2026 Leadership Luncheon

November 12, 2026 | Music City Center | 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.

Join us for YLC’s annual fundraising event welcoming hundreds of YLC alumni, corporate partners, and community leaders to gather and hear unique perspectives from successful business and philanthropic leaders.

We are proud to welcome keynote Buddy Teaster, President and CEO of Soles4Souls, a global nonprofit creating opportunity through shoes and clothing. A passionate leader and advocate, Buddy has guided the organization to distribute more than 112 million pairs of shoes and pieces of clothing across 139 countries, supporting communities through both immediate relief and sustainable micro-enterprise programs.

A dynamic thought leader, speaker, and host of the re:Purpose podcast, Buddy has been recognized as a YPO Global Impact Award Finalist and named to Footwear News’ Power List. He is the author of Shoestrings and more recently From Tailspin to Tailwind. His innovative approach has helped transform Soles4Souls into a movement that blends generosity with long-term impact, earning it recognition as one of The Nonprofit Times’ “Best Nonprofits to Work For” five years in a row.

Event Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

By sponsoring YLC’s 2026 Leadership Luncheon, your company will connect directly with more than 300 YLC alumni, corporate partners, and community leaders from a wide range of industries. Your support not only elevates your brand among influential professionals but also plays a vital role in advancing YLC’s mission to prepare the next generation of nonprofit board leaders. Click here to view the 2026 Leadership Luncheon Sponsorship Guide.

For more information, please contact Ellen Peterson at ellen@youngleaderscouncil.org or call (615) 386-0060.

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