At Leadership Austin, we are diligent and intentional in our efforts to ensure that diverse perspectives are represented in all of our programs. When we build panels for the Engage Breakfast Series, place registrants in the Beyond Diversity seminar, and build cohorts for the Emerge and Essential programs, we always strive to invite every voice to the table – because dynamic discussion creates change.
We were privileged to include Naji H. Kelley, an active duty member of the U.S. Naval Reserves, in Essential 40 – 2019. His experience in the military brought a unique viewpoint to conversations in the class. Naji cites the Reserves, specifically boot camp, with teaching him the value of teamwork. The exposure he got to other cultures while serving overseas gave him more of an appreciation for other cultures and stressed the importance of diversity that has carried over into how he runs his business, builds partnerships, and recruits employees at his company, BLNDED Media. His unique understanding of these core values brought depth, richness, and added meaning to every class day for his cohort.
Naji is constantly pursuing leadership growth opportunities, which is why he was motivated to enlist in the Reserves. He believes leadership is a two-way street: leaders must continually show that they are working for those they are leading, and their teams must be actively engaged. “Leadership is there to work for those under them. If I don’t challenge my leadership, I’m not putting them to work.”
Naji is passionate about building a more inclusive startup ecosystem in Greater Austin and beyond. He has recently been recognized as a finalist for the the Austin Young Chamber ChangeMaker Awards and as a Top 10 Young Professional by the Austin Black Business Journal & Community News. Read more about Naji’s journey as an active duty service member and entrepreneur in this profile from the nonprofit Patriot Boot Camp.
Leadership Austin is always recruiting new or underrepresented voices. If you know someone who should be part of our programming, send us a referral!
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