Lead The Shift: A Message from the President’s Office (Vol. 2, No. 1)

By Jeffery Wallace

The Shift | Vol. 2, No. 1 — The Unfinished Work: Pushing Forward to a Collective Future

In the latest episode of Lead the Shift, host Jeffery Wallace, CEO of LeadersUp, engages in an inspiring and empowering conversation with Christina Garcia, an independent consultant dedicated to economic justice. Together, they delve into the vital themes of community, equity, and the relentless pursuit of social justice. Their dialogue highlights the transformative power of genuine connection and collaboration in building a thriving society for all.

Christina beautifully defines community as a warm, safe haven where individuals can authentically express themselves, share their unique gifts, and receive the support they need to flourish. It’s a space where everyone feels seen and valued, fostering a culture of reciprocity and mutual upliftment. Jeffery echoes this sentiment by referencing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of the beloved community—an ideal where basic needs are met, and poverty and hate have no place. This foundation is essential for not just survival, but for everyone to thrive and contribute their best to society.

As the discussion transitions to equity, Christina emphasizes that this work is an ongoing journey rather than a checkbox. She likens progress in equity work to nurturing a home; it's a continuous commitment rather than a final destination. Young people, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, often inherit systems laden with challenges. Christina inspires us to celebrate every small victory along the way, as these moments of progress can ignite hope and motivate persistent efforts toward meaningful change.

The conversation also explores the systems that shape young people's futures—education, employment, and justice. Christina passionately advocates for a paradigm shift that recognizes young people as co-creators of solutions, not merely challenges to be managed. By valuing their insights and lived experiences, society can empower them to reclaim their agency and carve out paths to success.

Don’t miss this uplifting episode of Lead the Shift, where we explore the importance of celebrating progress, the urgency of hope, and the critical need for systemic change to pave the way for a more equitable society. Together, we can be the catalysts for a brighter, more inclusive future.

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Jeffery Wallace is the President and CEO at LeadersUp, driving our mission to build a future-proof economy where everyone can learn, earn, and thrive.