POTENTIAL REALIZED

About Our Work

In cooperation with established international partners, the Foundation identifies young individuals who have great potential in their field and a vision that goes beyond furthering their own careers. To qualify as a protégé, candidates must be facing adversity that presents a significant obstacle in otherwise reaching their full potential. Once selected, the Foundation provides protégés with mentorship, a tailored curriculum and resources to develop their professional skill set and leadership potential. As a result, protégés are positioned to rise to the top of their field, to make a positive impact on the lives of others, and eventually to become future mentors and give back to other promising young leaders. Read more about our work on our Frequently Asked Questions page

Vision

The Foundation aims to empower the next generation of leaders today, so they can help resolve critical issues faced by humankind tomorrow.

The Wilhelm & Karl Maybach Foundation’s work is inspired by the heritage of Founder Ulrich Schmid-Maybach’s great-grandfather, Wilhelm Maybach, who was raised in a progressive orphanage in Germany after his parents died. Maybach’s innate math and drawing skills led him from his original training focus as baker to the engineering department of the orphanage. Through a stroke of luck, his potential was spotted by Gottlieb Daimler, who became his mentor. With Daimler’s support and guidance, Maybach developed a revolutionary engine that launched the modern automotive era and fundamentally changed the world of transportation.

In October 2006, the Maybach Foundation launched its mentoring program at the United Nations first Global Youth Leadership Summit in New York City. Read some of the testimonials from the launch of the Foundation below.