Strong leadership is measured by achievement and the ability to create opportunity while driving lasting impact. Black Enterprise’s XCEL Summit for Men was founded on this premise. It brings leaders from different fields together to explore what excellence looks like in action and how it can be used to improve communities.
Robert F. Smith was named a 2025 XCEL Award Honoree for his work expanding access and opportunity for others. This article explores the Summit in greater detail, Smith’s actions that led to this honor and why this recognition is important.
What Is the XCEL Summit For Men?
The XCEL Summit For Men is a gathering designed to uplift, equip and celebrate men at every stage of leadership, from early career to executive roles. Held October 2025 in Orlando, FL, the conference brought together leaders committed to growth, integrity and service.
The summit featured award ceremonies, leadership panels, networking opportunities and open conversations that encourage honest reflection about what it means to lead with purpose. At its heart, XCEL is about cultivating excellence that has an impact.
Smith’s Journey in Philanthropy
Smith is celebrated for his business success, but his philanthropic impact is what makes him a particularly fitting XCEL honoree. Smith’s efforts cover a wide range of areas, including education, community development and social impact. In 2019, he surprised the world by announcing he would eliminate the student loan debt of nearly 400 graduating Morehouse College students, which he later expanded to include that of their parents and guardians. This commitment represented more than generosity. It reinforced the idea that access to education is foundational to progress and opportunity.
He followed that by establishing Student Freedom Initiative (SFI), providing debt relief and educational support to students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).
Through Fund II Foundation, Smith works to preserve Black American culture and heritage, advance human rights and strengthen pathways to entrepreneurship. He also co-leads Southern Community Initiative (SCI), which directs capital and capacity-building efforts to economically underinvested regions across the South.
Why This Recognition Matters
Smith’s recognition shows that leadership is most meaningful when it helps others succeed and contributes to stronger communities. The XCEL Summit for Men provides a space for leaders to reflect on their impact, learn from one another and consider how their skills and influence can benefit others.
To keep up with Smith’s latest news, consider subscribing to his YouTube or following him on LinkedIn.