About Us
The Leadership Experience Initiative (LEI) is a community-centered non-profit focused on helping people grow into leaders through real experiences. We believe leadership doesn’t come from a textbook, it comes from doing, connecting, and learning alongside others. That’s why webring 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 opportunities for leadership that are accessible, practical, and rooted in community. After participating in a GcLi excursion, Marcus saw firsthand how powerful experiential learning can be — and built LEI to bring that same level of growth and exposure to others.
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.
Mission
Nurturing leadership through experiences.
Vision
A connected community where students, educators, parents, and partners lead together, improving quality of life for all.
Support Our Work
Help us grow leaders and impact communities
Stories of Impact
Hear from our students, educators, and partners
Our Team
Our team brings together educators, leaders, and community builders who are committed to helping people grow into leaders through real experiences.
Taylor Hood
President/Co-founder
Marcus Broadnax
Executive Director/Co-founder
Deborah Elmore
Leadership Coordinator/ Co-founder
Cindy Gates
Programming & Partnerships
Bobby Carey
Programming & Partnerships
Brooke Barron
School Liaison
John Mead
Legal Advisor