For more than three decades, hundreds of young people across the Washington metropolitan area have found a place to strengthen their voices, sharpen their leadership skills and imagine bigger possibilities through the Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) program of the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the National Black MBA Association (DC Black MBA).
Launched locally in 1994 under then-Chapter President Lanta Evans-Motte, the program represents the National Black MBA Association’s commitment to developing the next generation of Black leaders. Through leadership development, public speaking, college and career preparation, case competitions, scholarships and exposure to business professionals, LOT gives high school students experiences designed to prepare them for success beyond the classroom.
Over the past 30 years, corporate sponsors, donors, chapter leaders and volunteers have invested time and resources in ensuring DMV youth have access to opportunities that can influence the trajectory of their lives.
For DC Black MBA Chapter President Dr. Carletta S. Hurt, LOT also represents her own entry into the National Black MBA Association.
“My introduction to the National Black MBA Association was in Atlanta through LOT as an event coordinator for their chapter’s annual scholarship gala,” Hurt shared. “It afforded me a membership in the organization, and I soon joined the Atlanta board as the LOT Director a year later. It’s one of the few things that has kept me connected to the association.”
That connection illustrates one of LOT’s greatest strengths, its impact extends beyond a single workshop or school year. Students are challenged to discover who they are as leaders, communicate their ideas confidently and work collaboratively to solve problems.
Former LOT member Jahnai Williams initially needed some convincing to join.
“My mom actually connected me to LOT through Ms. Carletta. I was hesitant to participate, however, I really learned a lot about myself as a leader and got a chance to use my voice through the oratorical competition,” Williams said.
A scholarship recipient and oratorical competition winner, Williams also participated in the LOT Case Competition and Leadership Summit.
“One of the best experiences for me was the LOT Leadership Summit and participating in the Case Competition because it pushed me in the areas of teamwork, presentation skills, and I saw how if you really put in the effort you could be successful,” she explained.
The transformation is equally meaningful for the adults who volunteer with the program.
“Working with LOT gave me purpose and direction during my time on the board of the DC Black MBA,” said Kayla Dailey, a former board member and LOT Chair. “I also enjoyed watching them grow from a new member starting in October and blossoming into a young leader through the case competition practices and then seeing them networking at the leadership summit. It was a proud moment as the LOT Chair.”
That growth is at the heart of the program.
With the support of corporate sponsors, donors and volunteers, DC Black MBA’s LOT program exposes students to the full spectrum of business while strengthening leadership, public speaking and communication skills and helping participants become college and career ready.
As the chapter looks to take LOT into the next 30 years, the mission remains relevant. Young people need opportunities to practice leadership before they are expected to lead. They need spaces where their voices are valued, mentors who see their potential and experiences that challenge them to stretch beyond what they already know.
For DMV youth looking for opportunities, LOT is open to make that happen.
