Young Founders Society

Meet Our Leadership Team

Lenka Brady, Founder and business coach

Lenka Brady is an educator, entrepreneur, and youth mentor with over 25 years of experience in professional training, leadership development, and safety-focused environments. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Certificate in Adult Education from New York University.

Lenka previously managed and facilitated training programs at College of Inflight at JetBlue University, working in a highly regulated safety environment responsible for educating and preparing aviation professionals. She is a mentor with Take Stock in Children, supporting students in their academic and personal development, and has facilitated youth workshops through both Take Stock in Children and her Young Founders entrepreneurship programs. She has also served as a mentor for business students at Lake-Sumter State College, helping guide aspiring entrepreneurs as they pursue their degrees.

Lenka is the Founder of Start a Business LLC, organizer of 1 Million Cups Clermont, and a DECA entrepreneurship competition judge, supporting the next generation of innovators and business leaders.

She maintains verified background checks, is an active member of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce, and is a multi-year Best of South Lake award recipient for her work supporting youth and entrepreneurs in the community.

Jacquie Peterson, marketing and resiliency coach

Jacquie Peterson is a marketing strategist, community leader, and advocate for women in business. She is the co-owner of Splash Social Marketing, where she helps businesses cut through the noise of digital marketing with clear strategy, practical guidance, and messaging that connects with real people.

Jacquie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, with additional experience in journalism and extensive work supporting children and families in counseling-related roles.

Jacquie is also the co-founder of The FoundHER, a community and workshop series dedicated to helping women build both resilient businesses and resilient lives. Through The FoundHER, she creates spaces where women can have honest conversations about leadership, growth, and the emotional side of entrepreneurship.

Her writing project, The Emotional Edge, explores the intersection of business, resilience, and personal growth—encouraging leaders to develop the emotional strength needed to navigate challenges and build meaningful work and relationships.

Deeply committed to supporting entrepreneurs locally, Jacquie serves as an Ambassador for the South Lake Chamber of Commerce and helps organize 1 Million Cups Clermont, a weekly gathering where entrepreneurs share ideas, receive feedback, and build community.

With a background that blends marketing strategy, storytelling, and community leadership, Jacquie is passionate about helping people build businesses—and lives—that are both successful and meaningful.

Alanis Michelle, content creator & youth mentor

Alanis Michelle is a Bachelor’s degree student in Digital Marketing with a strong focus on business strategy and brand development. As the founder of AM Social Media Marketing, Alanis leads social media campaign management, content strategy, and digital growth initiatives for small businesses.

Alanis has also served as a youth leader at her church, where she created lesson plans, guided small groups, and supported younger students through discussion and mentorship. With a deep interest in entrepreneurship and leadership, her long-term goal is to pursue a career in law, where she plans to merge her business acumen with advocacy and strategic thinking.

In her spare time, Alanis enjoys spending time with family and friends and going to theme parks.