Wearelee

What does a community need more of right now?

For Amanda Salazar, it starts with love and understanding.

She shared that people want to help each other, but it can be hard when everyone is carrying their own challenges.

Still, she believes it is the small actions that matter most.

Checking in on a neighbor.
Helping a family when they need it.
Showing up, even in simple ways.

Those moments add up.

Because when people feel seen and supported, something begins to change.

Connection grows.
Trust builds.
Community becomes stronger.

For Amanda, it does not take something big to make an impact.

It just takes a willingness to care.

LEE members, log in and connect with others who are showing up for their communities every day.

https://engage.wearelee.org/upNfV

One of the most powerful things a leader can do is help others see themselves clearly.

Carmita Semaan, Founder and CEO of The Surge Institute, describes this as one of her superpowers.

She acts as a mirror.

Not to tell people who they should be, but to reflect back what she already sees in them.

In this episode of The Leaders’ Table, Carmita talks about why self-clarity is essential for leadership.

When people can see their own strengths, their own potential, and their own path, everything shifts.

Especially for young leaders.

No one else gets to define your future.

No one else gets to decide what you are capable of.

Leadership starts when you claim that for yourself.

If you are building your path or helping others build theirs, this conversation will stay with you.

Hear more from Carmita Semaan on The Leaders’ Table podcast.

https://engage.wearelee.org/upNfL

What does a community need most right now?

For Maria Perez-Hodges, the answer is connection.

She shared that many of the challenges we see today come from people feeling disconnected.

When that happens, it is easy to go into survival mode.
It becomes harder to trust, to reach out, or to feel like you belong.

But connection can change that.

When people take the time to reach out and build relationships, something shifts.

There is more understanding.
Less blame.
More space to move forward together.

For Maria, community starts with finding ways to connect and staying committed to each other.

If you are a LEE member, log in to connect with others building stronger communities through relationships.

https://engage.wearelee.org/upNfw

Big ideas can start with one voice.

Last year’s Change Challenge winners showed what is possible when young leaders share their vision for creating stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.

Now it is your turn.

The Change Challenge is back and we are inviting LEE members to apply for a chance to receive one of 20 scholarships worth $2,000 each.

LEE members will share a bold idea for improving their community through a creative submission:

A 3-minute video
A 5-slide presentation with voiceover
A 2-page visual guide with voiceover

We are looking for ideas rooted in lived experience, creativity, leadership, and community impact.

Watch this video to hear from past winners and see how their ideas turned into action.

LEE members apply now for your chance to receive a $2,000 scholarship.

https://engage.wearelee.org/upbes

Not every great opportunity is the right opportunity.

Carmita Semaan, Founder and CEO of Surge Institute, shares a perspective that many leaders learn the hard way.

Just because something looks like the next big step does not mean it is aligned with who you are.

In this episode of The Leaders’ Table, Carmita talks about how she evaluates career decisions through the lens of values and identity.

A national role may look exciting.
A leadership title may feel like progress.

But if it is not aligned, it will not sustain you.

She challenges leaders to slow down and ask better questions.

Does this role reflect who I am?

Will I be able to lead in a way that is true to my values?

What am I not seeing beneath the surface?

Strong leadership is not about saying yes to every opportunity.

It is about choosing the right ones.

If you are facing a career decision right now, this conversation will shift how you think about your next move.

Hear more from Carmita Semaan on The Leaders’ Table podcast:
https://engage.wearelee.org/upbeJ

What does leadership really look like?

For Roshana Agarrat, it starts with being willing to step outside your comfort zone.

She shared that leadership is about creating movement.

Not just for yourself, but for the people coming behind you.

In her work with youth who have experienced homelessness, she sees this every day.

Young people are speaking up about their experiences.

They are facing their fears.

They are sharing their stories so others do not have to go through the same thing.

That takes courage.

And it creates real change in the community.

Leadership is not about having all the answers.

It is about being willing to step forward and make a path for others.

If you are a LEE member, log in and connect with others who are creating change by lifting up the voices of their communities:
https://engage.wearelee.org/upbeh