Leadership Experience Initiative
Growing Leaders
About Us
At its heart, LEI remains a collective of individuals who believe in the power of leadership based in
experience. Each of us feel fortunate to claim our varied experiences as drivers of our leadership
styles and skills, and we intend to share that message and opportunity with students and educators.
Our organization believes in forging leadership skills through intentional experiential platforms,
allowing individuals to develop their leadership skills without pretense.
Our Partners
LEI partners with organizations based on the quality of their programming, their philosophical
alignment, and their documented success with students and educators. Each of our partners
believes in and promotes the value of experience-driven leadership.
Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder
North Carolina Outward Bound
Gardner Carney Leadership Institute
“Attending the GCLI Leadership Lab was transformative for me – it changed my perspective on everything. My fellow attendees embraced me for who I am and taught me the power of being vulnerable. Even though we came from different backgrounds, we learned to listen to one another and value our varied experiences, adapting to work together towards a common goal. Through lots of laughter, tears and jubilation, I learned so much. This was a life changing experience for me, and I can’t wait to apply what I learned to help transform the lives of children in our community.”
-Marcus Broadnax
Okaloosa Principals Return from Prestigious Leadership Lab in Colorado
Four outstanding principals from the Okaloosa County School District recently returned from a transformative experience at the gcLi Leadership Lab in Colorado, an intensive program designed to develop courageous, ethical, and student-centered leaders in education. Thanks to a generous sponsorship from the Leadership Experience Initiative (LEI), the following administrators were selected to attend:
- Lindsey Smith, Fort Walton Beach High School
- Michelle Heck, Choctawhatchee High School
- Heather Graham-Williams, Bruner Middle School
- Jason McClelland, Pryor Middle School
Lindsey Smith stated, “I am truly grateful for the members of LEI and their faith in me to have this experience in pursuit of strengthening the leadership capacity of our community. It has been an incredible week of learning, leading, and really reflecting on my impact and the impact of the teams I am blessed to work within.” Before their departure, the group met with the LEI team to prepare for the weeklong experience, which challenged participants to reflect deeply on their leadership values, build authentic relationships, and explore how to lead with greater clarity, character, and courage. “The experience we gained from gcLi in collaboration with LEI was truly invigorating,” stated Jason McClelland. “It not only enhanced my leadership skills but also initiated a journey toward developing future student leaders. We are thrilled to empower these students to give back to our wonderful community!”
Superintendent Marcus Chambers commended the four principals and celebrated their return, stating, “We are incredibly proud of these leaders and thankful to the Leadership Experience Initiative for making this opportunity possible. The insights and inspiration they gained will have a ripple effect across their campuses—and our district—as they continue to lead with purpose and a renewed commitment to student success.” LEI President Taylor Hood stated, “LEI believes that strong leadership is the foundation of a thriving school culture. Investing in gcLi’s training for our principals and their growth will directly impact the success of our schools. In the coming year, we’re excited to expand this work by involving students and empowering them to lead, contribute, and help strengthen our community.”
The Okaloosa County School District remains dedicated to supporting professional growth and leadership development at all levels. Programs like the gcLi Leadership Lab align with the district’s vision of fostering innovative, student-focused school leaders. To learn more about the organizations that made this opportunity possible.
“I believe that lifting up our community starts with lifting up our students and educators. LEI provides unique experiences to nurture leadership skills, immediately impacting lives and affecting long-term positive change.”
– Taylor Hood
Donate Today
We believe in the transformative power of leadership, and your financial support directly links students and educators to opportunities for that growth. Please consider donating today and becoming part of the greater effort to promote leadership through experience.