The Emerging Leaders Council (ELC) of the Corey C. Griffin Foundation is shaping the next generation of philanthropists by empowering young professionals to lead with purpose.
We spoke with Co-Chairs Hannah and Ted about what drew them to the Council, how their understanding of giving has evolved, and why they believe small steps can create lasting impact.
“It’s not about waiting until you can write a big check. It’s about building a culture of giving now.”
Hannah Merson
ELC Co-Chair
“Impact doesn’t just mean writing checks. It can be talking to the right people at work, sharing about the Foundation, or just showing up.”
Ted Floyd
ELC Co-Chair
Being part of the ELC means a lot because it’s one of the only groups I’ve seen that truly focuses on youth, both the ones we’re helping and the ones doing the helping. You don’t often see the next generation empowered to lead in giving back. For me, it’s about starting that philanthropic journey earlier than people usually do. It’s not about waiting until you can write a big check. It’s about building a culture of giving now.
What inspired me was the ability to be super connected to the Foundation’s mission. I had heard about it through family and friends, and what stood out was the focus on making a major impact during the most crucial time in a kid’s life, right in your backyard. Knowing the Council offered opportunities to plan events, volunteer frequently, and make a real difference—that was super exciting.
It also means being part of a network of peers who want to do good. We have regular meetings, and now 85 to 100 applicants a year. It’s powerful to be a young person helping a younger person. The Foundation gives us a chance to contribute time and energy now, not just later when we can give financially. That’s what makes it meaningful.
I came from a philanthropic family, but most of what we did was financial. This is the first time I’ve seen something truly built for people our age. The Foundation created an environment where young adults in their 20s and 30s can grow and make a difference beyond just giving money.
The ELC is one of the smartest things the Foundation has done. It’s building a cycle of ambassadors, young people ready to spread the mission. As we grow older and give in different ways, new members come in to keep the momentum going. I never realized how much impact a group of 20- and 30-year-olds could have in Boston until I saw it happening here.
My understanding of philanthropy has changed a lot. I used to think it was all about money or time, and I had those mental blockers,“I don’t have enough of either.” But I’ve learned how easy it is to make a tangible impact, and how naturally it can fit into your daily life.
Impact doesn’t just mean writing checks. It can be talking to the right people at work, sharing about the Foundation, or just showing up. Like with our Back-to-School drive, it’s at a bar people already go to, and buying a backpack is something familiar. We’re not asking for a huge life change, just small steps that add up. The ELC showed me how consistent, everyday efforts can truly make a difference.
Even just the amount of hats and T-shirts you see around is wild. I live in New York City, and I’ve run into people wearing Corey Griffin gear at bars. And it’s not just New York—you see it in Montana, Nantucket, anywhere the Griffins have roots. The reach has only grown since the ELC launched.
The ELC reinforces that giving back can be fun. It’s not just black-tie galas for people in their 60s. We’ve made it something exciting, like CoreyFest, a country concert on Corey’s birthday. Young people who never even met Corey come together, have fun, and raise over $2 million. It shows that giving back doesn’t have to feel formal or intimidating, it can feel like community.
The ELC is a strong marketing and inspiration engine. It opens the door for people who might think being part of a foundation is out of reach. When someone in your office is part of it, it makes it feel possible. I’ve had coworkers reach out after seeing a LinkedIn post or even just the hat I was wearing.
Seeing people our age involved makes it more relatable. You might not have the same finances as a board member, but you can still be involved. The ELC shows that this work is accessible, impactful, and something you can make time for—right now.
The proximity to people in tough situations was eye-opening. I live in the North End, and it’s easy to assume that real need exists far away. But there are people just blocks away who need help. That changed how I think about impact. It’s not just about global issues; often, the most meaningful difference you can make is right in your neighborhood.
A great example was Career Day at the St. John Paul II schools. I could bike there—2.5 miles from my office—and meet kids whose families live on under $35,000 a year. That hit me hard. You don’t need to fly across the country to help people. Sometimes, all it takes is showing up right next door.
In New York, the wealth gap is obvious. You see people struggling all the time. In Boston, it’s less visible. Everything looks clean and polished, and it can feel like a sheltered, wealthy bubble.
The backpack event in Dorchester was a wake-up call. We were giving kids their first new backpack and school supplies. Just ten minutes from South Boston—these are our neighbors. I didn’t expect that level of need so close by. It reminded me how important it is to stay present, aware, and to lead by stepping up where you are.
It’s simple: pick an event and put it on your calendar. People overthink it and feel like they need a lot of time or money. But just showing up to one event is the best first step.
If you’re busy during the day, go to an after-work event. Reach out to someone at the Foundation. Write one email. Make one call. I regularly send a calendar to my office or group chat and invite people to come. Once you go, it feels a lot more doable.
Getting Started
We usually just say to stay in touch. There are happy hours, volunteer days, CoreyFest, and the Winter Ball. You don’t need to commit to everything, just find one thing and show up.
We’re also creating a more structured environment for volunteers. Even helping with check-in at an event keeps you engaged. Whether or not someone wants to eventually join the ELC, these small steps make a big difference.
That’s a hard question because I love being part of this so much. But I know there’s more to do even after my ELC days are over. I’d love to stay involved with things like the Winter Ball Committee, the Ron Burton Training Village, or supporting the Pope John Paul II schools.
We’ve started thinking seriously about what the path looks like after the ELC. I was at an alumni dinner where the whole purpose was to figure out how to keep people involved after their term. John Farrow is a great example, he was in the first ELC class and now helps lead the Winter Ball. That’s the kind of role I’d love to grow into.
I agree. There’s starting to be more structure around what happens after your ELC term. It used to feel like a gap between the Council and the Board, and now we’re working on ways to bridge that.
One idea is building an ELC alumni network, like a college alumni group. People could tap into it for networking, advice, or collaboration. If a new ELC member sees that Ted works at Datadog and has experience, they know they can reach out.
We’re also talking about creating a directory with bios and contact info. I’m already on the Winter Ball Committee, and I know others from the ELC have transitioned into similar roles. Long-term, I’d love to be in a more administrative seat, maybe even a board role one day.
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We believe every child deserves a chance to thrive. The Corey C. Griffin Foundation supports high-impact educational and healthcare programs for youth from under-resourced communities in Greater Boston, serving over 10,000 kids annually.