For more than 30 years the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the National Black MBA Association has offered the Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) program as a springboard for local high‑school students. Launched in 1994 under Chapter President Lanta Evans‑Motte, the initiative gives youth a chance to develop leadership, public‑speaking and business‑world skills that prepare them for college and future careers.
Building leadership from the classroom to the boardroom
LOT participants attend workshops, case‑competition training, scholarship opportunities and a signature Leadership Summit where they meet business professionals. Alumni describe the experience as transformative. Former participant Jahnai Williams recalls, “I was hesitant at first, but I learned a lot about myself as a leader and got a chance to use my voice through the oratorical competition.” Williams later won a scholarship, the oratorical contest and competed in the case competition, noting that the program pushed his teamwork and presentation abilities.
Alumni give back, reinforcing the cycle of mentorship
Many former students stay involved as volunteers. Dr. Carletta S. Hurt, current DC Black MBA Chapter President, first joined the organization through LOT in Atlanta and later served as the program’s director. She says the program “has kept me connected to the association” and highlights its role in shaping future leaders. Board member Kayla Dailey, who chaired LOT, adds, “Working with LOT gave me purpose and direction… watching students grow from new members to confident leaders was a proud moment.”
Community and corporate support keep the program thriving
Corporate sponsors, donors and volunteers have consistently invested time and resources to ensure that DMV youth have access to these opportunities. Their contributions fund scholarships, competition fees and the logistics of the annual Leadership Summit, allowing the program to reach a broad cross‑section of students across the District, Maryland and Virginia.
Looking ahead
As the chapter plans the next 30 years of LOT, leaders stress the continued need for spaces where young people can practice leadership before they are expected to lead. The program aims to expand mentorship, increase scholarship funding and broaden its outreach to more schools in the region.
Students interested in applying can learn more through the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the National Black MBA Association website. LOT remains open to any high‑school student in the DMV area seeking to develop leadership, communication and career‑ready skills.
Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.
