Presidential Precinct Network Receives Expanded Support from VMware

Common Commitment to Social Collaboration to Help Accelerate Growth of Secure Online Network for Young Leaders Worldwide

Charlottesville, VA

The Presidential Precinct, comprised of two of America’s leading universities and three presidential homes in Virginia, announced that it has received expanded support from VMware, the leader in virtualization and cloud infrastructure, for its global online network of young leaders from emerging and established democracies worldwide. Using the Socialcast by VMware solution, the Presidential Precinct Network has provided an exclusive, secure venue for collaboration, professional development, and access to dignitaries and policy experts representing business, government, academia and civil society from more than 100 nations since 2014.

VMware, which provided in-kind support of the first 1,000 members of the Presidential Precinct Network, will expand its support to an additional 2,000 users. The donation is expected to significantly accelerate the growth and prominence of the Presidential Precinct Network as a unique resource for young leaders who aim to advance their ideas and generate positive change in their home countries and at a global scale.

The announcement was made during the Presidential Precinct global issues forum, Magna Carta 2015: Global Empowerment through Rule of Law at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. The event featured young leaders from nearly two dozen nations discussing issues including sustainability, gender, and the global economy with governmental, academic, civil society and business leaders.

The event culminated in a discussion featuring His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, engaging the young leaders regarding the past and future evolution of the rule of law. The livestream of the event generated over 1,500 views from 34 countries on the Presidential Precinct Network.

“VMware is proud to support the Presidential Precinct and its efforts to bring together young leaders from around the world who share a common belief in democracy and fairness regardless of geography or era,” said Bob Schultz, Chief Strategy Lead & VP, End User Computing, VMware. “Socialcast by VMware is a social collaboration platform that can assist with global efforts and individuals separated by geography but united by a common cause.”

The expansion will coincide with the announcement of the second class of Mandela Washington Fellows through the Young African Leaders Initiative. More than 450 Fellows from the inaugural 2014 class are active members of the Presidential Precinct Network. Membership will also be extended to additional scholars from YALI host institutions, selected participants in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the U.S. Department of State, and one or more of the YALI Regional Leadership Centers to be launched this year in Ghana, Kenya, Senegal and South Africa.

“VMware is a strong supporter of the Presidential Precinct, and this expanded commitment will help ensure that we maintain the capacity to meet continually escalating demand for membership and resources,” said Neal Piper, Managing Director of the Presidential Precinct. “Our mission provides a fascinating opportunity for collaboration across the public, private and technology sectors to support the next generation of global leaders. We are honored and humbled to work with VMware to make this mission a reality and to promote the power of Socialcast across more than 100 countries.”