California Cadet Corps cadets standing in formation at Summer Camp pass in review

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.

Ways to give
Cadets participating in a California Cadet Corps training event

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.

Meet Our Board

Belinda Contreras, President of the LEAD Foundation

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.

Grace Edinboro, Vice President of the LEAD Foundation

Vice President

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.

Susan Sirkin, Treasurer of the LEAD Foundation

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.

Michelle Breig, Secretary of the LEAD Foundation

Secretary

Michelle Breig

Michelle Breig is a retired paralegal with more than 20 years of experience in the legal profession. A graduate of Paralegal Studies, she built a successful career providing legal support in a variety of practice areas, with expertise in legal research, case management, document preparation, and client relations.

Following her retirement from the legal field, Michelle became a small business owner, applying her organizational, analytical, and customer service skills to successfully manage her own business.

Michelle is also an active volunteer with the California Cadet Corps, where she is committed to mentoring and supporting young cadets as they develop leadership skills, character, discipline, and confidence. She finds great fulfillment in helping youth grow into capable and responsible leaders.

A resident of Corona, California, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, visiting museums and art exhibits, gardening, and serving her community. Her favorite aspect of volunteering with the Cadet Corps is watching cadets gain confidence and achieve their goals.

Director (Ex Officio, CACC Commander)

Michael Smith

Director

Ken Parris

Director

Dan Word

Director

Kenneth Cook-Askins

Director

Will Hicks

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