About us
About the Lead with Purpose Foundation
Rooted in Faith. Driven by Purpose. Built for Community.
OUR STORY
Some people choose a life of service. For Dr. Felita Hannah Poole, service chose her.
Years ago, as a young college student, Dr. Poole faced a devastating family tragedy that threatened to derail everything she had worked for. In one of the darkest seasons of her life, she found herself without the resources or the strength to continue her education. It was in that moment of vulnerability that something remarkable happened — her community showed up.
Neighbors, friends, and ordinary people who didn’t have much themselves began to give sacrificially so that she would not have to sit out a single quarter of college. They gave not out of abundance, but out of love.
That experience changed everything.
It was in the generosity of those everyday people that Dr. Poole discovered one of life’s most profound truths — that community, when it shows up with intention and love, has the power to alter the entire trajectory of a life. From that moment, she carried a quiet but unshakeable resolve: somehow, someway, she would go back and give what was given to her.
That resolve became the Lead with Purpose Foundation.
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WHO WE ARE
Our Mission & Vision
Our Mission
To develop purposeful, faith-centered leaders from multicultural, underprivileged, and underserved communities across the United States — equipping them with the tools, mentorship, and experiences they need to lead with integrity, serve their communities, and leave a lasting legacy.
Our Vision
A nation where every young person — regardless of their background, zip code, or circumstance — has the opportunity to discover their purpose, develop their potential, and lead their communities toward a better future.
Faith
Everything we do is rooted in faith — faith in God, faith in our young people, and faith in the power of community.
Service
We exist to serve — our students, our communities, and our nation.
Our Core Values
the pillars
Purpose
We believe every young person was created with a purpose. Our job is to help them find it.
Community
We believe in the power of a community that shows up. Together, we accomplish more.
Integrity
We lead with honesty, transparency, and accountability in everything we do.
EXCELLENCE
We hold ourselves and our students to the highest standard — because they deserve nothing less.
we reach
Who We Serve
The Lead with Purpose Foundation was built for the student who has been overlooked, underestimated, and underserved. We open our doors to every young leader — no matter where they come from.
Underserved Communities
We reach into communities that have been historically overlooked and underinvested — because we know that some of the greatest leaders of tomorrow are waiting to be found in the most unlikely places.
High School Students in Grades 9–11
We meet students during the most formative years of their lives — when the right investment, the right mentor, and the right community can change everything.
Multicultural Youth
We celebrate and honor the rich diversity of backgrounds, cultures, languages, and experiences that our students bring to our program. The Lead with Purpose Foundation is for every young person — from every nation, every culture, and every background.
Underprivileged Students
We serve young people from low-income households who deserve access to the same worldclass leadership development opportunities as any other student. Financial circumstance will never determine a young person’s potential.
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Dr. Felita Hannah Poole, Ph.D.
Dr. Felita Hannah Poole is a dedicated educator, counselor, community servant, and founder whose life’s work has been rooted in uplifting others — from the youngest members of society to its most seasoned elders.
A proud native of Leesville, Louisiana, Dr. Poole demonstrated leadership early in life as a student at Leesville High School, where she served as Freshman Representative, Treasurer, Vice President, and ultimately Student Body President — earning each role through dedication and service to her peers.
Dr. Poole earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Secondary and General Counseling from Louisiana Tech University, and a Ph.D. in Christian Entrepreneurship from Providence Christian University — a degree that sits at the crossroads of her faith, her leadership, and her vision for transforming communities.
The Lead with Purpose Foundation and the Purpose Leadership Institute are her most personal act of giving — born from a community that once showed up for her, and dedicated to showing up for the next generation.
GWEN FOWLER
 Board Member, At-Large
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MONIQUE DUBOSE
Board Chair
PASTOR DERRICK KEYS
Secretary & Faith Advisor
RACHEL NABORS
 Treasurer
TIFFANY RICHARDSON
 Board Member, At-Large
DEBBRA LEVENEÂ
 Board Member, At-Large
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Board of Directors
The Lead with Purpose Foundation is governed by a dedicated board of directors committed to the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values. Our board members bring expertise in education, leadership, community development, finance, and faith.
RAMONA NABORSÂ
Advisory Council Member
RAY NABORSÂ
Advisory Council Member
BELINDA WILLIAMS
Advisory Council Member
Advisory Council Member
BEN NGARIÂ
The Foundation is also supported by a dedicated Advisory Council whose members lend their wisdom, lived experience, and community connections to guide our work.
ADVISORY COUNCIL