Leon M. Burns 
DEIB in Black Tech
The DEIB in Black Tech Initiative
Leon Burns is committed to bridging the gap between corporate and community through his Diversity Equity Inclusion Belonging in Black Tech initiative. He finds it important to provide valued opportunities for underserved youth from grade school to the collegiate level. Connecting them to mentors and financial opportunities to better assist their individual strive for greatness. Leon whole heartedly believes that “Education is our greatest opportunity to give an irrevocable gift to the next generation”. A quote by Ernie Fletcher that has always resonated with Leon and very present in his philanthropic efforts. Leon will continue to work with corporate giants and community service organizations that are equally determined to give the next generation the best opportunity for success.s
Fall 2023
Donation to the Hidden Genius Project which supports a national nonprofit organization founded in 2012 by five Black male entrepreneurs/technologists in Oakland. The founders created a program dedicated to providing young Black males with essential skills, mentors, and experiences necessary to excel as entrepreneurs and technologists in the modern global economy.
Fall 2023
The donation to Black Kids Code (Girls) supports a program that empowers young girls with inspiration and essential skills to pave the way for future successful STEM careers. This initiative believes in starting early to nurture their potential. So far, it has positively impacted 645 students through 51 workshops, equipping these girls with the foundation and motivation needed for meaningful and rewarding STEM careers in the future. Your contribution plays a crucial role in shaping their future success.
Fall 2023
The donation to Brown Stem Girl supports their mission of empowering girls of color in STEM fields by engaging, empowering, and educating them to pursue their aspirations. The Brown STEM Girl Scholarship Program is a long-term commitment aimed at assisting outstanding minority students with a strong academic record and a passion for STEM careers.
Fall 2023
Washington, D.C
Donation to Mission Fulfilled 2030, a charity with the aim of empowering 100,000 Black boys in Tech/STEM/Cybersecurity by 2030. They also plan to establish a network of 10,000 tech coaches and mentors while engaging 1,000 companies to support youth tech programs and promote diversity in hiring and talent development.
Venue
Hampton, VA
Established the OTG Corporate Matching Program for Alma Maters, matching employee donations to their Alma Maters, up to $1000. Along with a company donation to the Hampton University School of Business for over $5000.
Summer 2023
Venue
American University
The annual American University School of Education Summer Institute on Education Equity and Justice (SIEEJ) was developed to convene local and national educators and education advocates to highlight new practices and strategies for addressing the educational needs of Black, Brown, and indigenous students. The 2023 theme was Eradicating the Stigma: Prioritizing Mental Health in PreK-16 Education with major speakers including Dr. Tyrone Howard, Dr. Norma Day-Vines, Dr. Joanne Frederick, Dr. Carlos Hipolito-Delgado, Dr. Ian Levy, and many more. The event thoroughly examined the intersection of racism in education, and intentionally centered the voices and experiences of people of color. All SIEEJ learning sessions were offered virtually with recordings of sessions available only to registered attendees after the institute concludes.
Summer 2023
Venue: Rockville, MD
Donation to the Brigadier General Charles McGee Youth STEM Scholarship Program. An HBCU STEM scholarship presented on need-based circumstances awarded to historically underserved high school and college students who pursue STEM degrees at any of our Nation’s 102 HBCUs.
Spring 2023
Venue
New York, NY
Sponsored the Alpha Phi Alpha STEM Workshop. A symposium is targeting 8th – 12th graders who are considering pursuing STEM fields after high school that will offer hands-on experience designed to increase students’ ability to grasp critical scientific concepts. In addition to an emphasis on technology that will enhance their tech proficiency, giving them a broad foundation in technology and helping them prepare for future college studies and careers in STEM majors and minors.
Winter 2023
Venue
Silver Spring, MD
Co-sponsored “Sound Mind, Mental Health”, a mental health seminar and fundraising event enabling Pre-K through 12th-grade educators to advance their knowledge about mental illness and promote empirical research for the public good. The event was a success, with over 300 people in attendance and raising over $3000.
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