CLEVELAND – The McLendon Foundation and McDonald's are proud to announce a new corporate partnership benefiting the McLendon Minority Leadership Initiative (MLI).

The McLendon Minority Leadership Initiative is a coach-driven initiative that provides diverse college graduates a jump-start to their careers through practical experiences and opportunities to build their network while instilling in them the values of John McLendon: Integrity, Education, Leadership and Mentorship. Participants in the initiative are known as MLI Future Leaders.

As a program sponsor, McDonald's is fueling the significant growth of the MLI Future Leaders class from year one to year two, generously laying the financial groundwork for participating universities to provide employment experiences for the 2021-22 class. In addition to hands-on work experience, the cohort will participate in a bi-monthly Educational Series, presented and facilitated by McDonald's executives, to provide lessons on job interviewing skills, career planning and networking. Inherently, participants will be exposed to an array of career opportunities across McDonald's, helping to build a stronger pipeline for diverse talent at the company.

 "McDonald's is so proud to team up with the McLendon Foundation and work together to create opportunities in the communities we serve," said Tiffanie Boyd, Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer for McDonald's USA. "We have a responsibility to drive change, and when we work together we can build an even greater and more inclusive talent pipeline for the future. We couldn't be more excited for what this class of Future Leaders will achieve."

"The McLendon Foundation has worked tirelessly over the last year to build a strong foundation for the Minority Leadership Initiative and the program has made a difference within the lives of many Future Leaders, ambassadors and college athletics as a whole," said Adrien Harraway, Director of the McLendon Foundation and Vice President of NACDA. "With the support of McDonald's, the MLI will continue to have a positive impact on campus communities across the country, providing access and opportunity to deserving minority candidates."

"This is a meaningful partnership, and one that we believe will have a significant impact on the careers and life trajectories of these future leaders," said Co-Chairman of the McLendon Minority Leadership Initiative, Coach John Calipari (University of Kentucky). Coach Tommy Amaker (Harvard University) added, "To have McDonald's - one of the most globally recognized brands with decades of dedication to building diversity, equity and inclusion within their ranks - support the initiative speaks volumes to where we currently are and our potential for growth through strategic partnerships. We want to thank the entire McDonald's organization for their support."

In the program, Future Leaders receive career exposure working in college athletics departments while also learning the importance of interviewing, networking, decision making, leadership, and career planning. In an on-going effort to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, an emphasis will be placed on supporting HBCUs as well as universities with female coaches interested in supporting the initiative and serving as ambassadors.

The second cohort of the McLendon Minority Leadership Initiative is currently underway and accepting applications. More information regarding the MLI and its corporate partnership with McDonald's can be found at MinorityLeaders.org.
 
About the McLendon Foundation
The McLendon Foundation, established in 1999, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded and administered by NACDA. Through the scholarship program and leadership initiative, the McLendon Foundation provides minorities educational resources, practical experiences and serves as a vehicle for networking, career advancement and advocacy on behalf of the profession. More information regarding the McLendon Foundation can be found at MinorityLeaders.org.
 
About McDonald's Corporation
McDonald's is the world's leading global foodservice retailer with over 39,000 locations in over 100 countries. Approximately 93% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business owners.