Evolving The Young Leaders Award: Introducing Walking Softer Young Leaders

We are excited to announce a name change for our flagship initiative. What many of you have known as the Young Leaders Award will be known as Walking Softer Young Leaders moving forward.

January 27, 2026

We are excited to announce a name change for our flagship initiative. What many of you have known as the Young Leaders Award will be known as Walking Softer Young Leaders moving forward. The Young Leaders program recognizes and supports emerging Changemakers who are driving climate and social impact in their communities, and we felt that the word “award” does not sufficiently highlight this unique program. With that being said, allow us to [re]introduce Walking Softer Young Leaders.

More Than An Award

Walking Softer Young Leaders is a six-month accelerator for visionary leaders who are innovating for the betterment of our planet. In addition to financial support of up to $50,000, recipients will also benefit from:

Six months of customized intensive executive coaching and leadership development
Cohort-based curriculum
Leadership retreats culminating in a multi-year organizational growth plan
Opportunity for peer-to-peer learning that encourages cross-pollination
Preparation for future support pathways and long-term engagement as alumni within the Walking Softer leadership community

Why the Change?

This change reflects a broader evolution in the program’s goals and design. While we continue to provide financial support to emerging Changemakers, our focus has expanded beyond one-time recognition. In addition to funding, participants will also receive community building, peer connections, and long-term support to amplify their leadership development. Walking Softer Young Leaders is now a community-based initiative grounded in shared values of interdependence, humility, and systems-level impact.

By removing the word “Award,” we are intentionally shifting away from a transactional model toward a more holistic, relational approach to leadership development. We are grateful to every past participant who helped shape and evolve this program. It is with excitement that we look forward to continuing to grow this network of emerging leaders committed to making change thoughtfully, collectively, and courageously.

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To take a look at previous cohorts, we'd like to invite you to explore the work of the Changemakers who have helped shape Walking Softer Young Leaders.

Young Leaders Stories

Young Leaders Web Page

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Stories

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