Envision Lead Grow

In 2016, Envision Lead Grow was born out of Dr. Reddix’s doctoral studies, which examined how deliberate practice, self- efficacy, confidence building, and experiential learning shape long term success. Her research confirmed something powerful, skills, confidence, and leadership are not innate and must be cultivated through intentional experiences.

This research matters because the data is clear.

• Only 31 percent of teens report having access to financial literacy education in school, even though 68 percent say they would take a course if offered.
• Women led businesses receive less than 3 percent of venture capital funding nationwide.
• First generation college students are significantly more likely to stop out or drop out without structured academic, financial, and mentoring support.

Dr. Reddix turned research into action by creating Envision Lead Grow to ensure girls had access, consistency, and opportunity, not just aspiration.

Who We Serve

Our impact is intentionally designed to extend beyond the individual participant. Envision Lead Grow serves:

Primary: Middle and high school girls, ages 11 to 18

Secondary: First generation college women pursuing higher education and career development

Tertiary: Women entrepreneurs and professionals seeking growth and empowerment opportunities

This layered approach ensures our work creates ripple effects far beyond a single program or participant.

Wrap Around Services Provided

At Envision Lead Grow, we recognize that meaningful youth development requires more than just classroom learning, it requires a support system that addresses the whole person. In addition to entrepreneurship and financial literacy training, Envision Lead Grow integrates a robust set of wrap around services designed to meet the social, emotional, academic, and practical needs of the individuals and families we serve. These services include:

1. Mentorship and Coaching

Each student is matched with a trained mentor who provides consistent one on one or small group guidance throughout the year. Mentors serve as positive role models, helping students set goals, navigate personal challenges, and remain engaged in school and life planning.

2. Academic and College Exposure

We embed college readiness strategies into our programming, including exposure to college campuses during our Summer Immersion Camp, support with FAFSA and scholarship awareness, and conversations around major and career alignment. We also collaborate with school counselors and community partners to ensure students have access to tutoring and academic resources as needed.

3. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Our curriculum emphasizes key SEL skills such as self identity, growth mindset, responsible decision making, and resilience. These are reinforced through group discussions, journaling, affirmations, and confidence building activities throughout the program year.

4. Family Engagement

We engage families through orientation sessions, business showcases, and community events that highlight student progress. In some cases, our programs support intergenerational learning, particularly through The Family Business initiative, which fosters mother and daughter entrepreneurship and family wealth building.

5. Access to Basic Needs and Support Referrals

We actively partner with local organizations and schools to connect students and families with food assistance, transportation, mental health resources, and technology support when needed. Our team maintains ongoing communication with schools to ensure that participants do not fall through the cracks.

6. Real World Business Experience

Through pitch competitions, pop up markets, and partnerships with local businesses, students apply their learning in authentic settings. Select students are invited to intern with ELG’s youth led ELG Sweet Boutique, gaining additional experience in customer service, point of sale systems, and small business operations.

The Impact

ELG Girl Bosses walk into ELG spaces unsure and walk out standing taller, speaking boldly, and believing differently about themselves.

• Thousands of girls served.
• Families strengthened.
• Communities benefiting from youth led businesses and leadership.
• Young women now in college, launching businesses, mentoring others, and leading with purpose.

How You Can Help

Envision Lead Grow’s 2026 Summer Immersion Camp is a five-day sleepaway experience at Old Dominion University for 250 middle and high school girls from Title I schools and underserved communities in Hampton Roads, July 12-17, 2026. The camp equips girls with skills in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, mental wellness, and responsible AI use, and serves as the foundation for a yearlong leadership program.

Funds will support essential materials including t-shirts, entrepreneurship workbooks, personal hygiene kits, healthy snacks, mental health journals, and business supplies that enable every girl to participate fully, regardless of financial background.