The kickoff of the inaugural Elevated Leadership Academy (ELA) Space Coast Cohort brought together an incredibly diverse group of leaders from across the Space Coast. Participants represented aerospace, education, finance, banking, construction, municipalities, elected office, hospitality, nonprofit organizations, real estate, marketing agencies, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and even singers and performers who lead businesses through their craft. The room itself reflected what leadership truly looks like in our community. Different paths, different titles, and a shared commitment to growth and impact.
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The session was hosted at the Center for Collaboration, one of the Space Coast’s premier convening spaces, and the energy in the room matched the moment. Participation was strong, engagement was high, and leaders showed up ready to learn and contribute. The experience was elevated further by outstanding local partners. Catered Dish provided an exceptional breakfast, and Jamrock Grill delivered a phenomenal lunch. ELA is intentional about supporting local food vendors because leadership development should also uplift the small businesses that make our community thrive.
David Jones
Elevated Leadership Academy is designed to create a space where every leader belongs, whether they come from a large organization or are building something of their own. Cohort members meet in person every 90 days, but the learning does not stop there. Between sessions, participants continue the work together, applying what they have learned so that each gathering builds on the last. This approach allows leaders to grow in real time, not just in the classroom.
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Looking ahead, ELA cohort members will be visible in the community through volunteer efforts and collaborative initiatives. The program is also expanding, with the launch of a Tampa Bay Cohort planned for Q2 in partnership with the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. ELA is grateful for its Space Coast partners, including the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce, whose support helps make this work possible.
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ELA is also actively seeking mission-aligned sponsors who want meaningful visibility on the Space Coast and in the Tampa Bay region. Sponsorships help expand access to the program by providing scholarships for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders who are doing important work in their communities. For organizations looking to invest in leadership, community impact, and the future of our region, ELA offers a way to do all three at once.
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This is only the beginning.
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“The inaugural Elevated Leadership Academy created something special—a space where leaders could be honest, challenged, and supported. It wasn’t just about developing skills, but about building a community committed to lifting each other and our broader community to a higher standard.”— Sean Williams, Vice President, Cowbell Agency
“This session brought me back to leadership concepts I hadn’t thought about in a while, and it was good to be challenged. Working alongside other leaders and hearing their perspectives added a lot of value to the experience.”- Matt Passarella, Wharton Smith
“This program with Elevated Leadership Academy is honestly a game changer. The conversations, the energy, the accountability is next level. I’m already excited for the next session and the next session. Building alongside this group of leaders is going to be something special. This is the kind of room that stretches you, sharpens you, and pushes you forward.”- Samantha Sanchez, Fluent Mortgage
“This initial course has set a high bar for the rest of the Academy. Really looking forward to more learning and networking in this Academy” -Brandon Burroughs, Boeing
