Pivot Graduate Monte Pollard Named to Obama Foundation Leaders USA Program

Monte Pollard, graduate of the Pivot Program’s second cohort, was recently named a 2025-2026 Obama Foundation USA Leader. Leaders participate in a six-month, virtual leadership development program that focuses on strengthening skills in values-based leadership, civic engagement and collective action.

After graduating from the Pivot Program in 2020, Pollard became the executive director of Changing Perceptions, an organization that supports returning citizens through workforce development, peer mentorship, licensed clinical social work and emergency financial assistance. In 2023, Changing Perceptions received the Justice Impact Award from the Opportunity Finance Network, and in 2024, the Community Changemaker Award from Spur Local.

Pollard said the work done by Changing Perceptions is essential to community growth.

“We’re proving that when you invest in people coming home, you’re investing in safer, healthier and more stable communities,” said Pollard. “Our participants don’t just reenter society — they reinvest in it.”

Pollard took an interest in the Leaders USA program because of the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally as an executive director.

“For me, joining the Leaders USA Program was about connecting that local impact to a national stage,” said Pollard. “I wanted to stand alongside other changemakers who are driving systems-level reform — whether in justice, housing, education, or healthcare — and learn how to build bridges instead of barriers.”

In addition to Changing Perceptions, Pollard has also recently earned his Master of Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and serves as a board member for several advocacy groups in housing and justice reform, including the District Task Force on Jails & Justice, the DC Reentry Housing Alliance Leadership Council, and the DC Bar Foundation Executive Support Group.

Pollard said the skills he gained from the Pivot Program have shaped his path as a business owner.

“I use the lessons from Pivot every day,” Pollard said. “The program didn’t just teach me business — it rewired how I think about leadership and systems. I learned how to design strategic plans, manage budgets, and communicate with funders in a way that connects mission to measurable impact.”

Monte Pollard speaks at a Pivot Program event.

Pollard added that the Pivot Program has continued to support him throughout his journey.

“Pivot remains part of my professional DNA,” said Pollard. “The relationships, mentorship, and continued engagement from the Pivot community have been a consistent source of encouragement.”