Resilience and Leadership: Paris Hilton, Leslie Odom, Jr. and Taj Gibson Inspire at the American Express Leadership Academy in NYC

After successful programs in Sydney and London, the 2025 American Express Leadership Academy concludes the year in New York City from Nov. 4-7, bringing together 80 nonprofit leaders from 12 countries across the Americas.

This Academy, part of a six-month program with global nonprofit Common Purpose, is dedicated to developing future changemakers through cross-sector collaboration, and resilient, innovative leadership. The Academy is supported by American Express strategic partners Hilton, Delta Air Lines and the NBA Foundation.

Prominent leaders from business, sports and philanthropy will share insights on navigating uncertainty and authentic influence. Nonprofit participants will strengthen their leadership skills through group work sessions, NYC site visits, storytelling training and a new AI masterclass.

Speakers include Paris Hilton, businesswoman, innovator, philanthropist and CEO of 11:11 Media, who will discuss transformative leadership and how she’s cultivated authenticity to redefine what influence looks like. Taj Gibson, founder of The Taj Gibson Foundation and NBA veteran, and Leslie Odom, Jr., award-winning performer, will discuss the art of perfecting your craft and overcoming adversity.

“We’re thrilled to bring world-renowned speakers to the Academy to share their leadership lessons,” said Madge Thomas, President of the American Express Foundation. “We hope they’ll inspire changemakers to apply these insights at their own organizations, driving lasting impact in their current roles and beyond.”

“The Americas are home to extraordinary leaders already driving change in their communities,” said Adirupa Sengupta, Global Chief Executive of Common Purpose. “The Academy aims to give them the platform, tools, and networks to amplify that impact. Through sharing their stories, drawing inspiration from each other and the broader leadership community, and practicing leading beyond authority, they can inspire action and mobilize resources on a far greater scale.”

For Alexandrea Crutcher-Horsley, founder and executive director of The Lullaby House, attending the 2023 Americas Academy expanded her knowledge as a leader and helped her to advance the organization’s mission: providing teenage parents and families with educational programs and supportive services to help them break the cycle of poverty.

“The American Express Leadership Academy has impacted my life tremendously,” said Crutcher-Horsley. “Being part of the Academy allowed me to collaborate with other nonprofit leaders and discuss empowering our community. It’s created a ripple effect — helping us serve more families and grow our continuum of care, which will impact not just one generation, but generations to come.”

Leadership Academy Alumni Awards

As part of American Express’ commitment to empowering leaders, the company will be presenting Alumni Awards for the second time in New York. Three past participants from the Americas cohort will receive awards of $25,000 each to develop or grow a program within their nonprofit inspired by their experience at the Academy.

These recipients are among 165,000 Leadership Academy graduates from the past 18 years. Since its founding in 2007, American Express has invested more than $100 million into the program to support those who drive, innovate, and scale change.

Attendees will gain new skills, networks, and resources to advance their leadership and drive nonprofit sector growth, impacting not just their organizations, but communities across the region.

The program will return in 2026, bringing leaders together across three different global locations:

• New York City, Americas cohort – March 17-20, 2026
• London, EMEA cohort – June 23-26, 2026
• APAC cohort will convene later in the year, more details to come

Applications are now open for the 2026 American Express Leadership Academy. Apply here and get more information.