Supporting Global Change
Richard Sleece, a current fellow in the Inspired Leadership Initiative (ILI) at the University of Notre Dame, is using his experience and passion for philanthropy to support global initiatives that drive tangible change. The Inspired Leadership Initiative is an academic year-long residential program for accomplished individuals from all disciplines who have completed their chosen careers and wish to embark on a process of discovering, discerning, and designing who they want to be in the next stage of their lives. Richard and his wife Mary Ann, through their foundation, the Richard and Mary Ann Sleece Foundation, recently made a generous contribution to Mendoza College of Business’ Powerful Means Initiative. The Sleece’s gift will help build revenue for Saint Bakhita Vocational Training Center in Kalongo, Uganda, by funding the purchase and management of a sunflower press at the school, and contributing to a developing incubator fund to support SBVTC Innovation Scholars in their post-graduation entrepreneurial ventures. Together, these initiatives advance the goals of Saint Bakhita, ensuring the self-sustainability of the school, providing graduates with the resources they need to thrive, and contributing to the economic prosperity of the region.
Building Impact: Purpose - Driven Philanthropy
Sleece has always had a passion for philanthropy, however he became especially interested in “giving back” after his retirement. He began this journey by volunteering at organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, but eventually decided that forming his own foundation would be a more sustainable way to structure his charitable efforts. “I got to a point in my career where I realized I could be doing more,” Sleece shared. He also noted that the decision to focus on helping young adults prosper in their early lives allowed him and his wife to engage in true purpose-driven work. For Sleece, the most rewarding part of running the foundation isn’t the recognition, but the impact. “It’s not about the recognition, frankly. It’s more about results and trying to make an impact; and the broader the impact the better.” He emphasized the importance of being able to see tangible results, while balancing that with the understanding that philanthropy’s intangible benefits can also drive fulfillment.
Launch of the Incubator Program
Supporting Practical, Impactful Solutions
“The best way to form opinions on different issues is to go out and travel. Seeing new places, people and cultures helps you appreciate what you have when you come home and broadens your overall perspective.”
He first learned about the opportunities for supporting this work in Uganda during an ILI “Lunch and Learn” session where Professor Wendy Angst, the program’s director, shared her inspiring story of the creation of the Powerful Means Initiative and the work with Saint Bakhita. Sleece, having a passion for helping others, specifically young people, was deeply moved by Angst’s testimony and was eager to get involved. “Wendy’s message really resonated with me,” he explained. “I like ideas with a beginning, an end and a deliverable.” The practical nature of the sunflower press project, combined with the school’s broader goals of empowering young women and Angst’s eagerness to collaborate, made it a perfect fit for the foundation’s mission. “You can get your arms around it… you have a chance for lesser money to have a broader impact,” he said. Sleece was also particularly drawn to the Powerful Means Initiative’s mission due to the student experiential learning opportunities the program provides. He is a firm believer in learning through travel and self-diversification. “The best way to form opinions on different issues is to go out and travel,” he said. “Seeing new places, people and cultures helps you appreciate what you have when you come home and broadens your overall perspective.”
ILI: Living with Intention
Saint Bakhita, the first international partner of the Richard and Mary Ann Sleece Foundation, also aligned synchronously with the values of the ILI, which emphasize virtues, ethics and morality. Sleece has fully immersed himself in the ILI, viewing it as a new chapter in his life. “ILI is just another adventure, that’s the way you have to look at it,” he said. “In ILI, you’re living your life more intentionally and are driven by good.” He emphasized how the program helps participants focus on the deeper purpose behind their actions, without material incentives like power or wealth that often accompany success in earlier stages of life. “When you’re young, you’re the moth and the flame is money, power and status…You can’t just get drawn to the flame; you have to think about what’s really important.” This is exactly what he is learning to do as an ILI fellow. When asked about his advice to fellow ILI members, Sleece focused specifically on being proactive and intentional; trying new things and not feeling ‘boxed into’ one path. “There’s not one thing you should be doing in retirement; you need to try a bunch of different things”, he shared.
Leading by Example
Richard Sleece’s contribution to the Powerful Means Initiative and the work with Saint Bakhita is a reflection of the values at the heart of both the Inspired Leadership Initiative and the Richard and Mary Ann Sleece Foundation. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of using one’s time, resources and leadership to create meaningful and intentional change, both locally and globally. As he continues to support initiatives like these, Sleece is a leader by example, proving that philanthropy is not just about giving, but making a lasting impact.
Nate Butler is a current sophomore in the Mendoza College of Business studying Marketing, Spanish and Anthropology.