Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders: Our Partnership with HOBY Maryland

Empowering Future Leaders with HOBY Maryland: Our Commitment to Leadership and Growth

At The Jen Holden Group of Compass, we believe in making a meaningful impact within our community and beyond. One of the partnerships closest to our hearts is with HOBY Maryland, an extraordinary organization dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders. For over 50 years, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) has been recognized as the premier youth leadership development program in the country. Since its founding in 1958 by actor Hugh O’Brian, HOBY has equipped over 500,000 alumni with the skills to drive change in their schools, communities, and beyond.

HOBY Maryland: Leadership in Action

Since 1979, HOBY Maryland has inspired thousands of high school sophomores across the state to embrace leadership and service. Each year, over 250 students gather for a four-day Leadership Seminar at Towson University. These students, known as Ambassadors, learn about the pillars of personal, group, and service leadership through hands-on activities, keynote speeches, service projects, and small group discussions facilitated by alumni. This incredible program builds bridges between young leaders from diverse backgrounds and empowers them to make a positive impact in their communities.

HOBY Maryland’s seminars are packed with energy, empathy, and action. In 2024 alone, Ambassadors from 17 schools in Anne Arundel County participated, showcasing the program’s far-reaching influence in our local community. Highlights included panels and keynote speeches from industry leaders and HOBY alumni, covering topics such as entrepreneurship, diversity, and volunteerism. The seminar also featured a hands-on service project with Rise Against Hunger, packaging meals for global communities in need—a testament to HOBY’s commitment to leadership through action.

The Jen Holden Group's Role: Sponsoring Tomorrow’s Leaders

As proud corporate sponsors, we are honored to play a part in this transformative journey. Our team donates funds to help send students to the Leadership Seminar each summer. This ensures that cost is never a barrier for students with leadership potential. In addition to financial support, we actively participate in HOBY Maryland’s Professional Development portion of the program. Picture a dynamic networking session where students can ask professionals about their career paths, gain insights, and learn valuable tips for their future. It’s like a career fair—but much more personal, engaging, and inspiring!

Through these efforts, we aim to give back to the community by fostering a new generation of leaders who will drive positive change and make their mark on the world.

HOBY’s Legacy and Vision

HOBY’s mission to provide lifelong leadership development opportunities is rooted in its founder Hugh O’Brian’s belief that the most important thing in education is to teach young people to think for themselves. Inspired by a pivotal visit to Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Albert Schweitzer in 1958, O’Brian returned to the U.S. with a vision to empower young minds. More than 65 years later, this vision continues to thrive, with alumni making an impact globally as leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

Why Supporting HOBY Matters

The work done by HOBY Maryland is only possible with the help of generous donors and volunteers. It costs approximately $200,000 annually to bring over 250 students and 100+ volunteers together for the flagship Leadership Seminar. Every dollar makes a difference in transforming lives and empowering youth to lead with empathy and purpose. To learn more about how you can contribute or volunteer, visit HOBY Maryland’s website.

Join Us in Supporting HOBY Maryland

We are inspired by the incredible work HOBY Maryland does every year to nurture the next generation of leaders. As corporate sponsors, we are proud to champion this mission and encourage others to join us in supporting such an impactful program. Together, we can ensure that students across Maryland have the opportunity to think big, lead boldly, and make a difference.

Want to get involved or learn more? Check out HOBY Maryland’s seminar highlight reel here and see the impact for yourself. Let’s continue to empower young leaders to create a brighter future for us all.