(San Francisco - October 28, 2015) Today the Presidio Institute and American Express announced the launch of Leaderosity, a new online leadership development learning platform targeting social impact leaders. To-date, American Express has contributed $1 million to the development of the platform. Leaderosity also received generous funding from the Kresge Foundation and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The launch was announced at the 2015 Independent Sector National Conference in Miami, Florida by Timothy J. McClimon, president, American Express Foundation and David B. Smith, managing director, Presidio Institute.

"We are thrilled to announce the launch of Leaderosity with this generous gift from American Express," said Mr. Smith. "American Express has been a visionary supporter of social impact leadership for many years. Its support of Leaderosity enables Presidio Institute to perpetuate its mission to provide transformational experiences that inspire, encourage and empower leaders to make positive impact in the world."

Inaugural courses will be offered both by the Presidio Institute and the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA). NLA is the only workforce development organization that certifies diverse, work-ready talent for the nonprofit sector. The first offering is a four-week intensive course for early career professionals focused on the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to launch or fast track a successful non-profit career.

"For many years, we've been working to help address the need for leadership training in the non-profit and social purpose sector by supporting high-impact, in-person trainings," said Mr. McClimon. "Through this partnership with the Presidio Institute, we hope to scale the number of professionals we can help train through world-class online curricula."

Unlike traditional online learning environments, Leaderosity is interactive and can be tailored to a participant's preference and pace. Participants may work through unique learning modules from their home or office at their convenience, and peer to peer interaction allows them to challenge themselves – and each other – to become more adaptable and collaborative leaders. These interactions also provide the opportunity to build lasting, local, national and international relationships through an interconnected community of like-minded network builders.

"Leaderosity provided me with practical strategies and insightful knowledge on how to create a culture that works for everyone," said Ivellisse Morales, non-profit professional and participant in the Leaderosity pilot program. "As a young professional, these key courses are incredibly important as I build my career and networks. Leaderosity is also accessible and affordable, which makes it a recommended go-to professional development resource for individuals working in the social sector."

Professionals interested in learning more about the platform as well as how to participate can visitLEADEROSITY.COM or contact: Robert Gordon IV, Leaderosity Project Manager, (415) 561-4034.

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About the Presidio Institute

The Presidio Institute, a Presidio Trust initiative, is located at historic Fort Scott, a stunning 20-acre campus overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.  Building on the Presidio's legacy of service and public-private partnerships, the Presidio Institute offers leadership development programs and convenes events that equip and connect champions for change. The Presidio Institute believes that communities can more effectively confront complex challenges and achieve positive impact through cross sector collaboration.  By engaging individuals, non-profits, foundations, academic institutions, government agencies, and private businesses they aim to build a stronger pipeline of leaders who can stand up to the tests ​of our times.  Learn more >>

About American Express

American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

Key links to products and services: charge and credit cards, business credit cards, Plenti rewards program,travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, corporate card and business travel.

About American Express: Developing New Leaders for Tomorrow One of American Express' three philanthropic platforms is Developing New Leaders for Tomorrow. Under this giving initiative, which recognizes the significance of strong leadership in the nonprofit and social purpose sectors, American Express makes grants focused on training high potential emerging leaders to tackle important issues in the 21st century. Nearly 16,000 emerging nonprofit and social sector leaders worldwide have benefitted from American Express leadership programs, including the American Express Leadership Academy among others. Launched in 2008, the American Express Leadership Academy addresses the growing deficit of leadership talent in the nonprofit sector by bringing together emerging leaders from a diverse set of nonprofit, social sector and non-governmental organizations.​