The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) has launched Pathways to the C-Suite, a new initiative to help African American students advance towards private sector careers and leadership opportunities in Washington, D.C.
Former Nevada Congressman Steven Horsford, founder of the firm R&R Resources+, has signed on to help fund it. This week, he issued the Foundation a check for $60,000. Together, R&R and CBCF ?will develop a platform to engage African-American students in opportunities to experience public policy development beyond Capitol Hill; and build strategic partnerships and collaborative leadership development opportunities with C-Suite executives to diversify the corporate leadership ranks now and in the future.??????
“Creating inclusive practices in the public and private sector requires action,” said Steven Horford, president of R&R Resources+. “I started as an intern and I know how that one opportunity changed the trajectory of my life. I fundamentally believe that when young leaders are provided pathways to find their life’s purpose, they will succeed. It is gratifying to partner with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation to help develop our future African American leaders and to provide them with experiences to pursue a career in an industry which they might not have previously considered.”
According to the CBCF?s website, Pathways partners undergraduate and post-graduate African-American students with some of the nation?s top executives in private companies that range from public relations to finance to economics. Interns interact with senior-level business leaders, explore multifaceted business challenges, and build skills to prepare them for careers in corporate America.
“As we celebrate black history this month and reflect on the progress our nation has made with regard to African American progress, it is important that we redouble our efforts to ensure that progress continues,” said A. Shuanise Washington, the president and CEO of the CBCF. “We remain focused on creating a strong pipeline to careers in public policy and the private sector, and our newest initiative, the C-Suite internship program, is a logical next step in our efforts to provide access to all aspects of the policy making process.”
The deadline for the application is April 30, 2016.
