REAL Exclusive Magazine

The Academy for Leadership and Social Development: Fostering an Innovative Path to Success

By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa

For today’s youth, the pathway to success is often paved with opportunities in education and a sense of future potential. But at the heart of personal achievements are fundamentals in social development and communication, elements that empower individuals and provide them with a core understanding of their roles within their communities and society as a whole. Basic etiquette skills, once standard curriculum in public and private schools, have lost their prominence in the lives of many adults and children. But thanks to the efforts of founder Stephanie Hefner, these invaluable resources are making a resurgence. At The Academy for Leadership and Social Development, local youth and their families are developing critical skills designed to improve their long-term outlooks.

“My goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of our students,” offers Stephanie. “To provide them with new tools for their toolboxes. Life can be unpredictable, and social and communication skills can enable individuals to approach challenging situations with positivity, to identify successful solutions to the issues they may face.”

It’s a unique endeavor, though one with the potential to make a tremendous impact on the communities involved. Through empathy, individuals gain a sense of accountability and social responsibility; by understanding how their threads are woven into the fabric of society, students and families can successfully contribute to the creation of a thriving community tapestry.

Founded in 2010, the Academy was inspired by Stephanie’s family and her own personal journey. “My grandparents and my mother were focused on accomplishing their goals, even in adverse conditions,” she explains. “They have shown me that having a vision and a sense of purpose is a great motivator for success.” Indeed, moved by their resolute efforts, Stephanie became the first in her family to graduate college, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Management before launching her career in the non-profit sector. “I’ve always known that this was my calling,” Stephanie reveals. “I thrive in the opportunity to assist others in improving their lives.”

The Academy for Leadership and Social Development encourages participants and their families to facilitate their own success through interactive seminars and workshops that focus on active and fun learning opportunities. The Academy collaborates with local schools and agencies to tailor programs based on individual group needs, offering single 1- to 2-hour workshops or comprehensive courses that run for several weeks. “What’s important is that we are providing usable skills and information with a complete sense of respect and appreciation for what participants and their families are bringing to the table,” notes Stephanie. “These aren’t lectures telling people how to behave; they’re opportunities to increase awareness and expand upon skills that will last a lifetime.”

In order to alleviate the costs associated with these workshops, Stephanie actively pursues grant monies and donations from individual or corporate entities. The investment, she says, is one that can yield significant results. “We have the opportunity to help break cycles of poverty, crime, and lack of educational or career aspirations, to provide young people from all walks of life with a new array of prospects,” Stephanie states. “The Academy is a forum for youth and their families to find their voices, to chart new paths to success.”

She continues to lead by example. Stephanie is on course to earn a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling, and looks forward to exploring deeper levels of change. “Once I launched the Academy, I realized that character education is only one element of personal success,” she explains. “I’m interested in working on family dynamics, assisting individuals who require more than social and communication skills.” Eventually, she says, she intends to pursue a Doctorate degree in Education.

Working with upwards of 100 students each year, Stephanie is sowing seeds that, she believes, have every opportunity to blossom. She reflects, “My mission is to nurture that potential, to serve as an example and a resource for children, teens and their families. I want to see them thrive.”

Academy for Leadership and Social Development, Inc.
7357 Merchant Court
Sarasota, FL 34240
(941) 487.4076
info@academyforleadership.net
www.academyforleadership.net