Exploring iLEAD Antelope Valley Culture: What’s the ‘E’ in ‘iLEAD’?

Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of articles on the pillars of iLEAD’s educational philosophy and approach. 

“If you work hard enough and assert yourself, and use your mind and imagination, you can shape the world to your desires.” — Malcolm Gladwell

This week, we’re exploring the third pillar of the iLEAD acronym: the letter E, which stands for Entrepreneurial Development.

At iLEAD Antelope Valley, we encourage learners to work in teams, take risks, and learn from failure — all of which nurture the ability to innovate and ignite the entrepreneurial spirit.

Through focusing on entrepreneurial development, learners build a number of skills, including the following: 

• Self-confidence
• Durability and resilience
• Problem-solving
• Creativity and innovative thinking
• Goal-setting
• Initiative
• A strong work ethic

Throughout the iLEAD network, there are countless examples of iLEAD learners who have embraced the entrepreneurial spirit. Here is one that stands out:

iLEAD Exploration Learner Explores the Sweeter Side of Business

Hoops by Nana didn’t exactly start as a business, but as a way for Exploration learner Milena de Vera to provide a treat option for her sister, who suffers from celiac disease. However, developing and baking gluten-free donuts quickly developed into an entrepreneurial opportunity, growing it into a licensed, expanding business. 

To continue learning and growing, Milena enrolled in a cooking class to develop her baking chops. Her consumer math course equipped her to keep accurate financial records for her business. She tests and retests multiple recipes to come up with her line of products. Last fall, Milena was asked by Williams-Sonoma to participate in a pop-up bake sale for the “No Kid Hungry” charity this fall, and she has also supported iLEAD events with her products. Her post-iLEAD plans include attending community college while she expands her business.

This is just one story that illustrates how iLEAD learners are empowered by a focus on entrepreneurial development that builds skills that influence every area of their education and creates potential career paths. At iLEAD Antelope Valley, we are constantly inspired by how we see learners put an entrepreneurial focus into action.

Next week, join us as we dive into the next pillar of the iLEAD acronym: Arts.