The Leadership Initiatives Team

(Click on any bio picture to learn more)

Leadership Initiatives was created to empower men, women, and children around the world to determine their own futures and to help break the cycles of poverty and dissatisfaction that plague so many communities worldwide. It also involves students in the United States by connecting our future leaders with those in other countries who have discovered, through Leadership Initiatives programs, their ability to lead. Over the past decade, with Marshall as Executive Director, Leadership Initiatives has grown to help create and expand 400 independent businesses, raised over 26.2 million dollars for business creation in developing communities, helped work to build and renovate hospitals and schools around Nigeria, and has fought for women’s rights across the African country.

Marshall graduated with honors from American University in 2004 with a Bachelor's Degree in both International Relations and Political Science, as well as a specialized certification in Leadership. He went on to earn a Master's Degree in Public Administration with a focus on Non-Profit Management from American University. Marshall has extensive development experience working in the South African Parliament and has independently created over 500 community development projects on the continent of Africa.

Executive Director

Marshall Bailly

Jessica earned a master’s degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in International Development from American University. In addition to her degrees, she holds a teaching certificate in Maryland and an International TEFL certificate.

Jessica has held teaching positions around the world, including Baltimore, MD, Seoul, South Korea, Mcleod Ganj, India, and Nairobi, Kenya. She has also worked for several non-profit organizations such as Creative Alliance, LHA Charitable Trust, Education Promise, and the Millennium Cities Initiative.

Jessica Bailly is the Chief Operations Officer. She works directly with our experts and educators to create real-world educational experiences for our students. Jessica believes that students of any age are capable of making a difference in the world. This belief is what lead Jessica to Leadership Initiatives.

Chief Operations Officer

Jessica Bailly

As Country Director, Umar has demonstrated remarkable foresight and initiative, leading the implementation of a range of impactful programs. His deep understanding of the challenges faced by local populations has driven him to create innovative solutions that address critical needs. One of his significant accomplishments has been the establishment of the Micro Business Development and Expansion Program. Recognizing the transformative power of entrepreneurship, Umar has spearheaded this initiative, providing seed funding to aspiring entrepreneurs and empowering them to start their own businesses. This program has enabled countless individuals to realize their potential, fostering economic growth and stability within the community.

Umar began his journey with Leadership Initiatives in 2009 as a Project Officer, became Project Manager in 2014, and was appointed Country Director in 2016. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a locally registered non-profit recognized throughout Bauchi State. He oversees all operations, including administration, finance, and personnel management.

Umar Muhammad is the Country Director for Leadership Initiatives in Bauchi, Nigeria. With exceptional leadership skills and an unwavering commitment to community development, Umar has played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s projects aimed at improving the lives of people in northern Nigeria.

Nigeria Country Director

Umar Muhammad

Graduating from George Washington University with a degree in political science and international development, she brings a strong background that includes grant writing, stewardship activities, fundraising strategies, and donor relations.

Lauren is the Director of Operations and has worked with Leadership Initiatives since 2017. Lauren has the overall responsibility of ensuring Leadership Initiatives' Youth Development Programs are an enriching, fun, and educational experience for everyone involved. She has been involved in the development of numerous new programs and has run the National Security & Intelligence Internship, the International Leadership & Business Internship, and the Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship

Lauren Hensel

Professor Stiles holds a Ph.D. in political science from Boston University, a JD from Northeastern University, an MA in Spanish literature from New York University, and a BA in Spanish from Southern Methodist University. She currently is working on an effort to promote well-being among students. She believes if we are truly serious about changing the world for the better, we must be at our best, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Professor Stiles specializes in courses on law and social entrepreneurship. She regularly partners with both the law school and the business school. Professor Stiles has won numerous awards for her teaching and student engagement.

Sarah Stiles joined the Georgetown University sociology faculty in 2007. Prior to that she taught at American University for eight years where she was Director of the Leadership Program in the School of Public Affairs. She met Marshall Bailly at American and has been proud to work with him ever since.

LI Georgetown Education Director/Georgetown University-Professor of Law & Sociology

Sarah C. Stiles, Ph.D., JD

The author of over 350 peer reviewed publications, 7 books and 40 governmental reports on brain science, biotechnology, ethics and policy, he is an elected member of the European Academy of Science and Arts, and an Overseas Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine (UK).

Professor Giordano is also Senior Bioethicist of the Defense Medical Ethics Center of the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD; Stockdale Distinguished Fellow of Science, Technology and Ethics at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD; and Science Advisory Fellow of the Joint Staff, Pentagon.

James Giordano PhD, MPhil, is Pellegrino Center Professor of Neurology and Biochemistry, Chief of the Neuroethics Studies Program, and Chair of the Subprogram in Military Medical Ethics at Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC.

LI Advanced Neuroscience Internship-Education Director

Dr. James Giordano

She was a contributing author in two white papers for the Joint Staff on applications of cognitive neuroscience for national defense and intelligence.

Dr. Wurzman previously served as an Intern in the Science Division of the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President of the United States, and an independent contractor for the World Technology Evaluation Center in support of the National Nanotechnology Coordinating Center.

Rachel Wurzman Ph.D. is a Fellow with the Center for Neuroscience and Society and Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Neurology with the Laboratory for Cognition and Neural Stimulation at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

LI Advanced Neuroscience Internship-Assistant Director

Dr. Rachel Wurzman

Serving as a medical officer at Defence headquarters, Dr. Aisha plays a major role as the lead doctor in diagnosing, treating, and counseling patients.

Dr. Aisha has so far led an impressive career as a medical doctor and in her 3rd year of being in the medical field. She is a doctor that has always received excellent feedback from her employers in Nigeria, Germany, and Hungary.

For over 8 years, Dr. Aisha Garba has been a noteworthy medical Student in Zamfara. Dr. Aisha Garba has been honored with a certificate of honor for outstanding performance during her graduation. She holds a degree from the University of Szeged, Hungary, one of the most prominent higher education institutions in Central Europe.

LI Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship-Education Director

Dr. Aisha Garba

Gina is often featured in documentaries and other media profiling her role in counterterrorism and as a pioneer for women in National Security and Intelligence careers, including a position on the Board of Directors of Girl Security.

Her analysis has been called "prescient," "genius" and "prophetic" by major media and former government officials. She has also published multiple books including her widely recognized book, National Security Mom.

Gina Bennett, a former member of CIA’s Senior Analytic Service, is a seasoned counterterrorism specialist who authored the earliest warnings of some of today's terrorism trends, including the 1993 report — the first report — that warned of the growing danger of Osama bin Laden and the movement he was fomenting.

Member of the CIA Senior Analytic Service; Counterterrorism Expert

Gina Bennett

Dr. Ibrahim is from Bara, a small town in Northern Nigeria . However he was born in southwestern Nigeria where he lived all his adolescent years. He has lived and worked in Bauchi state for 4 years. He is the first of four children in a monogamous home and has always love helping people. He enjoy traveling, reading and watching history. He is married and has a son whom he enjoys spending time with. Dr. Ibrahim decided to partner with Leadership initiatives because he has always wanted to ignite the passion of medicine to the younger generation, more so the practice of medicine in sub- saharan Africa. He also love that Leadership initiatives has served as an avenue for a lot of patients to access medical care , that might otherwise not be accessible to them due to financial challenges. Dr. Ibrahim is honored to work with an organization which is client centered and serving to improve the lives of people

Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship Program Specialist

Dr. Ibrahim Musa

Cybersecurity Program Co-Director

Jamie Kreider

Harden PLLC, Managing Partner

Brandi Harden

Ms. Harden has also trained the best attorneys in the nation. She is currently a Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School’s Trial Advocacy Workshop and an adjunct professor/supervising attorney in Georgetown University Law Center’s criminal defense clinic. From 2006 to 2018, Ms. Harden coached the award-winning Huver I. Brown Trial Advocacy Team at Howard University School of Law. She also serves as faculty for the National Criminal Defense College, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Gideon’s Promise, and several other litigation training.

Ms. Harden has practiced law for more than 20 years and is known as one of the most skilled trial attorneys in Washington, D.C. She is a fellow in The American College of Trial Lawyers and has been recognized as one of the “Best Lawyers in Washington, D.C.” by the Washingtonian and as a “Top-Rated Criminal Defense Attorney” by Super Lawyers. She is also a member of the National Trial Lawyers and a member of the National Black Lawyers Top 100.

Brandi Harden is a nationally renowned litigator and the Managing Partner of Harden & Pinckney, PLLC. Ms. Harden specializes in complex criminal and civil, family law, wrongful death, police misconduct and civil rights cases.

Director of Washington DC Public Defenders

Heather Pinckney

Ms. Pinckney is currently a board member of Rising for Justice and JusticeAid. She has also served as the Co-chair of the D.C. Bar Criminal Law and Individual Rights Section Steering Committee and Chair of the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (hereinafter PDS) Board of Trustees.

Ms. Pinckney is the proud recipient of the 2014 Distinguished Alumnus Award from D.C. Law Students in Court. She is a fellow in The American College of Trial Lawyers and a recipient of the Washington Bar Association Educational Foundation Award for Women. Ms. Pinckney has also been named one of Washington D.C.’s Best Lawyers in Criminal Defense by the Washingtonian Magazine and is a member of the National Black Lawyers Top 100.

Heather Pinckney is an experienced litigator specializing in criminal defense, civil litigation, family law, wrongful death, and civil rights cases. Ms. Pinckney is the Executive Director of the Black Public Defender Association and also currently serves as an adjunct Professor at The George Washington University Law School, where she teaches a seminar entitled “The Role of the Public Defender.”

Currently, Ms. Bloch is drafting briefs on behalf of individuals serving prison sentences who are seeking IRAA release due to outstanding behavior, rehabilitation, and other factors under D.C. Code § 24-403.03.

Ms. Bloch has worked in the legal field since 2007 as a public defender in Colorado and the District of Columbia. Ms. Bloch has defended the rights of individuals accused of virtually every type of crime, from petty offenses to the most serious of felonies.

Rebecca Bloch is the managing attorney for the Law Office of Rebecca Bloch.

Bloch PLLC, Managing Director

Rebecca Bloch

Beth Cerrone

Cybersecurity Program Education Liaison

She currently works at the Innovation Center in Longmont, CO. She has created a Cybersecurity Pathway that includes: Intro to Cybersecurity, Python, Linux, Ethical Hacking, and Security +. Ms. Cerrone loves helping students find their passion and teaching them about the value of cybersecurity. She is looking forward to helping all of you have fun in cybersecurity as well!

Ms. Cerrone started this wonderful journey in education almost 26 years ago and never looked back. She started teaching in Boston at Oliver Ames High School, developing one of the first school websites with all teachers having their own websites as well (teaching teachers HTML 20 years ago was not easy). Moving to Colorado, she was one of the initial teachers in the IB Math program and created one of the first Computer Science and Web Design courses in this district 15 years ago. Ms. Cerrone was part of the inaugural group at Mead High School, building all of the technology curricula for Mead High. She also helped create the Engineering Program at Erie High School. Prior to coming to the Innovation Center, she developed a Computer Science Pathway at Silver Creek High School with classes ranging from Intro to Programming to Web Design to AP Computer Science.

After college, Ms. Cerrone worked in the financial industry for 7 years at Bay Bank in Boston. Although she enjoyed the challenge of the product management group she worked with, there was something missing. Ms. Cerrone’s mother was a middle school ESL teacher. She saw the dedication and passion she had for her students and they had for her. She helped her mother set up her classroom, grade papers, and help students when she could. Ms. Cerrone saw first hand the challenges that teachers and students go through. Instead of being part of the problem in complaining about a broken system, she decided to become part of a solution.

Jamie Kreider

Cybersecurity Program Education Liaison

I am happy to join the Leadership Initiatives team and grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact within the Bauchi Community.

I worked in the Community Department at Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe where I acquired the following experiences; Health education, Disease surveillance, and Immunization. I hope to improve the quality of life through prevention and treatment of disease.

My name is Laurat Abubakar. I graduated from College in the year 2020 where I studied Public Health in Bauchi State University Gadau. During my undergraduate, I conducted research on Factors Influencing the choice of place of delivery among women of childbearing age in Shira Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria.

Gabriela is excited to continue planning Leadership Initiatives 2021 programs and is looking forward to helping others find their true passion!

Gabriela has worked with Leadership Initiatives for over three years, both as a student, an intern, and now a staff member. Since joining the team in 2019, Gabriela has helped run the Advanced Law & Trial Internship Program during the summer as well as the International Law & Advocacy Internship Program during the school year. She brings a strong background that includes research, design, and information technology.

Gabriela strongly believes in the power of community service and helping others. She is attending the George Washington University to study Peace Studies and International Affairs with a concentration in International Development. She is a member of GW’s Model United Nations team and GW’s UNICEF chapter.

Global Education Development Director

Gabriela Zeidler

Marc is experienced in international relations and business topics, having pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in Organization and Management Consulting and Global Marketing with a second major in Political Science concentrating on global security development at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Professionally, he has assisted with consulting projects for top companies including Mercedes-Benz and and has also worked directly with the National Security Agency to provide counterintelligence training to onboarding agents.

Marc is a Programs Director with Leadership Initiatives, where he currently serves as the Director of multiple programs including the National Security and Cybersecurity Internships. Throughout the last seven years with Leadership Initiatives, Marc has worked with two universities in Northern Nigeria on counterterrorism efforts, while also partnering with dozens of small businesses and nonprofits in the DC area to promote cybersecurity awareness and training.

Director of Strategic Program Development & Benefits

Marc Zavarro

With a BSc in Business Management, Tamar has a strong foundation in business principles like financial management, strategic planning, operations, and marketing. This knowledge directly applies to helping businesses develop and implement strategies for growth, sustainability, and overall success. Her understanding of these business fundamentals allows her to guide entrepreneurs in managing their businesses effectively and efficiently.

Tamar is an experienced program manager with over six years of experience working with leadership initiatives. She has contributed significantly to the implementation and execution of projects geared toward youth leadership, education, and long-term growth. Through the International Internship Business Development Program, Tamar, in partnership with International students, has successfully managed over 200 small businesses in Bauchi State, Nigeria, helping them grow and sustain operations through targeted strategies.

Nigeria Director of Programs

Tamar Davou Imade

Blake graduated from UCLA, where she received a degree in Business Economics and Accounting with a Value Investing Concentration. Since taking over her financial role, Blake has streamlined Leadership Initiatives payment plans, fundraising, and financial tracking systems and taken on overhead projects in the operations department during the Summer Internship Programs.

Blake has led the Leadership Initiatives scholarship assistance program for the past five years and has been able to grow the fund to over half a million dollars annually. Blake works throughout the year to track expenses and payments as well as plan future spending.

Blake began working with Leadership Initiatives in 2017 and has previously worked for Andersen Tax, specializing in public accounting and receivables in the city of Los Angeles, before becoming the Director of Finance with Leadership Initiatives.

Director of Finance

Blake Spreeman

Auwal Yakubu

Nigeria Director of Operations & Logistics

Auwal is the Director of Operations for Leadership Initiatives in Bauchi, Nigeria, where he develops and implements operational strategies that align with the organization's goals. With a strong background in International Affairs, Project Management, and Human Relations, he builds strong relationships with community members and leaders to ensure effective execution of community development projects.

Passionate about impacting underserved communities, Auwal previously served as the Program Manager of LI, focusing on initiatives that met immediate local needs while laying the groundwork for sustainable development. He has successfully managed various projects, benefiting over 10 communities and 10,000 households by providing essential services such as clean drinking water, healthcare, and educational facilities.

Accounts & Registrations Manager

Nick Abele

Nick graduated summa cum laude from North Carolina State University with a degree in International Studies and a concentration in Global Sustainability and Development. He has a certification in Salesforce Administration and is pursuing further certifications in this regard.

Nick Abele has worked with Leadership Initiatives since 2019, serving as the Accounts and Registration Manager. Nick has the responsibility of managing all student data for Leadership Initiatives in a secure and efficient manner, supporting the behind-the-scenes operations of Leadership Initiatives’ Summer Internship Programs.

Mubarak Ladan Babaji

Assistant Director of Operations and Programs

Mubarak Ladan Babaji serves as a Project Coordinator and the Assistant Director of Operations and Programs for Leadership Initiatives in Bauchi, Nigeria, where he plays a key role in implementing and managing community-driven projects focused on youth empowerment, education, and sustainable development. With a strong background in Public Health, he works closely with local leaders and students to identify pressing community needs and develop solutions that create lasting impact.

He is actively involved in various community development projects, volunteering his time to support local health campaigns, educational outreach, and youth empowerment programs. His passion for uplifting underserved rural communities is evident in his work, particularly during his time at Kamtrac Nigeria Ltd, where he focused on mechanizing farms to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Jacob Arndt Ph.D.

Academic & Education Advisor

Jacob Arndt is the Chief Academic Advisor who works with staff, students and parents to design and implement a challenging curriculum for experiential summer programs. Jacob believes that one of life’s greatest teachers is overcoming challenges.

Jake is a tenured professor of communication studies at Kalamazoo Valley Community College in Kalamazoo Michigan where he teaches courses on public speaking, interpersonal relationships, and organizational/intercultural communication.

Jake enjoys working with the students and business owners of Leadership Initiatives in any capacity that he can.

Nigeria Project Coordinator

Aminu Sani

Prior to joining Leadership Initiatives, Aminu lectured at Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic Kazaure, where he taught architecture courses and supervised examinations. He also led a financial inclusion group during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), where he coordinated efforts to enhance financial literacy among locals, earning recognition as the best-performing group. This experience strengthened his leadership skills and deepened his commitment to improving the financial well-being of community members.

Aminu Sani is a dedicated Project Coordinator with Leadership Initiatives based in Bauchi, Nigeria. He manages community-driven projects and engages with students, focusing on youth empowerment, healthcare outreach, access to education, and sustainable development. With a background in Architecture, Aminu collaborates with local leaders, educators, and students to identify and address critical community needs.

Andrea is the current office manager at all Leadership Initiatives Youth Development Programs watching over the development of our Business, Legal, and Medical education programs at Georgetown University.

Over the course of this past year, she has facilitated the creation of hundreds of International Business Internship Program team and Youth Develop Program websites. Over the course of her time with Leadership Initiatives, she has grown her communication and leadership skills through her work in website development and office management.

Andrea Batoon is the Website Development Coordinator for Leadership Initiatives. She has the overall responsibility of ensuring that each student working with Leadership Initiatives has a platform that properly showcases their accomplishments.

Website Development Coordinator

Andrea Batoon

Sarah Agar, MSW, LMSW

Student Counselor

Sarah Agar holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology from Gettysburg College and a Master's in Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and is licensed as a Graduate Social Worker.

She has worked in every area of the healthcare spectrum and specializes in the creation of highly individualized treatment plans designed to identify goals and to develop clear, realistic, and effective strategies to meet them.

She firmly believes that one key to success is truly recognizing our own strengths and weaknesses and understanding the role they play in reaching our personal aspirations. Sarah places emphasis on communicating with IIP on a one-to-one, personalized basis and looks forward to developing and enhancing her role in LI.

Amira Muhammad Bello

Nigeria Project Coordinator

Amira is a dedicated and hardworking Project Coordinator with Leadership Initiatives based in Bauchi, Nigeria. In her role, she manages community projects and student engagement initiatives that focus on youth empowerment, healthcare outreach, sustainable development, and advocacy. Amira collaborates closely with community leaders, students, and relevant stakeholders to identify and address the challenges facing local communities.

Before joining Leadership Initiatives, Amira served as a private lawyer at Sahel Law Firm in Bauchi, where she gained valuable experience in various legal matters, including divorce cases, land disputes, and the drafting of agreements. This background in law has equipped her with strong analytical and problem-solving skills that she applies to her current work.

Leadership Initiatives Representative

Shannon Harrison

Shannon has worked in the education field in teaching and college admissions for 15 years and joined Leadership Initiatives in 2023 after all of her students came home raving from their experience with LI. Shannon works with other educators, schools and students to find opportunities to partner with LI. Outside of work Shannon enjoys playing percussion, watching football and GBBO. Go BIRDS!!

Shannon is incredibly passionate about helping young people find their way, either in education or as a therapist. She has worked with a large student population, with various goals and passions and helps them develop a sense of purpose by using a strengths-based approach, which has broadened her ability to maximize positive educational outcomes for both students and schools. She believes there is more than one way to reach a desired goal and finds so much joy being a part of each student’s journey. Shannon is a first gen student earning a BA, MA and numerous certificates along the way.

Nigeria Project Coordinator

Bilkisu Nuhu Bello

Prior to joining Leadership Initiatives, Bilkisu served as the team lead for a birth registration campaign, where she coordinated volunteers to ensure the timely registration of children aged 0 to 5 years in various communities. Under her leadership, the team emerged as the most promising group, a testament to her effective management and organizational skills. This experience not only helped her leadership abilities but also deepened her commitment to improving healthcare access in underserved areas. Additionally, as a team member of the HIVst administration, she volunteered to teach in schools, helping students gain access to quality education.

Bilkisu is a passionate and dedicated Project Coordinator with Leadership Initiatives in Bauchi. She manages community development projects and fosters student engagement by organizing workshops and surveys that focus on youth empowerment, healthcare outreach, education, and sustainable development. With a background in Education and Biology, Bilkisu collaborates closely with community leaders, educators, students, and parents to address critical needs in healthcare, education, leadership, and empowerment.

Before joining Leadership Initiatives, Blessing gained valuable experience through various health assessments and surveys. Notably, she participated in the ANRiN (Accelerating Nutritional Results in Nigeria) baseline and endline assessments, where she conducted anthropometric measurements for children under five and facilitated focus group discussions with pregnant women and lactating mothers. These efforts aimed to improve nutritional outcomes in rural communities of Gombe State, Nigeria. Additionally, she carried out an Integrated Program Assessment for Performance Management and Action, assessing routine immunization uptake and the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to prevent malaria among children under five in Kaduna State.

Blessing is a passionate and solution-oriented Project Coordinator with Leadership Initiatives based in Bauchi. She is dedicated to conducting and supporting community development projects that address public health issues, business empowerment, and youth engagement. With a background in public health, Blessing works closely with educators, community leaders, and students to identify and develop effective solutions to the critical needs of local communities.

Nigeria Project Coordinator

Blessing Sadiq Shehu

Nigeria Project Coordinator

Laurat Abubakar

Laurat's passion for helping underserved communities stems from her background in Public Health, where she engaged with local populations to address health issues, including her work at contagious disease camps. Before joining Leadership Initiatives, Laurat served as an assistant public health specialist, where she monitored the spread of diseases, analyzed patient outcomes and infection rates, and studied the effectiveness of interventions. Witnessing the profound effects of health challenges on communities has inspired her commitment to improving access to healthcare, business development, and education across Bauchi.

Laurat serves as a Project Coordinator for Leadership Initiatives in Bauchi, Nigeria, where she oversees projects focused on youth empowerment, education, and community development. Collaborating with local leaders, small business owners, and teams, she identifies community challenges and develops effective solutions to create a positive impact. Her background in community health development enables her to connect deeply with these groups, ensuring lasting results.

Nigeria Project Coordinator

Sadiq Ibrahim

Before joining Leadership Initiatives, Sadiq worked with a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that children received basic educational support and resources. Under his leadership, his team successfully helped many orphaned and underprivileged children access vital educational resources in both urban and rural areas of Nigeria. This impactful work not only earned recognition for providing educational opportunities to countless children but also honed Sadiq's leadership skills and deepened his passion for improving educational access in underserved communities. Additionally, his experience as a classroom teacher allowed him to impart fundamental educational knowledge, while his entrepreneurial background equipped him with exceptional business acumen.

Sadiq is a dedicated Project Coordinator for Leadership Initiatives in Bauchi, where he manages community-driven projects focused on youth empowerment and business outreach. With a background in Sociology, Sadiq collaborates closely with local leaders, educators, business owners, and students to identify and address critical needs within the community.

Business Operations Manager

Diana Crain

Outside of work, Diana fosters dogs for her local animal shelter, and is dedicated to supporting local businesses and revitalizing her community in Kansas City. She enjoys traveling, particularly to State and National Parks, and is currently studying Italian with plans for a future trip to Italy.

Diana is an experienced leader in business operations with a passion for strategic growth and innovation. In her current role, she oversees key operations and projects, focusing on optimizing processes and enhancing student experiences. She has gained extensive leadership experience in several industries, most recently serving as Executive Vice President of Operations & Technology at Southern Missouri MLS before joining Leadership Initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Missouri State University and believes deeply in the transformative power of education in a person's life. She is passionate about the importance of equal access to quality education and opportunities for all individuals.

Contact Us

4410 Massachusetts Ave., NW #236

Washington, DC  20016

info@lichange.org

202-738-1115

Helpful LInks

Leadership Initiatives is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, publicly supported, charitable organization as determined by the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

Recognition