The Future Generation Leadership Institute for professionals from First-Generation and/or Lower-Income backgrounds is passionately committed to unlocking the full potential of its members as transformative leaders. By cultivating a growth-oriented environment where these leaders can thrive, the Institute empowers them to excel personally and professionally and ignite inspiration in others.
The Future Generation Leadership Institute for Professionals from First-Generation and/or Lower-Income Backgrounds (FGLI-for-FGLI).
Transforming the Lives of Future Changemakers, Catalysts, and Luminaries
FGLI-for-FGLI supports three groups of post-graduate professionals from First-Generation and/or Lower-Income backgrounds: Changemakers, Catalysts, and Luminaries. At their best, these leaders become ambassadors for change, fostering engagement and nurturing the talents of those around them, ultimately driving collective success and performance to unprecedented heights. They are the driving force of reviving the heart of leadership.
United by a shared journey, our members are committed to uplifting one another as they enhance their leadership knowledge, skills, and abilities. As trailblazers—being the first in their families to graduate from a four-year college and often hailing from lower-income backgrounds—they embody resilience and ambition, inspiring each other to reach new heights.
What is FGLI?
FGLI (pronounced fig-lee) describes college students who are the first in their families to graduate from a four-year institution and/or come from lower-income backgrounds. It’s important to note that not all first-generation students are lower-income, and vice versa. But for many, it’s a calling to remove the poverty mindset and ignite their abundant voice.
Recognizing the unique attributes and needs of FGLI students is a relatively recent focus, yet FGLI professionals have not received the same attention. FGLI-for-FGLI seeks to address these challenges by fostering an environment where the FGLI identity is celebrated as a source of pride. FGLI professionals have already achieved significant milestones in their careers, showcasing remarkable leadership skills, resilience, determination, and a strong potential for future success.
The FGLI-for-FGLI Program is designed to work with three distinct groups:
The Changemaker
(5 to 10 years post-college)
You may be the first in your family to graduate from college, step into corporate America, or break away from the familiar path. As a trailblazer, you’ve forged a new way forward, reshaping possibilities for yourself and those who follow. With determination and resilience, you have built a career defined by perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to growth.
Your journey has given you a unique perspective, allowing you to turn challenges into opportunities while striving for success and advocating for inclusivity. By navigating uncharted territory, you are not just building a future for yourself—you are redefining what is possible for generations to come.
The Catalyst
(10 to 20 years post-college)
You have built a wealth of experience across diverse roles, learning, adapting, and growing with each challenge. Now, as a leader, you are not only driving innovation and transformation—you are shaping the future by investing in others. Through mentorship, you empower the next generation, sharing hard-earned wisdom and guiding them through the complexities of their own journeys.
Your leadership is more than expertise; it is about fostering growth, amplifying voices, and creating opportunities for those who follow. By cultivating an environment where others can thrive, you don’t just lead—you inspire lasting change.
The Luminary
(20+ years post-college)
You have excelled in your field, earned recognition, and shaped industries through your leadership. Your journey has been marked by success, influence, and transformation, and now you stand at a pivotal moment—one where your impact extends beyond personal achievement. You are in a position to give back, not just by guiding those who follow, but by ensuring the road you have paved becomes a lasting foundation for future generations.
Your legacy is built on mentorship, wisdom, and the ability to illuminate new possibilities for emerging leaders. Through your insights and experience, you create pathways for others to rise, shaping industries and communities in ways that endure far beyond your tenure. By investing in the next generation, you solidify your influence—not only as a leader, but as an architect of lasting change.
Want to learn more?
Download the Development Architecture PDF for a detailed description of Shannon’s innovative leadership program.