photo by steed media service

In recent years, Exxon Mobil has established itself as both a community leader and the world’s largest publicly traded international oil and gas company. One of Exxon Mobil’s priorities is centered on developing future leaders through extensive recruiting efforts, and its U.S. business development manager, Leonard James III, is committed to ensuring that young people with potential take advantage of every opportunity available. “We participate on several different levels to find the individuals that would like to begin a career with Exxon Mobil. On another front, we have a program that we call our Minority Economic Development Model,” he says. “The goal of that program is to find minority entrepreneurs that would like to become Exxon Mobil branded dealers and distributors. We’re actively involved in the National Black MBA Association’s Leaders of Tomorrow program, because it’s a way to begin developing the analytical skills, the business presentation skills, and just the entire business approach for young people that are about to get into business.” With Exxon Mobil’s support and commitment to educational efforts in and around the black community, James is proud to play an important role in the future success of upcoming leaders. And with a program in place at Spelman College called Women In Science and Engineering (WISE), James and Exxon Mobil are particularly focused on recruiting more female engineers. “The good thing about that program is that they try to take young ladies into that program and provide internships for them ... within our company,” he explains. “Hopefully, out of that program, we’re able to discuss with them potential future employment.” -jason thompson

Send this Article to a Friend
facebook