About Us
The Leadership Experience Initiative (LEI) is a community-centered non-profit focused on helping people grow into leaders through real 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 opportunities for leadership that are accessible, practical, and rooted in community. After going to a gcLi leadership lab, Marcus saw how much people learn by doing, and he wanted to give that same chance to teachers and students. 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. This commitment defines us as a local Okaloosa county organization dedicated to creating leaders through real-world experiences, serving the non-profit community.
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. Supporting a local Okaloosa county non-profit creating leaders through experiences means making a lasting difference.
Stories of Impact
Hear from our students, educators, and partners. Their stories showcase the work of a local Okaloosa county non-profit creating leaders through experiences for our whole region.
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.
Taylor Hood
President/Co-founder. Taylor embodies the drive of our local Okaloosa county non-profit creating leaders through experiences.
Marcus Broadnax
Executive Director/Co-founder. His efforts reflect our mission as a local Okaloosa county non-profit creating leaders through experiences.
Deborah Elmore
Leadership Coordinator/ Co-founder, serving as part of the local Okaloosa county non-profit creating leaders through experiences initiative.
Cindy Gates
Programming & Partnerships. Cindy supports the local Okaloosa county non-profit creating leaders through experiences with community-centered work.
Bobby Carey
Programming & Partnerships. Bobby contributes to our local Okaloosa county non-profit creating leaders through experiences, expanding impact.
Brooke Barron
School Liaison for our local Okaloosa county non-profit, creating leaders through experiences in education every day.
John Mead
Legal Advisor. John lends his expertise to our efforts as a local Okaloosa county non-profit creating leaders through experiences.