By C.J. Stewart on September 21, 2026
The Upswell Forum is designed to accelerate the impact of social entrepreneurs moving their organizations from start-up to growth phase, with a focus on community-based organizations in Atlanta, Boston, Houston, and Detroit. L.E.A.D. Center For Youth, based in Atlanta, participated in this year’s Upswell cohort. Co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer, C.J. Stewart, shares his reflections on the experience.
Tell us about your organization and the community you serve.
L.E.A.D. Center For Youth advances equity and well-being through sports-based youth development. Our vision is to develop equity-centered ambassadors who lead Atlanta to lead the world. We serve Black boys and girls in grades 3–12, helping them become both Major League Players and Major League Citizens—young people who are gainfully employed, civically engaged, and radical philanthropists. We primarily serve communities in Atlanta that have experienced generations of poverty and limited access to opportunity. Through baseball, tennis, and meaningful relationships, we connect youth to the discipline, social capital, and opportunities needed to build sustainable pathways out of poverty.
What inspired you to participate in the Upswell Forum?
I was looking for a learning experience that was both rigorous and practical. I believe information plus experience creates knowledge, and the application of knowledge creates power. The Upswell Forum offered an opportunity to learn from world-class faculty, engage with accomplished social impact leaders, and gain tools that could strengthen our organization. I wanted to challenge myself, expand my thinking, and bring back insights that would help L.E.A.D. increase its impact and better serve the young people and communities that depend on us.
What was it like to learn alongside other social impact leaders and hear directly from HBS faculty? Were there any standout takeaways from those experiences?
Learning alongside other social impact leaders was both humbling and inspiring. I was surrounded by organizations that were excelling in areas where we still have room to grow, which created valuable opportunities to learn, ask questions, and think differently. The HBS faculty challenged us to examine problems from multiple perspectives and engage deeply in the case study process. A standout moment was participating in a role-play exercise that pushed me outside my comfort zone. It reminded me that growth often happens when we embrace discomfort and remain open to feedback.
Was there a moment or insight from the Forum that impacted you?
The case study method had a profound impact on me. It was unlike any learning experience I had encountered before. Rather than focusing on winning an argument, the process emphasized thoughtful dialogue, critical thinking, and learning from diverse perspectives. It reinforced my belief that meaningful progress happens when people are willing to listen, ask questions, and explore ideas together. That approach challenged me to think differently about leadership, problem-solving, and how we create environments where people can learn from one another.
How has the experience shaped your leadership or vision for your organization?
The experience strengthened my confidence as a leader. I often say that belief is a feeling, but confidence is a fact. Completing the Upswell Forum alongside exceptional faculty and social impact leaders gave me confidence that our organization can continue to grow its impact and resources. It also expanded my vision for how we teach young people. I plan to incorporate more case-study-based learning into our programming, helping students develop critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills. The experience reinforced that our youth are capable of tackling complex challenges when given the opportunity.
Completing the Upswell Forum alongside exceptional faculty and social impact leaders gave me confidence that our organization can continue to grow its impact and resources.
What’s next for your organization?
L.E.A.D. is preparing to launch a capital campaign to build a state-of-the-art youth development center in Atlanta’s historic Bankhead community, where I was born and raised. At age 50, I recently moved back to the neighborhood because I believe the community that raised me deserves my investment and service. This facility will attract opportunities from around the world while preparing local youth to compete and lead on a global stage. Through sports-based youth development, we will continue equipping young people to become consequential leaders who solve problems, create opportunities, and help Atlanta become a model of equity and well-being.
HBS Social Enterprise Initiative is now accepting interest forms for the January 2027 cohort on a rolling basis until November 20, 2026. To learn more about the Upswell Forum and submit an interest form, visit our Upswell Forum page.
