INDIANAPOLIS – Cargill, with 155,000 employees across 70 countries working to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way, will serve as the title sponsor for the Center for Leadership Development’s 41st annual Minority Achievers Awards and Scholarship Gala. The title sponsorship was facilitated by James Monger, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champion at Cargill and CLD Alum (CLD ’77).
“Cargill is honored to partner with CLD and support leadership and character development programs serving Black youth in Central Indiana,” said Monger. “Doing the right thing and putting people first are two of Cargill’s core values. And we’re working to accelerate the diversity of our global workforce, creating a culture of inclusion and ensuring everyone has an equitable opportunity to succeed. Supporting CLD furthers that mission.”
“Cargill is very generous to serve as title sponsor for one of the most important events we host each year,” said CLD President Dennis Bland. “CLD offers programs and educational services for free or nominal cost, which requires substantial financial support from individuals, businesses, CLD Alumni and charitable organizations. The average investment for each CLD program is $500, but the average fee charged to participants is $25. Serving around 4,000 students per year, the annual gap in program revenue alone is more than $1.8 million. Cargill’s assistance is critical to bridging this gap, and we could not be more thankful for the company’s commitment to philanthropy.”
Since 1977, CLD has provided enriching programs to supplement and reinforce tens of thousands of African American youths’ learning and developmental experiences. The organization’s dynamic program model is committed to teaching five cornerstone values: Character. Education. Leadership. Service. Career. CLD refers to these values as the Principles for Success, all driving toward one result: Achievement.
The 41st annual Minority Achievers Awards and Scholarship Gala takes place virtually on March 18 at 7 p.m. through the CLD website. During the event, CLD will celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding individuals throughout Central Indiana who have distinguished themselves professionally and through their contributions to the community.
The event will also focus on higher education institutions, community partners and the 2021 class of CLD Scholars. Since 2004, CLD has partnered with colleges and universities that see the value of CLD’s unique and effective programming. More than $30 million in scholarships have been awarded to CLD students since 2003, including $4.2 million supporting 69 students during last year’s Achievers Gala.
For more information, visit cldinc.org.
Center for Leadership Development
The Center for Leadership Development offers youth and adult participants an enriching and engaging experience that helps them achieve personal and academic success. Our programs encourage high, realistic expectations and equip youth with the skills, understanding, confidence and hands-on guidance they need to develop personally, excel academically and build a value system of achievement. Over 40 years, we have enriched the lives of more than 20,000 youths and their families. For more information, visit cldinc.org.
About Cargill
Cargill’s 155,000 employees across 70 countries work relentlessly to achieve our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Every day, we connect farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and people and animals with the food they need to thrive. We combine 155 years of experience with new technologies and insights to serve as a trusted partner for food, agriculture, financial and industrial customers in more than 125 countries. Side-by-side, we are building a stronger, sustainable future for agriculture.
