From the Bronx to Global Impact—A Journey of Resilience and Leadership

Born and raised between the Bronx and Harlem’s bustling streets, Latif Elam’s story is about determination, transformation, and unwavering commitment to his community. As a graduate of the Eagle Academy for Young Men in the Bronx, Latif embodies the resilience that defines many young Black men navigating the challenges of urban life.

Latif’s early years were marked by constant change as his mother sought the best educational opportunities. By the time he entered high school, he had attended multiple schools, each presenting its own challenges. But it was at Eagle Academy where Latif found stability and brotherhood—where he could finally put down roots and grow.

“Until Eagle, I was always the new kid,” Latif recalls. “But at Eagle, I found a community. We were more than classmates; we were brothers.”

The turning point in Latif’s life came during Eagle’s Summer Bridge program. There, he formed bonds with fellow students and teachers that would carry him through his high school years. Among those who left a lasting impact was the late Mr. Philip Magli, a teacher who saw Latif’s potential and pushed him to aim higher. Mr. Magli’s belief in Latif led to a recommendation for the prestigious Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) program, which ultimately opened the doors to a full scholarship at Carnegie Mellon University.

“Eagle gave me more than an education—it gave me a purpose,” Latif says. “Mr. Magnet was one of those rare teachers who didn’t just see who you were in the classroom. He saw who you could be in life.”

After graduating from Eagle Academy, Latif took his talents to Carnegie Mellon University, a top-25 school known for its rigorous academics and diverse student body. There, he immersed himself in a new environment, eager to learn and grow beyond the confines of his previous experiences.

“I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone,” he explains. “Carnegie Mellon was a place where I could learn to navigate different worlds and prepare for the diverse workforce I knew I’d be entering.”

Today, Latif is making his mark as a Senior Manager in Community Development and Engagement at American Express. In this role, he bridges the gap between the corporate world and the communities that need support the most. Through strategic partnerships and diversity initiatives, Latif is helping to create opportunities for others, just as others once did for him.

But Latif’s commitment to service continues beyond there. He also serves as the Board Chair of the International Youth Leadership Institute (IYLI), a nonprofit that played a pivotal role in his development during high school. Through IYLI, Latif traveled to Egypt and Tanzania, experiences that broadened his perspective and deepened his resolve to give back. Now, as Board Chair, he’s dedicated to ensuring other young people have the same life-changing opportunities.

“Travel changed me,” Latif reflects. “Seeing the world outside my neighborhood opened my eyes to what’s possible. I’m passionate about creating those same opportunities for the next generation.”

Latif’s journey hasn’t been without its trials. In his senior year of high school, just days before graduation, his mother was involved in an accident that left her in intensive care. Despite the emotional turmoil, Latif pushed through, earning his diploma and visiting his mother in the hospital immediately after the ceremony—a testament to the strength and resilience that defines him.

Looking ahead, Latif focuses on expanding his impact on a global scale. He envisions a future where his work in community development reaches across borders, connecting young people in the U.S. with their peers in Africa—a mission close to his heart.

“I want to build bridges between communities,” he says. “Whether it’s here in the U.S. or across the globe, I believe we all have something to learn from one another.”

As Latif continues to rise, he remains grounded in the lessons he learned at Eagle Academy. His advice to today’s young men? “Always bet on yourself. Plan your path, and follow through with patience and determination. Your time will come.”

Latif is more than a success story; he’s a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of mentorship, education, and community. His journey from the Bronx to global impact proves that anything is possible with the right support and a relentless drive. And as he continues to give back, Latif is ensuring that the next generation of young Black men can dream bigger, reach higher, and create lasting change.