LEEAF (Leading for Equity in Entrepreneurship Accelerator and Fellowship)
The deliverables presented highlight and showcase the work I've curated from Summer 2021 through Fall 2022. I focused on project management, social impact, and delivery systems. I received intensive training by building strong community roots to develop career skills and build high-value networks rooted in emerging visions of economic justice. I worked to gain entrepreneurial skills that are marketable and career-ready.​
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LEEAF Deliverable - Personal Brand
My name is Elizabeth Cruz Garcia, and I serve people like me! Those first-generation Latinx students enter adulthood while simultaneously trying to dive into the professional world. With my targeted work, I plan to work with businesses that will allow me to grow my professional development skills while teaching me how to get specific things done. I stand out from other students because my background in mass communications has allowed me to create a copywrite and a creative brief, amongst other things. I hope to learn more about marketing with my developed skills, content creation, and creative projects.
Business Accelerator Feature – Educated Chola
Through my work with the LEEAF Accelerator, I developed a strategic profile for Educated Chola, a Latina-owned lifestyle brand centered on mental health, culture, and empowerment.
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This deliverable included research on brand positioning, audience engagement, and growth potential. I recommended tailored strategies to enhance visibility, expand partnerships, and strengthen storytelling rooted in community and identity.
This project deepened my understanding of entrepreneurial ecosystems, brand development, and the role of culturally relevant communication in business acceleration.
Small Business Feature – Milpa Grille
As part of my work with the LEEAF Accelerator, I identified and profiled Milpa Grille, a BIPOC-owned business in East/South LA that aligns with LEEAF’s mission of advancing equity in entrepreneurship.
I conducted community research to understand local business needs and crafted a detailed profile highlighting how Milpa Grille could benefit from mentorship, funding resources, and media exposure through the accelerator.
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This deliverable reflects my passion for social justice, community-rooted entrepreneurship, and using communication strategies to uplift underrepresented small businesses.
Social Platform Strategy – Educated Chola
Tasked with identifying optimal digital platforms for Educated Chola, I strategically analyzed audience behavior, content trends, and platform strengths.
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The result: a comprehensive report outlining which social media channels would best amplify the brand’s message, engage its core audience, and support growth in the wellness and cultural lifestyle space.
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This deliverable sharpened my skills in platform strategy, digital brand alignment, and audience-first communication planning.