Bridging Gaps, Building Futures: LaunchPad's Mission

Empowering the Next Generation: A Broadened Horizon for Talent Development

The LaunchPad initiative, a collaborative effort between Wheelhouse and the Village Community Foundation, is dedicated to expanding access to careers in entertainment, sports, and investment for young adults from underserved communities. This program offers invaluable mentorship, career guidance, practical work experience, and direct access to high-profile companies and industry leaders. It includes experiential learning sessions, interview preparation, and internship placements designed to equip participants with essential skills and connections.

Key Industry Partnerships Fueling Opportunity

LaunchPad has garnered support from a diverse array of prominent companies committed to nurturing new talent. These partners include leading agencies like WME, financial giants such as Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment, and media powerhouses like ITV America and A&E Global Media. The program also collaborates with innovative firms such as Zillow, Versant, and MillerKnoll, ensuring a wide spectrum of career opportunities across various sectors.

Geographic Expansion and Impact

Since its inception in 2023 under the Village Community Foundation, LaunchPad has already benefited over 1,000 young individuals. The program is now undergoing a significant expansion to serve the broader New York metropolitan area, with its operational hub situated in Stamford, Connecticut. Furthermore, LaunchPad is actively engaging with additional Los Angeles-based companies to further broaden its reach and impact, aiming to integrate more industry leaders into its mission.

Leadership and Vision Behind LaunchPad's Success

The initiative is guided by a strong leadership team, with Jon Winkel serving as president. Rasheed J. Daniel of TeamSheed Productions and Makeda Mays Green, an executive from Paramount, co-chair the program. Corey Twitty, Zillow’s head of executive talent, holds the position of vice chair. This diverse leadership reflects a collective commitment to identifying, engaging, and supporting promising talent, ensuring that young people receive the opportunities they deserve.

A Commitment to Discovering and Nurturing Underserved Talent

Brent Montgomery, CEO of Wheelhouse, emphasizes the program's focus on identifying and supporting emerging talent from underserved backgrounds. He notes that many of these individuals possess immense grit and determination but simply require an opportunity and an advocate. The LaunchPad board, handpicked for their dedication, plays a crucial role in providing this support, making a tangible difference in the lives of young participants.

Transformative Opportunities and Industry Endorsement

Jon Winkel highlights the life-changing professional opportunities LaunchPad provides, particularly focusing on crucial first jobs that can break cycles of disadvantage. He expresses awe at the overwhelming positive response from industry partners and their executives, underscoring the program's significant impact. Even Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has praised LaunchPad for aligning with the state's goals of building a future workforce and uplifting those in need, recognizing its role in creating access in entertainment, sports, and finance.

Distinguished Board of Directors Driving the Mission

The LaunchPad board comprises influential leaders from various industries, including Sonali Basak (iCapital), Elaine Frontain Bryant (A&E, Lifetime, LMN), Rasheed J. Daniel (Team Sheed), Gary Dell’Abate (SiriusXM), Jim Demyen (Critical Path Advisors), Lisa Fox (USC), David George (ITV America), Robert Goldburg (Goldburg Family Foundation), Caitlin Gray (Block Party), Makeda Mays Green (Paramount), Evan Jehle (FFO), Celia Kohl (Versant), Jason Hodes (WME), Stephanie Leonard (Netflix), Gary Lisiewski (Level 1 Fund), Russ McCarroll (Pocket Square Productions), Brent Montgomery (Wheelhouse), George Norfleet (Connecticut Office of Film, Television and Digital Media), Debbie Propst (MillerKnoll), Sandra Richards (Morgan Stanley), Brooke Shepard (Monogram Mary), and Corey Twitty (Zillow). Their collective expertise and dedication are instrumental in guiding LaunchPad's success and expanding its reach.