Leaders of the Free World
Leaders of the Free World (LFW) is a pioneering organization committed to changing the narrative for young Black men by providing them with the tools, experiences, and networks necessary to succeed on a global scale. As an international experience and leadership development program, LFW's mission is to cultivate dynamic leaders who are not only globally-minded but also deeply self-aware and driven by a commitment to service.
The LFW program is comprised of two parts:
- An 8-month Fellowship program that incorporates a trip to Ghana, West Africa with a virtual leadership development program.
- The Global Leadership Pipeline consortium; a national initiative focusing on providing access to global opportunities and diversifying the global leadership landscape for Black men across U.S. institutions.
Leaders of the Free World (LFW) is dedicated to empowering Black men through global leadership experiences, mentorship, and career development. As a board member, you’ll have the opportunity to shape our strategic vision, expand our impact, and support the next generation of changemakers. If you're passionate about equity, leadership, and global engagement, joining LFW’s board is a meaningful way to make a lasting difference.
LFW 2024 Cohort
NEW PARTNERSHIP!!
We're excited to announce an impactful collaboration between Leaders of the Free World and the Institute of International Education (IIE) Center for International Opportunities!
This partnership aims to elevate and fortify existing and upcoming initiatives dedicated to increasing Study Abroad and international opportunities for Black men in higher education. (Learn More)
LFW Fellowship Program
Leaders of the Free World focuses on the personal and professional development of young Black men in order to cultivate a new generation of global leaders. Our Fellowship program is designed to help LFW Fellows become those future leaders, whether on campus or in their lives ahead. The LFW Fellowship Program combines mentorship and cultural exchange to provide culturally relevant international experiences for college students who identify as Black men from both two-year and four-year institutions. LFW students engage in experience-based learning and reflection activities that target the social and psychological barriers to academic success, retention, and empowered leadership. LFW’s goal is to create a network of leaders whose development with LFW positively impacts their own lives and communities and helps them grow into the next generation of change makers, entrepreneurs, and mentors.
LFW Global Leadership Pipeline Initiative
The Global Leadership Pipeline Initiative aims to diversify the global leadership landscape and increase the number of Black men who study abroad, participate in international fellowship programs, and obtain global leadership positions. Going beyond the LFW Fellowship Program, the Pipeline Initiative hopes to increase the number of Black men in fields like international education, foreign service, global business, and global health. The Pipeline Initiative creates inclusive spaces and practices where Black men are encouraged and supported to pursue global leadership positions in college and beyond.
Help make our work possible.
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"I knew that my life would never be the same as it was before." - Karl Golden, 2016 LFW Fellow
LFW is more than just a study abroad program; our organization gives young Black men the opportunity to travel outside their comfort zones and discover their untapped potential, helping them become the leaders of tomorrow. Leaders of the Free World fiscally sponsored by the NKWA Foundation. All donations are tax exempt under their status. (More info) (Cashapp: $Lfwleader) |
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LFW Partners
Leaders of the Free World is proud to partner with the University of Delaware and New Jersey City University. We are grateful for this opportunity to serve Black male-identifying students on their campuses through our leadership development program and Global Leadership Pipeline initiative.
Check out this article from UD Daily to learn about our founder's story and the work LFW is doing to develop the next generation of global leaders:
Check out this article from UD Daily to learn about our founder's story and the work LFW is doing to develop the next generation of global leaders:
2020 Diversity Abroad Social Innovation Awardee
Our Fiscal Sponsor
Leaders of the Free World is fiscally sponsored by the NKWA Foundation.
Our Sponsors & Partners
Leaders of the Free World is proudly supported by the Kindle Project Fund of the Common Counsel Foundation, the Earl and Margaret Chesson Charitable Endowment fund of Triangle Community Foundation, the Schwab Charitable Fund, and the Too Fly Foundation.
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Get Involved
Leaders of the Free World provides international experiences and leadership development for young Black men. We believe in cultivating the next generation of leaders who are compassionate, courageous, globally-minded, and service-driven.
LFW welcomes all kinds of support, from corporate sponsorships to individual volunteers. Visit our Get Involved page, or Contact us at [email protected] to let us know how you'd like to help.
LFW welcomes all kinds of support, from corporate sponsorships to individual volunteers. Visit our Get Involved page, or Contact us at [email protected] to let us know how you'd like to help.
Travel Stories
Our travel stories series highlights the first-time travel experiences of Black men. We believe that the impact of international experiences are transformational and that these stories are powerful. We want to encourage and inspire more young men of color to travel and to share their stories.
My trip to Cuba proved to me that anything was possible. 
Amilton Baptista,
Advisory board and ambassador for the Bigger Than My Block Movement Staff Member at College Bound Dorchester. (Read Full Story) |
I learned a lot about myself and how I needed to take a more deliberate, responsible role in my own life. 
Napoleon Maddox, producer, human beatbox artist, vocalist, DJ, leader of the Hip-hop band called ISWHAT?!.
(Read Full Story) |
Do You Have a Travel Story?
LFW is looking for first-time travel stories from Black men. We want to know how your experience changed your life.
Click HERE to tell us your story!
LFW is looking for first-time travel stories from Black men. We want to know how your experience changed your life.
Click HERE to tell us your story!
As of April 2023:
NKWA Foundation serves as the fiscal sponsor for our organization. Their EIN# is 46-5558879. All donations are tax-exempt under their 501(c)(3) tax status. Checks for Leaders of the Free World should be made out to "NKWA Foundation" (with "Leaders of the Free World" or "LFW" in the memo line) and mailed to: Leaders of the Free World, 276 Bridge St. Springfield, MA 01103
NKWA Foundation serves as the fiscal sponsor for our organization. Their EIN# is 46-5558879. All donations are tax-exempt under their 501(c)(3) tax status. Checks for Leaders of the Free World should be made out to "NKWA Foundation" (with "Leaders of the Free World" or "LFW" in the memo line) and mailed to: Leaders of the Free World, 276 Bridge St. Springfield, MA 01103