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Elevate Your Life & Legacy – Summit Insights from EMPREP, Inc., Part 2: Leadership That Leaves a Lasting Footprint

Elevate Your Life & Legacy – Summit Insights from EMPREP, Inc., Part 2: Leadership That Leaves a Lasting Footprint

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Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about the impact you make and the legacy you leave behind. At the summit, Impact Team member Shayla challenged us to view leadership as a daily practice that shapes our communities and the world.

 

Summit Highlights & Actionable Takeaways

The 3 E’s Model: Encourage, Educate, Equip
Great leaders do more than direct—they inspire, share knowledge, and provide the tools and autonomy necessary for growth. This model echoes the work of John C. Maxwell, who emphasizes empowering others as the foundation of leadership (Maxwell, 2011).

 

Integrity and Emotional Intelligence
Leadership is earned through daily actions. Dr. Daniel Goleman’s research on emotional intelligence demonstrates that leaders who embody honesty, resilience, and empathy foster stronger trust and higher team performance (Goleman, 1998).

 

Sustainable Leadership
Leaders influence not just people, but also systems and habits. By modeling choices that reduce our collective carbon footprint—such as adopting energy-efficient practices or promoting recycling—leaders drive real change. The World Economic Forum highlights sustainability as a core leadership competency in the 21st century (WEF, 2020).

 

Take Action: Model Sustainable Leadership
Reflect on your leadership footprint: What example are you setting in your daily actions, and how might you model both ethical leadership and sustainability for others? Begin with small, practical steps such as reducing waste, recycling, or supporting sustainable practices in your community. These choices set the tone for teams and future generations.

 

Watch the full talk on leadership and sustainability:
https://youtu.be/ah2niX_pnYE

 

References

  • Maxwell, J.C. (2011). The 5 Levels of Leadership. Center Street.
  • Goleman, D. (1998). Working with Emotional Intelligence. Bantam.
  • World Economic Forum. (2020). “Leadership for the 21st Century: The Six Attributes of a Leadership Mindset.”

 

Double the Impact: How the Tanat Twins Transformed Their Futures at Elevated Missions PREP, Inc.

Double the Impact: How the Tanat Twins Transformed Their Futures at Elevated Missions PREP, Inc.

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At Elevated Missions PREP, Inc., we believe that an internship should be more than just a line on your resume—it should be a launchpad for personal and professional growth. This year, we had the pleasure of hosting twin sisters Aisha and Azhar Tanat, whose journey with us is a testament to what happens when talent meets opportunity.
 
Individual Growth, Shared Success
Aisha and Azhar brought their own unique strengths to the table. Aisha stepped up as Co-Lead for the Get Heard Academy Team, quickly moving beyond completing tasks to thinking and acting like a consultant. She analyzed course performance, suggested improvements, and found her voice as a leader. Meanwhile, Azhar blended creativity and analytical thinking as both Design Lead and Business Analytics Co-Lead. She learned to combine the power of design with data-driven insights, helping her team make smarter, more effective decisions.
 
A Capstone That Made a Difference
One of the highlights of their internship was their capstone project: “10 Ways to Enhance Your Course.” In this interactive, actionable presentation, Aisha and Azhar showcased practical strategies for making courses more engaging and accessible for all learning styles. Their project didn’t just impress their peers—it’s already influencing how we approach course creation at Elevated Missions PREP, Inc.
 
Transformation Beyond Expectations
The growth both sisters experienced went far beyond what they expected from an internship. Aisha developed the confidence and skills that paved her path to law school, while Azhar gained the leadership and analytical expertise that helped her secure a spot in graduate school. Both left with new skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, along with the confidence to lead in any professional setting.
 
A Launchpad for Future Leaders
Stories like Aisha and Azhar’s are at the heart of what we do. At Elevated Missions PREP, Inc., our interns don’t just participate—they lead, innovate, and make a real impact. We provide the mentorship, resources, and hands-on opportunities that help talented individuals unlock their full potential.
 
Ready to Start Your Own Success Story?
If you’re looking for more than just an internship—if you want an experience that challenges you, supports your growth, and sets you up for future success—Elevated Missions PREP, Inc. is the place to be.
Curious about our opportunities? Visit our internship listing on LinkedIn and take the next step toward your own transformative journey.
 

Watch:

Investing in the Future: The Case for Supporting African American Women in Business

Investing in the Future: The Case for Supporting African American Women in Business

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Diversity and inclusion are sometimes misunderstood or dismissed as buzzwords. However, substantial research demonstrates that these principles are key business assets with tangible benefits. As McKinsey & Company found, companies with above-average diversity financially outperform their peers by 35% (McKinsey & Company 2020). Harvard Business Review adds, “Diverse teams are smarter,” noting improvements in innovation and decision-making (Harvard Business Review 2016). Rather than being obligations, diversity and inclusion unlock new perspectives, drive stronger results, and help organizations adapt to changing markets. Among the most influential contributors to this evolution are African American women, whose impact on entrepreneurship, economic growth, and innovation is both significant and well-documented.

 

Entrepreneurial Growth and Leadership

African American women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the United States. The 2022 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report by American Express notes that Black women account for 21% of all women-owned businesses, the largest share among minority women. Between 2014 and 2019, businesses owned by African American women grew by 50%, compared to 21% for all women-owned businesses (American Express 2019).

 

Economic Impact

According to the National Women’s Business Council, Black women-owned employer businesses generated $51.4 billion in revenue and created 289,000 jobs in 2019 (National Women’s Business Council 2021). These businesses operate across industries, including technology, consulting, retail, healthcare, and finance.

 

Innovation and Resilience

Research published by McKinsey & Company found that companies with above-average diversity are 35% more likely to outperform their peers financially (McKinsey & Company 2020). Harvard Business Review similarly concluded, “Diverse teams are smarter” and achieve better results (Harvard Business Review 2016). Despite systemic barriers, African American women consistently demonstrate resilience and bring unique perspectives that drive creative problem-solving.

 

Corporate Leadership

While still underrepresented in executive leadership, African American women are making inroads at the highest levels. In 2023, leaders such as Rosalind Brewer (Walgreens Boots Alliance) and Thasunda Brown Duckett (TIAA) served as Fortune 500 CEOs, helping to pave the way for future generations.

 

Social and Community Impact

African American women in business are also deeply invested in their communities. According to the Black Women’s Roundtable, they are more likely to reinvest in local economies, mentor emerging talent, and advocate for social justice (Black Women’s Roundtable 2022).

 

Investing in Businesses Owned by African American Women: A Strategic Advantage

Backing African American women entrepreneurs is not just an ethical imperative—it is a strategic advantage. Studies show that diverse teams increase profitability and innovation. As reported by Harvard Business Review, “companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to have financial returns above their industry median” (Harvard Business Review 2016).
 
In addition, ProjectDiane found that Black women-led startups deliver higher returns on investment per dollar raised than the average U.S. startup (DigitalUndivided 2022). Black women wield an estimated $1.5 trillion in buying power (Nielsen 2021), making their enterprises strong bridges to new markets and customer segments.
 
Supporting African American women founders creates a ripple effect: they are more likely to hire locally, support community development, and mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs (Provident1898 2023). This multiplier effect drives both economic growth and social progress.

 

Conclusion

Investing in businesses owned by African American women is a proven strategy for gaining a competitive advantage, expanding markets, and driving long-term growth. Their leadership, resilience, and community commitment make them vital to the future of business.

 

References

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