Leading Edge Institute is a dynamic leadership program dedicated to working with college women across the state of Alabama. We bring these women together to develop their leadership skills, expose them to critical issues facing Alabama and, most importantly, inspire them to make a difference in our state. 

Thanks to the founding support from W. K. Kellogg Foundation and impressive ongoing statewide coporate and community support, Leading Edge has evolved from and an inspiring initiative in 1999 to an innovative educational program with over 240 alumni to date.

Leading Edge is changing the lives of young women across the state of Alabama and in return, these young women are leading the way to positive change throughout our state.

"Leading Edge inspired me to live and work in Alabama and give back to the place that had given me so much."  Kathryn Dietrich, Esq.  LEI Class I


ORGANICA AND LEI TRUNK SHOW COMING SOON
To view photos of Diana’s jewelry collection click here
With a $150 donation you can receive this unique handcrafted piece of art. This Art- Deco necklace is handmade out of dry wood and woven silver with a Swarovsk crystal. The signature design is reminiscent of pre-Columbian style with Organica Twist functional piece. This necklace is “Organic in nature, sensual in feeling."

In partnership with Organica, Leading Edge Institute is launching our first signature jewelry line. These ornate and organic pieces of art are handcrafted by Diana Irvin, a lovely woman from Columbia who lives in Huntsville and Loves LEI! The line will feature an assortment of eclectic jewelry--earrings, bracelets, rings, necklaces. Show your support for LEI and look stunning while doing so! All funds from purchases will go towards fostering students service-learning project.

Diana Manrique Irvin has created the Pre-Colombian inspired jewelry line, Organica, using only nature’s finest materials. With her innovative designs, She transforms raw materials such as coffee seeds and Tagua Nut into stunning pieces of art. These provocative pieces are handmade with delicate care and when worn evoke a sense of power and sensuality. Diana experimented with native Colombian vegetables as a child and transformed them into functional pieces for the office and home. Diana’s family recognized her gift and encouraged her to pursue her craft from a very early age. After graduating with a degree in industrial design, she continued her education in the United States majoring in graphic design and commercial photography.


7 CORE GOALS OF LEADING EDGE INSTITUTE