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 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.
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
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
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