LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AND DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

Building leaders, shaping futures, inspiring success.

OUR MISSION

The LEAD Foundation supports California Cadet Corps students by funding scholarships, training, and support Cadet events. We provide resources beyond state budgets to empower youth with leadership skills, academic opportunities, and personal growth. Our mission is to inspire and equip future leaders for success in their communities and beyond.

FOUNDATION OBJECTIVES

ADDRESS PROBLEMS FACING TODAY'S YOUTH

We address youth challenges through early intervention, providing positive alternatives to prevent school dropout, gang involvement, and other risks, empowering them with education, leadership, and opportunities for a brighter future.

DEVELOP LEADERSHIP

We foster leadership skills in youth, equipping them with opportunities to succeed and become productive members of society.

ENHANCE CHARACTER

We cultivate positive attitudes, citizenship skills, and self-esteem through specialized training, empowering students to grow into confident and responsible individuals.

SPONSOR ACTIVITIES

We sponsor a variety of extracurricular activities designed to enrich and complement the core instructional program, providing students with diverse opportunities for growth, skill development, and personal enrichment beyond the classroom.

PROMOTE EDUCATION

We promote education as a pathway to success, encouraging students to pursue learning beyond high school for greater opportunities.

DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are committed to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities across all our programs and initiatives, fostering an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive and contribute.

REDUCE ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE

We work to reduce alcohol and drug dependency by offering students alternative, productive goals and opportunities that encourage healthier choices, personal growth, and positive life outcomes.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

We promote and sponsor groups and organizations that share our goals and objectives, collaborating to strengthen our impact and create a unified effort toward positive youth development and leadership.

IMPACTFUL STORIES

MEET OUR BOARD

President
David Dewbre

David is an accomplished IT professional serving in the County of Riverside’s information technology department, where he provides critical technical support and solutions to enhance county operations. A former Cadet and U.S. Navy sailor, he brings a unique blend of military discipline, leadership, and technical expertise to his work and volunteer efforts.

With a strong commitment to community service, David dedicates his time to supporting Cadet programs and mentoring young leaders, helping to shape the next generation through training, guidance, and personal example. His passion for youth development is matched by his drive to strengthen programs that equip young people with the skills, values, and confidence to succeed in both military and civilian careers.

Vice President
Belinda Contreras

Belinda is a seasoned educator, public safety professional, and leadership advisor with over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, military science, and youth development. She currently teaches California Cadet Corps at California City High School, where she supports student growth through dual enrollment and leadership training. Holding a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Capella University, she has served in roles ranging from Police officer to Compliance Coordinator and Regional Trainer with Rite of Passage. Her extensive certifications include FEMA CERT Instructor, Red Cross Trainer, and Volunteer Firefighter/EMT, reflecting a lifelong commitment to service, safety, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Treasurer
Susan Sirkin

Susan holds a degree in accounting and has managed several businesses to include the Visalia Veterans Memorial District in Central California. She has been a volunteer with the California Cadet Corps over the last decade.

Secretary
Grace Edinboro

Grace retired from the federal civil service and California Army National Guard in 2015, and spends her time working with cadets in the California Cadet Corps and Civil Air Patrol. She credits her cadet experience in her teens for developing her into the leader she became, and enjoys contributing to cadet programs and the charities that support them.