Sharing our 2025-2026 AnnUal Report

Dear Friends and Supporters,

At Leadership Mission International, we believe that lasting transformation begins with people. This belief has become increasingly clear to me over the past year. We live in a world that often measures success by what we build; the buildings completed, the programs launched, the projects funded, and the numbers achieved. And while those things matter, they are not, by themselves, what creates lasting change. People do. That is why this year, we have embraced a simple but powerful belief: People Over Projects.

At LMI, our greatest investment has always been and will continue to be, people. Every day, we see this truth reflected in the extraordinary young women who come to the Leadership Center with dreams, potential, and a desire for something more. Through education, leadership development, mentorship, spiritual formation, and hands-on experiences, they are growing into women prepared to lead in their families, communities, workplaces, and country. Their stories remind us why this work matters. When we invest in one young woman, we are investing in far more than her education. We are investing in her confidence to lead. Her ability to solve problems. Her courage to create opportunities for others. Her future family. Her community. And the countless lives she may influence throughout her lifetime.

A project can make an impact. A person can multiply it. And that multiplication is at the heart of our mission.

But the young women we serve are not the only people in whom we are investing. This year, we have also continued to invest intentionally in the remarkable team that carries this mission forward every day. Behind every successful student, every lesson taught, every meal prepared, every campus improvement, and every moment of encouragement is a dedicated team of people who believe deeply in the potential of the young women we serve.

We are learning that building a strong organization requires more than strong programs. It requires strong people. That means investing in leadership development, creating opportunities for professional growth, strengthening our organizational structure, and empowering our team members to lead with greater confidence and clarity. It means building a culture where people are valued, equipped, and trusted. Because when we invest in our team, our team is better equipped to invest in our students. And that investment creates a powerful ripple effect.

This is what People Over Projects means to us. It does not mean that projects are unimportant. In fact, the projects, programs, and infrastructure we develop are essential tools for accomplishing our mission. But they are not the mission itself.

People are our Mission

As we look toward the future, we are filled with hope and ambition. We see tremendous opportunities ahead, but we also recognize that sustainable growth requires us to continue investing in the people who will carry this mission forward. We will continue to invest in the young women who are preparing to become ethical and courageous leaders. We will continue to invest in the talented and committed team that serves them. And we will continue to invest in the relationships, partnerships, and communities that make this work possible. Because we believe the greatest solutions to the challenges facing our world will not come from projects alone.

They will come from people who are equipped to lead.

People who have been given an opportunity.

People who understand their own potential.

People who are willing to serve others.

People who believe that change is possible.

As you read through our annual report for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, you’ll see the people behind the mission and all that we are accomplishing together. Thank you for believing in this mission.

With Gratitude,

Gris Bailey Executive Director

Leadership Mission International