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Taylor Baucom/Turn 2 Foundation, Inc.
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Taylor Baucom/Turn 2 Foundation, Inc.
High school students from Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation’s Jeter’s Leaders program united in Nashville for the 2025 Jeter’s Leaders Leadership Summit presented by Goldman Sachs – an inspiring four-day experience focused on youth empowerment, service and social impact. Throughout the summit, the students engaged in a series of workshops that deepened their understanding of critical social issues, were inspired by a dynamic panel on giving back and speaking out, and led a meaningful community service project benefitting local youth.
“The Jeter’s Leaders Leadership Summit embodies Turn 2’s mission of providing youth with enriching opportunities to pursue healthy lifestyles and promote positive change,” said Derek Jeter. “By giving back to the community and addressing ways to combat real-world issues, our youth build critical leadership skills and recognize the lasting impact they can make. We’re so proud of our Jeter’s Leaders for their dedication, work ethic and passion.”
As part of the community service project in partnership with PENCIL, the Jeter’s Leaders – alongside Turn 2 Foundation President Sharlee Jeter, PENCIL Box Community Engagement Manager Robert Moxley, and Comfort Cases Founder and author Rob Scheer created emotion flashcards, bookmarks and fidget tools designed to help nonverbal children communicate and build literacy skills. These supplies will be donated to Metro Nashville Public Schools educators through PENCIL’s distribution network, directly supporting local students in need. In addition, the students worked together with Comfort Cases to fill 250 backpacks for youth entering the foster care system in the Nashville area. During the “packing party,” each backpack was thoughtfully packed with new pajamas, blankets, socks, stuffed animals, books, hygiene kits and hand-designed affirmation cards.
“From engaging in service to participating in meaningful dialogue, the Jeter’s Leaders Leadership Summit is a transformative experience where young people find their voice and grow in profound ways,” said Sharlee Jeter, president of the Turn 2 Foundation. “At Turn 2, we believe that strong leaders not only strive to achieve their goals, but also understand their responsibility to serve as positive role models who contribute to the world around them. We’re deeply grateful to PENCIL and Comfort Cases for their partnership and to our incredible panelists for inspiring our Jeter’s Leaders in ways that will stay with them long after the summit.”
Throughout the week, the Jeter’s Leaders took part in youth-led workshops that explored pressing topics such as sexism, racism, education, gun violence, child abuse, mental health, poverty and social media – encouraging open dialogue, awareness and advocacy. The students were also empowered by remarks from Sharlee Jeter and Hunter Pierson, Southeast Region Head, Private Wealth Management & Institutional Client Solutions at Goldman Sachs and a panel of changemakers including Rob Scheer; Robert Moxley, PENCIL Box Community Engagement Manager; Colby Gallahar, Foundation Manager at Creative Artists Agency (CAA); and Rakiyah Marshall, CEO/Founder of Back Blocks Music, who reflected on their personal journeys and the lasting impact of giving back.
“This is the second year Comfort Cases has had the opportunity to work with the incredible Jeter’s Leaders, and I continue to be inspired by their compassion, purpose, and commitment to service,” said Rob Scheer, founder of Comfort Cases and an advocate who experienced foster care himself. “By packing Comfort Cases, these young leaders are doing more than just assembling backpacks — they’re sending a powerful message to youth entering foster care: you are seen, you are valued, and you matter. That kind of leadership gives me hope for the future.”
This year’s summit kicked off on Monday, July 28, with an information session and tour of Vanderbilt University, followed by team-building activities at Nashville’s premier Blackbird Studio. The Jeter’s Leaders explored the city’s rich musical heritage with Old Town Trolley Tours’ “Soul of Music City Tour” and visited famous landmarks. Before traveling home to New York City and Kalamazoo, the Jeter’s Leaders also visited Fisk University, one of the nation’s most prestigious HBCUs and the alma mater of Dr. S. Charles Jeter, father of Derek Jeter and Sharlee Jeter and Vice Chairman of Turn 2.
"PENCIL is so honored to be partnering with Jeter's Leaders. The dedication, empathy, and kindness of these young people are truly an inspiration," said Christiane Buggs, President and CEO of PENCIL. "This program is proof positive that all community members can make an impact, no matter their age. We are proud to align with their mission".
Turn 2’s signature initiative, Jeter’s Leaders is an intensive four-year program for high school students who serve as ambassadors for Derek Jeter in their communities. Established by Jeter in 1996, the Foundation motivates youth to rise above negative influences, lead healthy lifestyles and serve as agents of positive social change. For the past 18 consecutive years, 100% of Jeter’s Leaders have gone on to attend college and pursue successful futures after high school.