“It started with a dream and a prayer,” begins visionary founder, Natasha Sistrunk Robinson, U.S. Naval Academy, class of 2002, when asked how she brought together six Naval Academy graduates to form a nonprofit with a mission to offer leadership education that facilitates impactful living, spiritual and character development.
Natasha prayed for a connection to like-minded people who were interested in coming together with the understanding that whatever would be done together, united in faith, would be stronger than anything that could be done individually. She developed a list of names of men and women, all of whom were Naval Academy graduates from different generations and backgrounds.
Natasha holds dear a quote from cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Her initial thought was to create a network—a community—that would encourage and support one another in their dreams for the future. She envisioned a safe space where people could thrive individually and collectively, continue their personal and professional growth, and commit to raising up the next generation of leaders.
“When you attend a place like the Naval Academy, you’re taught the importance of honor, courage, commitment, giving it your best shot every time, being people of integrity, looking out for others and telling the truth,” Natasha says. These are the people she would choose to partner with, and she reached out to them in 2012.