Lead (formerly Self Love Beauty) is dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders through innovative career-readiness programs while equipping adults who support youth with the essential tools, confidence, and leadership skills to excel.
Lead isn’t just a name; it’s a reflection of what we stand for – Leadership, Empowerment, Awareness, and Development.
Here at Lead, we empower people with practical tools to become their most confident selves. We have transformed the lives of 13,000 individuals directly. With Lead’s proven track-record, we continue to be a source of empowerment, making a positive impact on the lives of many.
We empower people with practical tools to become their most confident self.
Inspiring all generations with confidence and purpose to live their best life.
• Confidence
• Inclusivity
• Resilience
• Continuous Learning
• Purpose
Lead (formerly known as Self Love Beauty) was founded in 2012 by Lisa Tarkington, Leadership Consultant and Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation. Lisa has degrees and training in social impact, positive psychology, mindfulness, communication skills, and coaching. What began as a blog to empower others to feel supported, grow in their self-love, and rise to their full potential quickly emerged to having more than 100 contributing writers in just two years. With Lead’s growing number of supporters and increased need for access to confidence resources across all ages, Lead was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in August 2018.
Today, Lead’s mission is to empower people with practical tools to become their most confident selves. Lead has transformed the lives of 13,000 individuals directly and thousands more indirectly in the state of Michigan. Participants report gaining confidence and self-esteem by an average of 82% after attending just one program. With this proven track-record, Lead continues to be a source of empowerment, making a positive impact on the lives of many.
Lisa Tarkington, the President and Founder, is an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and the host of The Confident Podcast.
With degrees in Communications, Social Impact Strategy, and Positive Psychology, Lisa leverages over a decade of corporate and entrepreneurial experience, along with personal insights, to empower individuals and organizations. She specializes in helping others overcome self-doubt, cultivate confidence, and achieve transformative growth. Her work has been recognized with prestigious honors, including Coach of the Year and the Athena Award.
Lisa enjoys outdoor adventures with her husband, Marc, and their two Labradors, Denver and Jackson.
Kelsey Snyder is the Executive Director at Lead. Prior to joining the team, she spent 12 years in the tech industry where she found her voice, honed her leadership style, and learned to trust her instincts. At home, her life revolves around her husband George, two kids Mason and Brooke, and a 90lb chocolate lab named Weatherby. She enjoys spending her free time walking, reading, and working on DIY projects like renovating an old camper.
Melissa “Missy” Reed is Lead’s Director of Development. Missy has spent 15 years in the human services field, including several years as a state investigator, dedicated to improving lives and advocating for others. She is passionate about community welfare and has a strong commitment to creating positive change in our communities. When she is not working, she enjoys golfing, cooking, and traveling to northern Michigan with her fiancé.
Emily is the Program Specialist at Lead, leveraging her experience in education and a deep passion for supporting at-risk and vulnerable youth in our communities. In addition to her role at Lead, Emily actively volunteers with various community organizations, dedicating her time to those in need and striving to make a positive difference. In her spare time, Emily enjoys reading, attending community events, and spending quality time with her husband and three children.
Sarah Maday, Chair
Nexteer Automotive
Kelsey Schultz
Yeo & Yeo
Jeff Wood
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Laura Shepard
The Dow Chemical Company
Cathy Geiger
ABC Greater Michigan Chapter
Julia Kepler
Serendipty Road & Joyful Tantrum Recess
Tyler Kirby
Tri-Star Trust
Wendy Traschen
Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational
Jon Lynch
Three Rivers Corporation
Stacy L Gannon
Huntington Bank
Missie Freier
First State Bank
We are grateful the outstanding leaders who have been board of directors for us.
Michelle Brady, My Michigan
Teresa Datz-Siegel, Hemlock Semiconductor
Logan Richetti, Modern Realty
Morgan Behr, Stifel
Marc Kaeckmeister, The State Bank
Kathie Fuce-Hobohm, SPACE, Inc.
Kayley Gordert, DuPont
By volunteering with us or getting involved in our events you become a part of the movement dedicated to creating a ripple effect of positive change!
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