JACKSON, Tenn. (March 4, 2025) – Leaders Education Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, is hosting EmpowerEd: An Evening with Dr. John Delony presented by West Tennessee Healthcare at the Carl Perkins Civic Center on Thursday, August 14. This signature event will feature an inspiring presentation by Dr. John Delony, renowned Ramsey Personality, bestselling author, and mental health expert. The evening will culminate with a special award ceremony honoring five exceptional individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to education in our community.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. John Delony join us to kick-off our first fundraising event for our Foundation,” said Leigh Anne Bentley, President of Leaders Education Foundation. “This event embodies our commitment to ‘Give Forward’ by creating an experience that will inspire attendees while generating vital resources for our scholarship and grant programs.”
EmpowerEd is the Foundation’s inaugural fundraising event. The money raised is dedicated to provide funds for scholarships, educator grants, and other education initiatives across West Tennessee. Since the inception of the Foundation in 2019, they have awarded 176 scholarships and have given away nearly $500,000 in educational support for students and educators.
During the event, there will be the EmpowerEd Educator Awards, which will be given to the most deserving teachers, administrators, and volunteers who receive nominations based on the following criteria:
Empowering Schools Award (1)- celebrates exceptional district or school-level administrators or school board member who demonstrate visionary leadership, foster student achievement, engage with the community, and create a positive school culture. Honorees are celebrated for their commitment to innovation, professionalism, and resilience, inspiring both staff and students to reach their highest potential.
Impacting Communities Award (1)- honors the dedication and selflessness of volunteers (non-paid) who generously give their time to support the educational needs of students and teachers in our community. These nominees should give their time and talents to support student achievement, teacher appreciation, and promotion of the school or post-secondary institution.
Inspiring Students Award (3)- celebrates outstanding educators who make a profound impact in their classrooms and at the school or collegiate level. This award honors teachers who inspire and engage students, foster a love of learning, and contribute to the academic and personal growth of their students. These exceptional educators demonstrate innovative teaching practices, dedication to student success, and a commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Awards will be given in three categories.
“It’s an honor to be able to celebrate the educators who have become local heroes in our community through the EmpowerEd Educator Awards,” said Bentley. “These dedicated individuals represent the heart of our educational system, often working tirelessly behind the scenes to transform young lives with limited recognition. By inviting our community to participate in this celebration, we hope to honor five exceptional educators and inspire the next generation of educational leaders.”
To learn more, sponsor the event, or reserve your table now, visit leadersgives.org/events. To nominate an educator for the EmpowerEd Educator Awards, visit leadersgives.org/nominate.
About Dr. John Delony
Dr. John Delony is a two-time #1 national bestselling author, mental health expert and host of The Dr. John Delony Show. John has two PhDs and over two decades of experience in counseling, crisis response, and higher education. While at Ramsey Solutions, he has authored bestselling books Own Your Past, Change Your Future, Redefining Anxiety and most recently, Building a Non-Anxious Life. John has appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America, Fox News and Fox Business, and been featured in Real Simple Magazine, Fast Company, The Today Show, and HuffPost. He has been a guest on The School of Greatness Podcast, The Minimalist Podcast, The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast, The Dhru Purohit Podcast, and the Mind Pump Podcast. John’s goal is to help people navigate tough decisions, improve their relationships, and believe they’re worth being well.
About Leaders Education Foundation
Leaders Education Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization based in West Tenn. and was established in 2019. The Foundation allows community-minded citizens, members, and organizations to unite to make lives better together. It invests back into its community through scholarships, grants, and additional resources that provide educational opportunities and promote workforce development, lifelong learning, and training for students, teachers, and communities. For more information about Leaders Education Foundation or to become a member and Give Forward, please visit their website, leadersgives.org.