04.20.2021

Exploring iLEAD Agua Dulce Culture: What’s the ‘E’ in ‘iLEAD’?

iLEAD Agua Dulce

“If you work hard enough and assert yourself, and use your mind and imagination, you can shape the world to your desires.” — Malcolm Gladwell

This week, we’re exploring the third pillar of the iLEAD acronym: the letter E, which stands for Entrepreneurial Development.

At iLEAD Agua Dulce, we encourage learners to work in teams, take risks, and learn from failure — all of which nurture the ability to innovate and ignite the entrepreneurial spirit.

Through focusing on entrepreneurial development, learners build a number of skills, including the following: 

  • Self-confidence
  • Durability and resilience
  • Problem-solving
  • Creativity and innovative thinking
  • Goal-setting
  • Initiative
  • A strong work ethic

Throughout the iLEAD network, there are countless examples of iLEAD learners who have embraced the entrepreneurial spirit. Here is one that stands out:

iLEAD Exploration Learner Explores the Sweeter Side of Business

Hoops by Nana didn’t exactly start as a business, but as a way for Exploration learner Milena de Vera to provide a treat option for her sister, who suffers from celiac disease. However, developing and baking gluten-free donuts quickly developed into an entrepreneurial opportunity, growing it into a licensed, expanding business. 

To continue learning and growing, Milena enrolled in a cooking class to develop her baking chops. Her consumer math course equipped her to keep accurate financial records for her business. She tests and retests multiple recipes to come up with her line of products. Last fall, Milena was asked by Williams-Sonoma to participate in a pop-up bake sale for the “No Kid Hungry” charity this fall, and she has also supported iLEAD events with her products. Her post-iLEAD plans include attending community college while she expands her business.

This is just one story that illustrates how iLEAD learners are empowered by a focus on entrepreneurial development that builds skills that influence every area of their education and creates potential career paths. At iLEAD Agua Dulce, we are constantly inspired by how we see learners put an entrepreneurial focus into action.

Next week, join us as we dive into the next pillar of the iLEAD acronym: Arts.

RECENT POSTS

iLEAD's Got Talent Show 2.2025 iLEAD Agua Dulce

iLEAD Agua Dulce Stars Shine Bright at iLEAD’s Got Talent!

A wave of creativity and community spirit swept through iLEAD Agua Dulce on February 7, as Ms. Partis’ remarkable second-grade class orchestrated the inaugural iLEAD’s Got Talent show! This learner-ledRead More

2nd Grade La Brea Tar Pits 3.2025 iLEAD Agua Dulce 3

Digging Up Fun: iLEAD Agua Dulce 2nd Graders Visit La Brea Tar Pits

Learning about paleontology firsthand! On March 13, our 2nd grade class had an amazing trip to the La Brea Tar Pits, discovering how scientists study fossils to understand extinct animalsRead More

iLEAD Agua Dulce High School

iLEAD Agua Dulce High School Info Night: April 14

We are excited to invite you to our campus to learn about iLEAD Agua Dulce High School! Discover the unique opportunities our tuition-free public school offers high schoolers, including theRead More