LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

The Jeter's Leaders Leadership Conference is composed of workshops that the Jeter's Leaders create based on topics they feel are affecting teens today. Bi-annually, the leaders from New York and Kalamazoo host the conference for other youth leadership programs throughout the United States to inspire social change.

Young Leaders from Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation fuel meaningful change in Nashville

Turn 2’s Jeter’s Leaders partnered with Comfort Cases and PENCIL for service project supporting local youth as part of 2025 Jeter’s Leaders Leadership Summit presented by Goldman Sachs

Four-day initiative featured insightful youth-led workshops, compelling panel discussion, college visits and more across Music City

Nashville, Tenn. – July 30, 2025 – High school students from Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation’s Jeter’s Leaders program united in Nashville for the 2025 Jeter’s Leaders Leadership Summit presented by Goldman Sachs – an inspiring four-day experience focused on youth empowerment, service and social impact. Throughout the summit, the students engaged in a series of workshops that deepened their understanding of critical social issues, were inspired by a dynamic panel on giving back and speaking out, and led a meaningful community service project benefitting local youth.

“The Jeter’s Leaders Leadership Summit embodies Turn 2’s mission of providing youth with enriching opportunities to pursue healthy lifestyles and promote positive change,” said Derek Jeter. “By giving back to the community and grappling with real-world issues, our youth build critical leadership skills and recognize the lasting impact they can make. We’re so proud of our Jeter’s Leaders for their dedication, work ethic and passion.”

As part of the community service project in partnership with Comfort Cases, the Jeter’s Leaders – alongside Turn 2 Foundation President Sharlee Jeter and Comfort Cases Founder and author Rob Scheer and PENCIL Box Community Engagement Manager Robert Moxley – filled 250 backpacks for youth entering the foster care system in the Nashville area. During the “packing party,” each backpack was thoughtfully packed with new pajamas, blankets, socks, stuffed animals, books, hygiene kits and hand-designed affirmation cards. In addition, the students teamed up with PENCIL to create emotion flashcards, bookmarks and fidget tools designed to help nonverbal children communicate and build literacy skills. These supplies will be donated to Metro Nashville Public Schools educators through PENCIL’s distribution network, directly supporting local students in need.

“From engaging in service to participating in meaningful dialogue, the Jeter’s Leaders Leadership Summit is a transformative experience where young people find their voice and grow in profound ways,” said Sharlee Jeter, president of the Turn 2 Foundation. “At Turn 2, we believe that strong leaders not only strive to achieve their goals, but also understand their responsibility to serve as positive role models who contribute to the world around them. We’re deeply grateful to Comfort Cases and PENCIL for their partnership and to our incredible panelists for inspiring our Jeter’s Leaders in ways that will stay with them long after the summit.”

Throughout the week, the Jeter’s Leaders took part in youth-led workshops that explored pressing topics such as sexism, racism, education, gun violence, child abuse, mental health, poverty and social media – encouraging open dialogue, awareness and advocacy. The students were also empowered by remarks from Sharlee Jeter and a panel of changemakers including Rob Scheer; Robert Moxley, PENCIL Box Community Engagement Manager and Colby Gallaher, Foundation Manager at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), who reflected on their personal journeys and the lasting impact of giving back.

“This is the second year Comfort Cases has had the opportunity to work with the incredible Jeter’s Leaders, and I continue to be inspired by their compassion, purpose and commitment to service,” said Rob Scheer, founder of Comfort Cases and an advocate who experienced foster care himself. “By packing Comfort Cases, these young leaders are doing more than just assembling backpacks — they’re sending a powerful message to youth entering foster care: you are seen, you are valued and you matter. That kind of leadership gives me hope for the future.”

This year’s summit kicked off on Monday, July 28, with an information session and tour of Vanderbilt University, followed by team-building activities at Nashville’s premier Blackbird Studio. The Jeter’s Leaders explored the city’s rich musical heritage with Old Town Trolley Tours’ “Soul of Music City Tour” and visited famous landmarks. Before traveling home to New York City and Kalamazoo, the Jeter’s Leaders also visited Fisk University, one of the nation’s most prestigious HBCUs and the alma mater of Dr. S. Charles Jeter, father of Derek Jeter and Sharlee Jeter and Vice Chairman of Turn 2.

"PENCIL is so honored to be partnering with Jeter's Leaders. The dedication, empathy, and kindness of these young people are truly an inspiration," said Christiane Buggs, President and CEO of PENCIL. "This program is proof positive that all community members can make an impact, no matter their age. We are proud to align with their mission". Turn 2’s signature initiative, Jeter’s Leaders is an intensive four-year program for high school students who serve as ambassadors for Derek Jeter in their communities. Established by Jeter in 1996, the Foundation motivates youth to rise above negative influences, lead healthy lifestyles and serve as agents of positive social change. For the past 18 consecutive years, 100% of Jeter’s Leaders have gone on to attend college and pursue successful futures after high school.

Turn 2’s signature initiative, Jeter’s Leaders is an intensive four-year program for high school students who serve as ambassadors for Derek Jeter in their communities. Established by Jeter in 1996, the Foundation motivates youth to rise above negative influences, lead healthy lifestyles and serve as agents of positive social change. For the past 18 consecutive years, 100% of Jeter’s Leaders have gone on to attend college after high school.