This podcast episode features Jeremy Rossbach and Leslie Banks, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Serve the Future. The conversation explores how they are using tennis as a vehicle to empower young people in underserved communities, emphasizing life skills, mentorship, and community building.

Key Highlights of the Discussion:

• Founding and Mission (1:40 – 7:00): Leslie Banks discusses starting Serve the Future during the pandemic (2020) as a way to provide social connection and positive impact for youth through tennis, which she describes as the “healthiest sport in the world.”

• Empowering Youth (7:00 – 16:00): The program focuses on teaching life skills such as accountability, responsibility, and maintaining a positive mindset. The guests share success stories of students, like Key and Josh, who have used these skills to navigate challenges and achieve academic success, including acceptance into prestigious programs like those at MIT and Northwestern.

• The Tech-Philanthropy Bridge (17:00 – 22:00): Jeremy Rosbach discusses his initiative to bridge the gap between the tech industry and non-profit work. He highlights the importance of corporate social responsibility, encouraging tech companies to engage with local nonprofits to foster future leaders and diversify the pipeline for roles in AI and data science.

• Upcoming Initiatives (22:11 – 31:00): The guests highlight their upcoming January 10th Triples Tournament, a team-based fundraiser designed to foster community and engagement. They emphasize the importance of these events for donors to meet the students and see the direct impact of their contributions.

Throughout the video, the speakers underscore that while tennis is the tool, the real goal is to create a safe space for youth to develop resilience and character.