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Held annually, the Leading Change Benefit is SEEDS’ premier fundraising event, bringing together supporters, alumni, families, and community leaders to celebrate the transformative power of education. This signature evening highlights the extraordinary achievements of SEEDS scholars and alumni while showcasing the organization’s continued commitment to expanding educational access and opportunity.
Tuesday, May 13, 2025, over 200 SEEDS champions filled the stunning Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park, NJ, for an inspiring evening. The event featured a cocktail reception, strolling-style dinner, silent auction, student and parent stories, honoree recognition, and our special scholarship paddle raise.
2025 LEADING CHANGE HONOREES
Calvin Millien
Calvin Millien , SEEDS alumnus ‘08, is a Senior Brand Manager at Robot, the brand consulting division of Fulwell Entertainment (a newly created company born out of the merger between The SpringHill Company, founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, and Fulwell 73 Productions). In this role, he oversees Google Pixel’s brand marketing efforts and partnerships with the NBA, NWSL, and McLaren.
Throughout his career, Calvin has specialized in marketing – with previous roles at Gary Vaynerchuk’s VaynerMedia and RSE Ventures backed start-up &pizza. Calvin attended Seton Hall Preparatory School as a member of The Griffi n Bridges Program and graduated from Georgetown University in 2016. He also served on the SEEDS Board of Trustees from 2019-2024.
Donald M. Austin
Donald M. (Don) Austin has served as Head of School at Newark Academy since 2007. Previously, he was the Resident Director of School Year Abroad in Rennes, France, from 2000 to 2007, and a teacher and administrator at the Collegiate School in New York from 1985 to 2000. During his tenure at Newark Academy, the school has expanded its enrollment, improved its facilities, and deepened its commitment to experiential learning and the International Baccalaureate program. Additionally, the annual fund and endowment have grown significantly, and the percentage of students of color has increased from 22% to 66%. One of Don’s signature initiatives is the Newark Scholars Program, a scholarship fund that has attracted many outstanding SEEDS students.
More than just a celebration, the Leading Change Benefit is critical to raising the funds that directly support SEEDS’ efforts to identify and nurture motivated students from low-income households. Funds raised enable SEEDS to provide life-changing programs, including academic preparation, leadership development, and ongoing guidance, ensuring that scholars are equipped to excel in their educational journeys and beyond.
Your support of the Leading Change Benefit not only sustains our programs but also affirms the belief that education is a powerful vehicle for equity and empowerment. Together, we can continue to create opportunities, foster success, and inspire future generations of leaders.
QUESTIONS?
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