lead with purpose and passion”

 “The ‘I AM’ Youth Leadership Summit is about more than just leadership skills, it’s about helping young people believe they are enough, just as they are, and giving them the tools to go out and change the world,” added Rodney McLeod Jr. “No matter where they come from, we want them to know they belong at the table — and we’re here to help them get there.”

Founded in 2020, the McLeods’ Change Our Future nonprofit, is devoted to empowering underserved youth through education, mentorship, and transformative opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. The 4^th Annual “I AM” Youth Leadership Summit tomorrow is a vibrant expression of that mission, designed to bridge the gap between potential and access, and to build a future led by young, confident changemakers.

For more information on Change Our Future and the  4^th Annual “I AM” Youth Leadership Summit, please visit ChangeOurFuture.org and follow them on Instagram @changeourfuturefund.