Washington, D.C. – The National Union Building buzzed with energy on January 8, 2025, as LearnServe International hosted its Boardroom Champions Kickoff. The gathering connected a diverse group of changemakers, business professionals, and dedicated supporters, all focused on empowering the next generation of global leaders. Partnering with LINK Strategic Partners (LINKSP), a leading community engagement and strategic communications firm, LearnServe International produced a successful evening.
A networking reception featuring food from RASA and beverages from Pirate Ventures set the stage for guests to connect and build relationships.
Scott Rechler, Director/CEO of LearnServe International, welcomed guests and shared details about his organization at the recent Boardroom Champions Kickoff in Washington D.C. #YouthLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #LearnServe #BoardroomChampions@LearnServe @LSIalumni… pic.twitter.com/8Ixha6JO5M
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) January 12, 2025
Scott Rechler, LearnServe International’s Director and CEO, opened the program with remarks and a video showcasing the organization’s work across Washington, D.C., Paraguay, Costa Rica, and Zambia. He then invited Michael Akin, President of LINKSP and a newly appointed LearnServe Board Member, to share his perspective. Akin expressed enthusiasm for supporting LearnServe’s mission and demonstrated how young people are creating meaningful local and global change.
Michael Akin, President of LINK Strategic Partners and board member of LearnServe, explained why his company partnered with LearnServe for the Boardroom Champions Kickoff and encouraged guests to support the cause.@LearnServe @LSIalumni @LINKstrategic @DCMichaelA @Wecaa_official… pic.twitter.com/dVvugv6Rw7
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) January 12, 2025
The evening sparked discussions about collaboration opportunities, from financial support to hands-on involvement. During the Q&A, LearnServe alumni Jordan Warren and Erfan Nabizada offered deeper insights into the organization’s ongoing needs and aspirations.
Jordan Warren, LearnServe International Fellow and intern, shares her journey with LearnServe, including her impactful trip to Zambia with other young leaders @LearnServe @LSIalumni @LINKstrategic @DCMichaelA @Wecaa_official @JanDuPlain @PatrickRealiza @Popeson @HealthyLights… pic.twitter.com/exekgxE9oO
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) January 12, 2025
Erfan, who fled Afghanistan at 14, shares his journey as an Associate at LINK Strategic Partners and his involvement with LearnServe as a Fellow.@LearnServe @LSIalumni @LINKstrategic @DCMichaelA @Wecaa_official @JanDuPlain @PatrickRealiza @Popeson @HealthyLights @gotebs pic.twitter.com/6RDc0hvhbG
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) January 12, 2025
Rechler later outlined actionable ways to advance LearnServe’s mission, while Akin explored how media partnerships could expand their impact. The event concluded with networking that planted seeds for future partnerships.
LINK Strategic Partners engaged Jordan Warren and Erfan Nabizada in a Q&A session during the Boardroom Champions Kickoff on January 8, 2025, in Washington D.C.@LearnServe @LSIalumni @LINKstrategic @DCMichaelA @Wecaa_official @JanDuPlain @PatrickRealiza @Popeson @HealthyLights… pic.twitter.com/3eEJQ75Mep
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) January 12, 2025
LearnServe International has several upcoming events, one of which is the Innovators’ Cafe, scheduled for Thursday, January 16, which will feature LearnServe Fellows from public, charter, and independent schools across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia DMV. These young changemakers will present innovative projects addressing topics such as improving healthcare access in rural areas, providing legal and financial aid for immigrants, and supporting children’s emotional well-being in hospitals.