Shawn Crosby, an MCW Global alumnus, believes that one of the most impactful moments of his involvement with MCW was realizing the power of community and the value of diverse perspectives.
Coming from Cleveland, Ohio, Shawn feels that MCW Global opened doors and opportunities he may never have encountered otherwise. Through MCW Global, he gained exposure to global viewpoints, developed a foundation in leadership, and built a lifelong network of mentors and peers.
According to him, MCW Global taught him valuable skills, such as crafting mission statements and creating actionable vision plans, which continue to serve him today.
“At MCW Global’s Young Leaders Fellowship [previously known as the Youth Leadership Retreat], being nearly 15 and surrounded by young leaders from around the world opened my eyes to the similarities and differences in our backgrounds, challenges, and dreams. This experience broadened my worldview, instilling a deep appreciation for global citizenship and resilience.”
Shawn reflects that the experience wasn’t just educational; it became a catalyst for his personal and academic growth.
“I left the program inspired by the stories, struggles, and victories of others. This newfound inspiration has fueled my passion for social impact, guiding my work and educational journey ever since. Ultimately, this experience taught me that, with empathy and collaboration, positive change is possible, no matter where we are from.”
Currently serving as the Founder & CEO at The Legacy School, a tuition-free independent school designed to impact the historic disinvestment of Cleveland using education as a catalyst for change, Shawn attributes much of his success to his MCW Global experience.
Resonating with MCW Global’s Mission
Shawn shares how MCW Global’s mission aligns with his values.
“This mission aligns with my personal belief in the importance of leadership, empathy, and collective action to tackle pressing social issues. At the Fellowship, I saw these values demonstrated in every session and interaction, from the inclusive discussions to the collaborative projects that encouraged us to think creatively about real-world problems.”
One activity that stood out for Shawn was a group project where he and other participants identified a community challenge and brainstormed solutions together.
“I partnered with participants from various countries, each bringing unique insights shaped by their backgrounds. The experience taught me the importance of diverse perspectives and that impactful solutions are often born from collaboration. This approach of uniting people around common goals continues to inspire me in my work, reminding me of the shared responsibility we have to make a difference.”
Being involved with MCW Global has been pivotal in both Shawn’s personal and professional growth.
“The support I received, especially from Roberta Richin (during and after the retreat), helped me develop the confidence and vision to pursue ambitious goals. Roberta was instrumental in helping me articulate my vision plan and, most importantly, encouraged (demanded) me to bring it to life. Her guidance gave me a foundation that not only shaped my mindset but also empowered me to turn ideas into reality.”
“I am grateful for the mark she left on me,” Shawn says, paying tribute to Richin, a great supporter of MCW Global and the recipient of MCW’s 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award, in whose honor the Roberta Richin Memorial Vision Plan Award was established.
Alumni Ventures Fund
As one of the first recipients of the Alumni Venture Fund, he had the incredible opportunity to secure funding that was essential to scaling his venture.
“This support allowed us to expand our programs to serve hundreds of teens in Atlanta and college students, fueling the journey that ultimately led to founding a tuition-free school in Cleveland, Ohio, with plans to establish roots in Washington, D.C. MCW Global’s belief in young leaders and their vision helped me transform my aspirations into tangible impact, creating educational opportunities and serving communities on a larger scale than I ever imagined.”
Shawn believes that MCW Global has profoundly impacted young people and their communities over the decades by empowering youth to become leaders and changemakers.
“By providing young individuals with the tools, resources, and mentorship they need, MCW Global has inspired countless participants to envision and pursue meaningful change. MCW Global’s focus on leadership, cultural understanding, and sustainable development has cultivated a global network of youth who are aware of the challenges their communities face and equipped to address them with innovative solutions.”
Celebrating 25 Years of the Impactful Work of MCW Global
As the organization continues to mark its 25th anniversary, looking back, Shawn sees how different his life might have been without that early support and the MCW Global community.
“MCW’s mission of empowering young leaders resonates deeply with me, as it gave me the tools and confidence to bring my vision to life and make a real difference in my community. Its mission of empowering young leaders resonates deeply with me, as it gave me the tools and confidence to bring my vision to life and make a real difference in my community.”
Beyond professional growth, MCW has gifted him memories and friendships that continue to shape him today.
“I still remember conquering my fears when I took my first solo trip to the retreat and the excitement of being accepted to Morehouse College while at the conference- moments made even more meaningful by celebrating with fellow participants. Getting calls and support from MCW Global staff when my father passed moved me in ways I can’t express. I learned resilience and collaboration through refining vision plans with mentors and peers, and when I was sick in Vermont, the compassion of the staff and other young leaders helped me get through it.”
These experiences, coupled with the honor of receiving his first grant through the Alumni Venture Fund and presenting his active vision plan at just 17, were pivotal moments in shaping Shawn’s journey as a young leader.
“I owe MCW not only for helping me realize my purpose but also for surrounding me with a community that has supported and inspired me every step of the way.”
Transforming Communities for 25 Years: Looking Back, Moving Forward Project brings to you a series of exclusive articles celebrating the 25th Anniversary of MCW Global. The stories and reflections shared represent the experiences and perspectives of individuals involved with the organization in various capacities, starting from alumni, board and team members, affiliates, supporters, and donors.
