About the Gala 2026
We are thrilled to have you join us in celebrating Leading Change Africa’s Annual Impact Celebration: The Ripple Effect – One Opportunity. Countless Lives Changed. on November 12th 2026 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Our Annual Gala event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, brings together scholars, community supporters, and partners from across the U.S. and Africa for a transformative night to celebrate impact.​​
Discover the real impact of empowering youth across Africa, whose education, leadership, and entrepreneurial innovations are transformed through
access, courage, and educational opportunities.
13+ startup ventures equipped
44+ Countries reached
5,256+ Agents of Change
Event Agenda
5:30 PM | Welcome Reception and Networking
6:00 PM | Buffet, Speeches, Awards & Program
7:30 PM | ​​Networking and Closing Reception
Burkina Faso and Mali
Leadership Academy
Leading Change Africa equips African youth and early-career professionals with leadership, communication, digital, and career-ready skills. Through immersive in-person and virtual learning, scholars develop confidence, resilience, and innovation.
From our early seeds of vision to impacting over 5,256 lives across borders, we are committed to shaping 1 million leaders by 2050
Awardees
John Daniels III
Co-Chair
Sharon Reed
Co-Chair
Greg Myers
Excellence Award
Beth Myers
Excellence Award
Rick Schelthelm
Founding Vision Award
Past Funding Partners
Become a Sponsor
Your contribution creates educational opportunities for talented young people, empowers future leaders, and strengthens the ripple effect of opportunity.
One Opportunity. Countless Lives Changed.
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Two reserved VIP tables for 20 guests with personalized table signage
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Presenting Sponsor recognition throughout the event
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Special recognition by the Founder during opening remarks
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Exclusive sponsor spotlight (photo or video) shared on LCA platforms
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Premier logo placement across all event communications (website, social media, e-newsletters, event page, and promotional materials)
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Prominent recognition in the event program, event signage, slideshow, sponsor wall, and press materials
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Recognition in the post-event newsletter and Annual Impact Report
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Opportunity for a company representative to meet LCA scholars and leadership
Ripple Champion
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$25,000 and Up
Leading transformational change across Africa and beyond
Ripple Champion​
$25,000 and Up
Empowering the next generation of leaders.
Leadership Partner
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$15,000 – 24,999
Leadership Partner
​$15,000 – 24,999
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Two reserved tables for 16 guests with personalized table signage
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Recognition by the Founder during the event
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Featured logo placement across event communications (website, social media, and e-newsletters)
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Recognition in the event program, signage, slideshow, and press materials
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Recognition in the post-event newsletter
Expanding access to education and opportunity
Opportunity Partner​
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$10,000 – 14,999
Opportunity Partner​​
$10,000 – 14,999
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One reserved table for 10 guests with personalized table signage
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Recognition by the Founder during the event
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Featured logo placement across event communications (website, social media, and e-newsletters)
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Recognition in the event program, signage, slideshow, and press materials
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Recognition in the post-event newsletter
Creating lasting impact through partnership
Community Builder​
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$5,000 – 9,999
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One reserved table for 10 guests with personalized table signage
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Logo placement on the event website and selected promotional materials
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Recognition in the event program, event signage, and slideshow
Community Builder​​
$5,000 – 9,999
Changemaker Sponsor​
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$2,500 – 4,999
Changemaker Sponsor​​
$2,500 – 4,999
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One reserved table for 8 guests with personalized table signage
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Logo recognition in the event program
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Recognition on the event website
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Recognition during the event slideshow
Supporting future leaders and stronger communities
Friend of Leading Change Africa​
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$1,000 – 2,499
Friend of Leading Change Africa​​
$1,000 – 2,499
Investing in opportunity
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Five event tickets
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Name recognition in the event program
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Recognition on the event website
Hear from Past Gala Volunteer
Ella Mitchell​
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Whether you're looking to give back, meet inspiring changemakers, or simply learn more about educational opportunities for African youth, volunteering at the Annual Gala offers more than a chance to help—it offers a chance to be part of a story that is changing lives.​
Host City
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Venue Address
Location: Milwaukee
Full Address Coming Soon!
Save the Date
November 12th
Through powerful stories of transformation—from limited access to resources and opportunities to becoming leaders, graduates, entrepreneurs, and changemakers—this event will demonstrate how one opportunity can create a ripple effect of impact across families, communities, and generations.