The most diverse generation in American history is supercharging collaboration and entrepreneurship aboard a transcontinental train.

Millennials have been making headlines since the generational label was first bestowed upon them, and whether the stories dramatize the bad, or shine a light on the good, there’s no denying that this generation is changing the world we live in. They’re redefining leadership, through collaboration and social purpose – and it’s benefitting all of us, including businesses around the world.

“Millennials are the most diverse generation in American history, and we’re driving social change and innovation on a national and global scale,” said Patrick Dowd, Founder and CEO of Millennial Trains Project.

Dowd, like many millennial leaders, speaks in futuristic terms, but backs up his ideals with actions, including starting the Millennial Trains Project. “As we ascend to positions of leadership, stigmas and behaviors that divided prior generations will soften. Millennials are so accustomed to interacting with people with diverse backgrounds, that structural inequities from the past just aren’t going to fly with our generation. We’re in a position to foster unity and accelerate change around the world.”

Dowd believes the millennial generation will break down barriers more rapidly than any generation before, and his belief is shared by many in corporate America. As millennials grow into leadership positions, companies are investing more in programs that extend beyond the four walls of their businesses and reach into the communities they serve. This mission is aligned with Comcast NBCUniversal, and we joined forces with Millennial Trains Project, through our Open Possibilities social innovation platform.

Days and nights on the train are filled with conversations that help passengers grow as leaders, and build connections that will foster social and economic progress long after the train pulls into its final station. Dowd’s hope is that Millennial Trains Project can equip these new leaders with the knowledge and networks to bring this future to fruition even faster, and close divides between public and private sectors. Along the way, this mobile incubator makes stops in cities including Chicago, Albuquerque, and Milwaukee, where participants gain valuable insights from area leaders on community engagement and social entrepreneurship.

This year, Comcast NBCUniversal moved the journey beyond the train tracks with a Millennial Tech & Change Summit in San Francisco. The summit brought together more than 200 millennial entrepreneurs, civic change-makers, and business leaders to collaborate around ideas meant to spark new business and community growth.

“This first-ever Millennial Summit was a unique opportunity for millennial leaders to share ideas for change, and explore the entrepreneurial journey – from concept to company,” said Ebony Lee, Senior Vice President of Strategic Development at Comcast Cable, who was a panelist at the event. “We’re honored to be part of a movement that fosters inclusion, and welcomes diversity of thought and backgrounds. The most amazing innovations happen when we think outside of our own experiences and come together for one cause.”

Train passenger Tom Krueger, an educator and City Year alum, would agree, and was surprised by the impact that conversations outside of his specialty had on his experience. “Some of the things that really helped me bend my thinking were completely unrelated to education,” Krueger explained.

When he joined City Year in 2014, Krueger found himself working with students and peers from vastly diverse backgrounds, and he was engaged in communities where families of color were seemingly left behind. Today, he works with the Minneapolis school system to expand the pipeline of teachers of color, so that urban students can see the pathway to a career in teaching.

After his Millennial Train experience, he returned to Minneapolis a changed man. “Because the journey is both a comfortable space and a challenging space, I could have a critical lens on what we saw and heard, and apply that thinking to my work. It was recharging to be in the presence of idealistic people who have the drive to put that idealism into action.”

Krueger’s work was inspire by a NAACP Education Committee meeting, where the discussion highlighted the vast overrepresentation of white teachers – 93%. “As a white man, I have a front row seat for how others in my community are treated, in ways I’m never treated. The Millennial Train reminded me that we all have the power to dismantle the status quo, or become the leaders who will make it a priority, because people can’t wait.”