“Being on staff at LI is a really fun and rewarding experience. You get to learn and grow alongside a bunch of inspiring people, explore your own leadership style, develop personal leadership skills and give back to the community by helping others learn important leadership skills and lessons.”
Morgan Vaughn
Implementation Manager, Center for Creative Leadership
Adjunct Professor, Chapman University
(Leadership Academy Coaches, 2018)
Leadership Inspirations was founded in 2006 with the drive to help teams improve their group dynamics, focus on action and accountability, and maximize goal achievement. We do this by:
Creating fun and interactive experiences
Using and building upon research-based models and theories
Enhancing individual and group problem solving skills through creative, intentional approaches
Listening to our client feedback to adapt and grow as an organization
Making your goals, our goals
These methods have allowed us to keep our vision of inspiring learning, leadership, and service at the forefront of our commitment to the over 2,500 students, educators, athletes, and organizations we work with each year. We love and appreciate being a trusted resource in your quest for success!
“Working with Kim and her team at Leadership Inspirations was nothing short of transformational.”
Meet Kim!
Been with Leadership Inspirations since 2006 (she’s the founder!). M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University. B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Southern California.
I love working with people and being able to help solve problems, but also being creative with ideas on setting up foundations & structure for success.
Quick Facts About Me: 1) I have a dog named Copper, 2) I’m an extreme extrovert and 3) I love sports (notably the Dodgers, Clippers and Trojans)!
Meet Reychel!
Joined Leadership Inspirations in 2015. B.S. in Business and Economics from California State University, Fullerton.
I love working in events because it brings me joy to help to execute the unique vision of every organization. My goal is to always prepare well so that the event will run smoothly and our clients are happy.
Quick Facts About Me: 1) I am a mom of 2, a boy who and a girl who 8 years apart in age. 2) I married one of my best friends from high school. 3) I was was doubles Champion in CIF for tennis.
Meet Kelly!
Joined Leadership Inspirations in 2020.
B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and Minor in Leadership Studies from Chapman University.
Fun Facts About Me: 1) I LOVE crime shows! Some of my favorites are White Collar, Monk, Psych, NCIS, and Criminal Minds. 2) I enjoy snowboarding. 3) I like to do different creative things – paint, bake, cook, DIY, metal stamp, etc.
Meet Jayne!
Started with Leadership Inspirations in 2009. M.A. in Leadership Development from Chapman University. B.A. in Communication Studies from Loyola Marymount University.
I love leadership development because I believe this is what everyone needs to be successful in life, not just at work or school.
Quick Facts About Me: 1) I love Disney & the Dodgers, 2) I wear my flip flops when it rains and 3) I am a 3 time Fantasy Football Champion!
Kenna Cottrill, Ph.D.
Content & Training
Meet Kenna!
Started with Leadership Inspirations in 2006. Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Development.
I love leadership development because I believe we can solve the biggest and smallest problems we face, and thus create the world we want, when we work together.
Quick Facts About Me: 1) I was named after my grandfather, Ken, because I was the first grandchild in my mom’s family, 2) I have a daughter, son and a husband (since 2006!). My daughter has been the best teacher I have ever had because she has helped me see the world differently and helped me assess and live out my priorities and 3) I am an ENTJ.
Angel Meraz, Ed.D.
Content & Training
Meet Angel!
Started with Leadership Inspirations in 2006. Ed.D in Community College Leadership from Kansas State University. M.Ed. in School Counseling from the University of Maryland College Park, and a B.A. in Psychology from UCLA.
I am passionate about leadership because I have seen the way leadership development has transformed people’s lives. We have so many big, complex issues facing society across the globe, and we need strong leaders who are courageous enough to solve these problems. Leadership development allows individuals to engage in self-reflection, identifying strengths and passions that they can use to solve these issues. I am proud to be a small part of the process that helps young and seasoned leaders discover a part of themselves that will enhance their knowledge and skills.
Quick Facts About Me: 1) I love to travel to new places, especially if I get to go with my family. Spending time with those I love, doing things I love is super important to me. 2) I like to take risks. One of the riskiest things I have ever done is skydiving. 3) I also work as a counselor for student athletes at a community college. This job is so fun because I get to interact with student athletes and coaches all day, and they are so much fun to work with.
Joe Pazmany, Ed.D.
Content & Training
Meet Joe!
Started with Leadership Inspirations in 2007. I currently am the CEO of Innovade, am a part-time Lecturer at Chapman University, and have a BA, MA, and Ed.D in Organizational Leadership.
I love being a facilitator because you are constantly learning in every situation, so there are countless opportunities for growth and improvement to provide the best possible experience for others.
Quick Facts About Me: 1) 3D printing is a recent hobby I started, 2) I’m currently writing a book on creativity, and 3) swimming between tectonic plates in Iceland was an incredible adventure.
“A good leader is a person who takes a little more than his share of the blame and a little less than his share of the credit.” – John C. Maxwell
We are InterStrength Certified!
“You all are so amazing. Thank you for everything that you do and for all the time and energy you dedicate to make your programs so exceptional.”
Caelan
Leadership Coach
Meet Caelan!
Caelan Cooney is another Millennial who wants ‘to make an impact’, a self-proclaimed movie critic, avid explorer, lifelong learner, a Chapman University graduate and has her Master’s degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology. She has worked with Leadership Inspirations since 2015 and currently is a Learning Strategist for Hone.
Caroline
Leadership Coach
Meet Caroline!
Clare
Leadership Coach
Meet Clare!
Hi I’m Clare! Leadership development is important to me because it provides me with an outlet to pay-it-forward. I will forever be grateful for the leaders that have helped guide me through life, and I hope that, as I step into leadership development roles myself, I will be able to have a similar impact on others. I think that the best part about being a facilitator will be the connections I make with others! I am a rising senior at Chapman University, pursuing two degrees; a Bachelor’s in Philosophy and a Master’s in Leadership Development! I am also a part of the University’s Honors program. 🙂
Fun facts about me are:
- I used to ride horses competitively.
- I was homeschooled for (most) of my childhood.
- My name means bright and famous 😉
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives” – Jackie Robinson
Emalia
Leadership Coach
Meet Emalia!
Hi I’m Emalia! I love leadership development because it is so fulfilling. I am passionate about connecting with others in an empowering way and growing alongside others. The best part about being a facilitator is witnessing the impact on individuals. To know that I made an impact on a group of people makes me very happy.
I am 100% Greek, love to travel, and grew up doing dance and cheer. I recently graduated from Chapman University, Magna Cum Laude, with a B.S. in Business Admin (Marketing Emphasis) and a double minor in Leadership Studies and Advertising. In the past, I’ve worked in camp directing for over four years. I have also been a leader across various organizations, including founding my photography business. Leadership is and will be a passion and joy of mine for years to come!
“Cherish forever what makes you unique” – Bette Midler
Gino
Leadership Coach
Meet Gino!
Hey I’m Gino and I love roller skating, have a dog and a cat that are best friends, and am fluent in American Sign Language. The best part about being a facilitator is seeing the “aha” moment with students, working with advisors, and playing mafia! I currently am a Talent Acquisition Partner at Tray.io and have a BS in Physiology & Neuroscience with a minor in American Sign Language.
“Be silly, be honest, be kind” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“What? Like it’s hard?” – Elle Woods
Giorgio
Leadership Coach
Meet Giorgio!
Hey I’m Giorgio! I’m a triplet, I share a birthday with Jackie Chan, and the less facts you know, the more interesting I become. 😉 The best part of being a facilitator is the connection you make with a group, but also being able to use these skills every day in my personal life. Currently I am an Engineering Manager at Medtronic and have a MS in biomedical engineering with an emphasis in neuroengineering and a BS in biology.
“Taking in a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn’t it? If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.”
“You know what the happiest thing on earth is? It’s a goldfish. Y’know why? It’s got a 10-second memory. Be a goldfish.”
Hannah
Leadership Coach
Meet Hannah!
Hi, I’m Hannah! I have a black belt in Martial Arts, Hozier is my favorite artist, and I love to cook “Chopped” style 🙂. I just graduated with a BA in Communication Studies with a minor in Leadership Studies from Chapman University!
I love leadership development because of the way it can connect us together. Not only does it help us achieve our goals in a better, more inclusive/understanding way, it helps us learn how to support others in ways that are beneficial to their successes and our own. I think the best part about being a facilitator will be the connection with the students. I remember being in ASB in high school, and as I look back at it I can see the value a leadership development course would have had on our team, and I cannot wait to bring this knowledge to other students. I am so excited to meet new people and inspire confidence in them.
“You do not just wake up and become the butterfly” – Rupi Kuar
Isabel
Leadership Coach
Meet Isabel!
Hi Im Isabel! I am currently a senior at Chapman University studying a BA in Psychology with a double minor in Leadership and Creative & Cultural Industries. Some fun facts about me:
- I lived in Australia for 5 months
- I have double-jointed elbows
- I am starting a thrift business with my best friend
I love that leadership development allows one to take an active role in one’s life instead of being a passive spectator. It provides individuals with the tools to amplify their voices as they discover what values truly motivate them and why. With this information, one can use it to point them in the right direction to successfully pursue one’s passions and overcome adversity. Without my leadership skills, I would not have taken the life-changing risks and experiences that shaped me and who I want to become.
The best part about being a facilitator is the relationships you build with your students and coworkers. There is so much to learn from not only my experienced and well-versed coworkers but as well as the aspiring young students that provide a unique perspective. Collectively, all of us contribute to each other’s growth as we feed off of each other, and that is a beautiful relationship that I will always be grateful for.
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” – Brad Meltzer
Jana
Leadership Coach
Meet Jana!
Hello! I’m Jana and I’m a Political Science major wanting to work in international law. I want to help and inspire people to become the best possible leaders to lead the world into a better place. I think the best part about being a facilitator is getting to meet new people!
“Never Failure, Always a Lesson”- Arab Proverb
Jason
Leadership Coach
Meet Jason!
Hi I’m Jason and I’m currently a ticketing supervisor at Chapman! 3 fun facts about me are:
- I originally moved down to the OC for college after growing up in Northern California and decided to stick around. I can truly say, “There’s no place I’d rather be.”
- I’m an avid collector and completionist. If I play a video game, I’m likely to spend hours running around trying to make sure I do everything. I’ve even made spreadsheets to make sure I didn’t miss anything.
- I was once elected to the student council as Vice President, mostly, I believe, because I wrote my name on the whiteboard with a heart instead of an o. JAS❤️N
My favorite part of leadership development is that no matter who you are and what field you want to go into, having this skill set will help you foster and grow alongside your team. Being a leader means setting up everyone around you for success, not just succeeding on ones own. Coming from a background in theatre, workshops and training often feel more like an adventure to me. You get a chance to open your mind to the opinions and experiences of others, never knowing just what kind of journey you will have. The greatest part of being a facilitator, is knowing you are the one charting the way through unknown waters, and the memories you make along the way.
“Magic is really very simple. All you have to do is want something and then let yourself have it!” -Aggie Cromwell (Halloween Town)
Jhasmine
Leadership Coach
Meet Jhasmine!
“I believe that every single event in life happens as an opportunity to choose love over fear.” – Oprah Winfrey
Joe
Leadership Coach
Meet Joe!
Started with Leadership Inspirations in 2007. I currently am the CEO of Innovade, am a part-time Lecturer at Chapman University, and have a BA, MA, and Ed.D in Organizational Leadership.
I love being a facilitator because you are constantly learning in every situation, so there are countless opportunities for growth and improvement to provide the best possible experience for others.
Quick Facts About Me: 1) 3D printing is a recent hobby I started, 2) I’m currently writing a book on creativity, and 3) swimming between tectonic plates in Iceland was an incredible adventure.
“A good leader is a person who takes a little more than his share of the blame and a little less than his share of the credit.” – John C. Maxwell
Kelly
Leadership Coach
Meet Kelly!
Hi I’m Kelly and I love Chai Tea Lattes, am a big Marvel fan, and have two cats that are sisters, but you’d never know looking at them. I love being a facilitator because of the connections that are made between people and ideas. I am the Associate Director of Student Life at Pacifica Christian High School and a part-time lecturer at Chapman University. I have a BA in Public Relations with a Marketing Minor and a MA in Leadership Development.
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
Kait
Leadership Coach
Meet Kait!
Hello I’m Kait! I love to read and almost always have a book on me, I’m a huge Marvel nerd, and I have to have at least two cups of tea in the morning to be a functioning human! The best thing about being a facilitator is having the opportunity to be surrounded by individuals who want to be better people. I am currently an Area Operations Manager for Amazon and have a BA in Integrated Educational Studies with minors in Language & Literacy and Leadership.
“Leadership is not a person or a position. It is a complex moral relationship between people based on trust, obligation, commitment, emotion, and a shared vision of good.” Joanne Ciulla
Kevin
Leadership Coach
Meet Kevin!
Hello! I’m Kevin and I was allergic to stone fruit for three years, can run miles and miles on end but can barely give you a solid doggy paddle, and I was the commencement speaker for my college graduation! The best part of being a facilitator is spending time learning about the different talents, interests, and stories people have. I currently am a Client Solutions Planner @ Tik Tok and have a BS in Business Admin and minor in Dance Studies.
“You don’t spell love, Piglet…you feel it.” – Winnie the Pooh
Kylee
Leadership Coach
Meet Kylee!
Hi I’m Kylee!
I am a Software Education Major at Chapman University with minors in Leadership and Music Technology. I love reading, I love to sing and act, and I am an introvert. I love leadership development because I find that it encourages people to be more patient and attentive to others, which creates better relationships and lifts everyone and their projects up. I think the best part about being a facilitator will be the connections I will make and the ways I can encourage others’ growth.
“Some see a weed; some see a flower. Perspective.” It is said talking about a dandelion in my favorite book, The Crown from the Selection Series. It reminds me that there is always a different perspective or way to view a situation.
Lindsey
Leadership Coach
Meet Lindsey!
Hi I’m Lindsey! I graduated from Chapman University with a BS in Business Administration and Management with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership.
Logan
Leadership Coach
Meet Logan!
Hi! I’m Logan and I currently take care of 42 plants and my collection is always growing, I’ve shaved my head 3 times in the last 5 years and my favorite pastimes are rock climbing and solo camping.
I graduated from the Sociology Department at Loyola Marymount University this spring with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies.
I love that leadership development acknowledges the responsibility to reflect on how we impact the betterment of the collective. Seeing others discover that in themselves is the most rewarding experience of leadership development.
The best part about facilitation is that it acts as the framework for the real work to begin, watching the next generation discover their own ability to adapt and solve problems is a humbling experience. Facilitation is a framework, it’s never truly a plan or a goal because the flow of thought always takes unprecedented directions.
“I am building a house where the floor is made up of strength, where the walls are crafted of ambition, where the roof is a masterpiece of forgiveness. I am building myself” Noor Unnahar
Meghan
Leadership Coach
Meet Meghan!
Hi I’m Meghan and my dream job would be an SNL cast member! I also love to plan parties and I sing in my car like I’m performing a sold-out show.
The best thing about being a facilitator is developing some of the most important skills needed in our world (for me and for others!). I have a M.Ed. and BA in Integrated Educational Studies.
“Be yourself, everyone else is taken.” -Oscar Wilde
Morgan
Leadership Coach
Meet Morgan!
Hello I’m Morgan and I love to cook and bake, I have a goal to visit every Disney park in the world,and I fall asleep during almost every movie I watch. I think the best thing about being a facilitator is getting to pass along leadership lessons that others have taught me. I am currently an Implementation Manager at the Center for Creative Leadership and have a MA in Leadership Development and a BA in Integrated Educational Studies.
“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”
Sabrina
Leadership Coach
Meet Sabrina!
Hi I’m Sabrina and I love leadership development because leaders are the foundation of success in any industry. Developing these skills when young will create more effective environments and boost team morale. I think the best part of being a facilitator will be being able to inspire students like past mentors have done for me. Also, being able to use all the tools I have learned as a leadership minor the past few years and put them into real-life scenarios.
Some fun facts about me: I’m from Alberta, Canada, I love skiing, hot yoga and barre, and Last summer I lived in Australia and went diving in the Great Barrier Reef
I am currently finishing my degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and Minor in Leadership at Chapman University. I am also working as a Research Assistant in the Argyros School of Business in Economics.
“Only when diverse perspectives are included, respected, and valued can we start to get a full picture of the world.”
– Brene Brown
Salvador
Leadership Coach
Meet Salvador!
Hi I’m Salvador! I love being able to help build the foundation of essential leadership skills and motivation techniques to be used in the real world. Being able to help create long-lasting memories and witnessing those bonding moments between student leaders is my favorite part about being a facilitator.
Some fun facts about me are: I am a big Stitch fan, I am a funko pop collector, and I love nature. I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s in business administration with a concentration in leadership, organization, and management. I am also a Castmember at Disneyland; making magic at the Golden Horseshoe!
“To anyone with a dream, know that your dreams are valid. And on your path, you are never denied. Only redirected.” -Catriona Gray (Miss Universe 2018)
Shoshana
Leadership Coach
Meet Shoshana!
Hi, I’m Shoshana and am a current rising Junior at Chapman University studying education and leadership. I am in MACI, one of the 4 + 1 master’s programs. I am a HUGE Disney/Marvel/Star Wars person! I am technically a first-generation American on my mom’s side. I really love travel and adventure. I have been to about 22 countries.
I really love leadership development because you and those around you can grow at an exponential level and truly develop important skills.
I think the best part about being a facilitator is helping to guide the people you are working with through difficult challenges to end up with a very positive and impactful result.
“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.”
Zz
Leadership Coach
Meet Zz!
Hi all, I’m Zz! I’m someone who treasures creativity and vulnerability, and I love to incorporate art into everything I do. My favorite food is cheese, but I’m lactose intolerant. To me, the best things about being a facilitator are learning from students, all the smiles shared, and having truly impactful conversations. I have just received my undergraduate degree at UCLA, double majoring in Psychology and Public Affairs with minors in Education and Visual and Performing Arts Education.
“Thank you for leading by example, for reminding us of what teaching is all about,
and for the affirmations that often go unsaid.”
About
What We Do