About Us

The Leadership Experience Initiative (LEI) is a community-centered nonprofit that helps people grow into leaders through real-world experiences. As a local Okaloosa county non-profit creating leaders through experiences, we believe leadership doesn’t come from a textbook; it comes from doing, connecting, and learning alongside others. That’s why we bring together students, educators, families, and community partners to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful change.

LEI was founded by Marcus Broadnax, Deborah Elmore, and Taylor Hood with a shared vision: to create leadership opportunities that are accessible, practical, and rooted in community. After attending a gcLi Leadership Lab, Marcus saw firsthand how much people learn by doing. He wanted to bring that same opportunity to teachers and students in his own community. Those experiences and beliefs became the foundation for LEI, an Okaloosa County nonprofit dedicated to developing leaders through meaningful, real-world experiences. Our roots as a local Okaloosa county non-profit creating leaders through experiences can be traced to these hopes and beliefs.

Today, LEI continues to grow as a connected leadership community where people don’t just learn about leadership—they live it. Through programs, partnerships, and hands-on experiences, we are helping the next generation find their voice, step into leadership, and make a real difference. These hopes and beliefs shaped our roots as an Okaloosa County nonprofit that creates leaders through real-world experiences.

Mission

Nurturing leadership through experiences.

Vision

A connected community where students, educators, parents, and partners lead together, improving quality of life for all.

Our Team

As a local Okaloosa county non-profit creating leaders through experiences, we bring together educators, school leaders, and community builders across Okaloosa County and Fort Walton Beach who are committed to helping students and educators grow into confident leaders through hands-on leadership experiences. Our board includes top educators and community leaders who are actively making a difference in local schools and communities, bringing real-world insight and proven impact to everything we do.