We Are the Leaders We’ve Been Looking For: A Conversation with Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr.
Foundation Academies recently welcomed supporters, partners, and friends to an inspiring evening of reflection and purpose at the Trenton Country Club for “We Are the Leaders We’ve Been Looking For: A Conversation between Foundation Academies and Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr.”
The evening commemorated the 100th anniversary of Black History Month and brought the community together around a powerful idea: meaningful change begins when ordinary people step forward as leaders.
The program featured keynote remarks from Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr., one of the nation’s most respected public intellectuals and scholars, whose work challenges Americans to confront difficult truths while imagining a more just and equitable democracy.
Inspired by his book We Are the Leaders We Have Been Looking For, Dr. Glaude encouraged attendees to consider how leadership begins not in distant institutions, but within communities willing to act with courage and conviction.
An Evening Rooted in Community
The event reflected the heart of Foundation Academies — scholars, alumni, and community members coming together to celebrate growth and possibility.
The evening began with a welcome from Friends of Foundation Academies Board Chair Don Hofmann, followed by opening remarks from Foundation Academies CEO Sheria McRae, who shared the vision and urgency guiding the organization’s next chapter.
Guests were inspired by performances from Foundation Academies scholars and alumni:
The FA Glee Club delivered moving renditions of Lift Me Up and Man in the Mirror, setting a reflective and hopeful tone.
Foundation Academies alumna Bjutiful Seay performed an original spoken word piece that captured the spirit of leadership, identity, and growth.
The program culminated in a thoughtful and engaging conversation featuring Dr. Glaude alongside Foundation Academies CEO Sheria McRae and Foundation Academies Board Chair Anthony Klockenbrink. Together, they explored the role of education in strengthening democracy and empowering the next generation of leaders.
Building the Future Together
Guests also learned about Foundation Academies’ Building Futures Fund — an ambitious effort to raise $3 million to power the organization’s path forward as it approaches its 20th anniversary.
The campaign will allow Foundation Academies to:
Create libraries, athletic facilities, and STEM labs for scholars across grades K–12 through new and improved campuses
Move 800 scholars from the waitlist into Foundation Academies classrooms
Expand access to the arts through programs including drama club, orchestra, choir, pottery, and visual arts
Despite receiving $4,860 less in state funding per pupil than traditional public school districts, Foundation Academies scholars continue to achieve and grow at remarkable levels.
The campaign reflects a simple truth: our scholars cannot wait, and this moment calls for action.
A Vision Taking Shape
Attendees also received an exciting preview of the future of Foundation Academies with updated renderings of the new Collegiate campus, which remains on schedule and on budget to open in 2026.
The new campus represents more than a building — it is an investment in the futures of our scholars, our families, and our city.
Leadership Starts Here
Dr. Glaude’s message resonated deeply with the Foundation Academies community. Leadership is not reserved for a select few. It lives in scholars who find their voices, in alumni who return to inspire others, in educators who open doors of opportunity, in families who believe in possibility, and in partners who invest in the future.
As Foundation Academies prepares to celebrate twenty years of impact, the path forward will continue to be shaped by the people who make this community strong.
We are the leaders we’ve been looking for. And together, we are building the future.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Foundation Academies extends sincere gratitude to the partners who made this evening possible:
Trenton Thunder presented by NJM Insurance Group
First Bank
Bristol Myers Squibb
Capital Health
Plumbers and Pipefitters of Local 9
Their support helps Foundation Academies continue building futures for scholars across Trenton.
