A note from our Jamie Gardner:
This month, I am officially leaving my current role at X Sector Labs to join Google as the Head of Strategic Programs.
This decision didn’t come lightly as I have loved working with this team, the amazing group of cross-sector leaders we run with, and the meaningful work we do on a daily basis.
I have the opportunity to come full circle in my career. It started in the private sector in business and technology consulting, which I left because I was craving leveraging my professional expertise and access to resources at a time when CSR and employee engagement didn’t exist. I’m forever grateful for the mentors who guided me through the nonprofit sector where I had the privilege to witness firsthand how critical it is to providing safety nets and carrying the burden of inspiring and demanding systems change (not to mention everything in between), and the leaders who courageously make it all possible!
I found my sweet spot learning how to connect the private and public sector as partners in change. Eventually, that expanded to working with the government, philanthropy, and academia. It was a gift when Dave welcomed me into X Sector Labs to do this work together.
I am sad to leave this home (Yes, And!) excited to come around full circle, going back into the private sector with Google, a company “committed to significantly improving the lives of as many people as possible.” Of course, there is a lot of work to be done and I am committed to doing it. I feel proud and grateful that I am connected to all of you who continue to inspire me.
As I embark on my new adventure, I’ll never leave the X Sector Labs ethos and this amazing community of cross-sector leaders. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at JamieGardner@Google.com.
With gratitude and best wishes until we meet again,
Jamie
Our Work
Hilinski's Hope kicking off Mental Health Awareness Month
May first kicks off Mental Health Awareness Month with Hilinski's Hope! Follow along by signing up for their newsletter or following them on social media. This month will include:
#3for3 Challenge - Back for it's fourth year, all month long we will be getting up for those who are down. Learn more about the challenge and how to participate.
New UNIT3D podcast episodes - hosted by Dr. Josie Nicholson, Sports Psychologist of Ole Miss
Practical ways to check in with your mental health
Announcements as we look forward to our third College Football Mental Health Week this fall and much, much more.
Deadline Approaching: #CaliforniansForAll College Corps
As seen in the NYTimes, Sacramento Bee, LA Times, AP News, and others - over the next two academic years, #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, an initiative launched by California Gov. Gavin Newsom and California Volunteers, will provide up to 6,500 college students across the state with a stipend and education award in exchange for community service.
45 total campuses representing University of California, California State University, community college and private university systems have been selected as program participants via a competitive grant application process. Application deadlines vary on campuses, but some are as early as this week. Please share with any students or networks you think might be interested.
KBM Advanced Materials Marketplace Expansion
KBM Advanced Materials creates a pathway for the metal powder distribution technologies required by the demands of industry 4.0.
Advanced manufacturing is leveraging 21st century technology to design and build machine parts, yet the sector is still using 20th century approaches to sell metal powder. The solution at KBM is to provide a marketplace for metal powders - allowing for online shopping, fast shipping, small batches, transparent pricing, and a range of products from known producers. Recently, KBM has expanded their marketplace to 30+ products from six producers.