# 177 | How Leanna Calvin Is Expanding Youth Possibility in Charlotte

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Leanna Calvin, founder and executive director of Exposure Project, an innovative youth development organization helping middle and high school students explore careers, build character, and develop practical skills through hands-on experiences. Leanna shares how her natural curiosity, social work background, and connection with young people led her to launch Exposure Project. She also offers an honest look behind the scenes of nonprofit leadership, including funding challenges, team development, governance, marketing, program evaluation, and the infrastructure required to build a sustainable organization. Kyle and Leanna also discuss why young people need exposure beyond traditional career paths, how parents can cultivate curiosity, and why meaningful youth development requires more than simply keeping children occupied after school. Key Topics How career exposure can change a young person’s future Building sustainable nonprofit infrastructure The realities of funding, volunteers, boards, and team development Listening to young people and cultivating their curiosity Turning hands-on experiences into practical career skills Episode History 00:00 — Introduction and meeting Leanna Calvin 02:00 — Curiosity, boldness, and Leanna’s calling to serve youth 06:00 — Building Exposure Project and navigating early challenges 11:30 — Why nonprofit leadership is business leadership 14:15 — The infrastructure every nonprofit needs 18:15 — Where overwhelmed nonprofit founders should begin 25:30 — Why youth development deserves greater respect 31:00 — Career exposure, the food truck initiative, and future growth Leanna's Bio Leanna Calvin is the founder and executive director of Exposure Project, a youth development organization that helps middle and high school students explore career pathways, build character, and gain hands-on professional experience. She is also a licensed clinical social worker with a background in mental health, youth development, foster care prevention, therapeutic services, and community programming. Leanna holds degrees from Tuskegee University and Fordham University and has served young people and families across multiple states. Through Exposure Project, Leanna connects students with professionals, businesses, career experiences, entrepreneurship opportunities, and practical learning. The organization’s initiatives include career exposure trips, experiential programming, an annual youth summit, and a youth-led food truck initiative that teaches business development, marketing, financial literacy, culinary skills, photography, and graphic design. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King