Lead (formerly Self Love Beauty) organization focused on empowering individuals personally and professionally with practical tools to become their most confident selves. 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 12,000 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 12,000 individuals directly and over 66,000 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 Founder and Executive Director of Lead, is a Leadership Consultant and Associate Certified Coach through ICF. With a decade of corporate and entrepreneur experience, she is known for her dedication to providing resources and programs that empower individuals and inspire them to be their best selves.Outside of work, you will find Lisa enjoying outdoor adventures with her husband Marc and their two labs, Denver and Jackson.
Kelsey Snyder is the Director of Programs 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.
Shamara Watkins is Lead’s Program Administrator. She joined the team in late 2021 as their social media intern before becoming full time. Shamara has a Bachelor’s degree in Media & Information from Michigan State University and worked with educational startups in content creation and social media before her time with Lead. In her free time, Shamara loves to bake, exercise, and try new cafes and restaurants with her family.
Meet Our Facilitators
Lead’s workshop facilitators undergo 20 hours of training to ensure they are best equipped to support our participants.
Sarah Maday
Nexteer Automotive
Kelsey Schultz
Yeo & Yeo
Marc Kaeckmeister
First State Bank
Kathie Fuce-Hobohm
Space, Inc
Cathy Geiger
ABC Greater Michigan Chapter
Julia Kepler
Serendipty Road & Joyful Tantrum Recess
Jon Lynch
Three Rivers Corporation
Kayley Lyons
DuPont
Morgan Behr
MoLo Farms
Wendy Traschen
Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational
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!
