In Chicago, IL, our Future Leaders were introduced to Founder and CEO of Fueled by AF and Ability Fitness Angelica Ford. She is deeply passionate about inclusion and empowerment, which drives her businesses’ commitment to empowering people with disabilities and the adaptive fitness industry.   

During Angelica's time as a guest speaker, she shared her journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Angelica highlighted that the key is hard work, patience, and believing in herself despite sometimes experiencing the desire give up. She encouraged the girls to pursue their dreams no matter how ambitious they may seem. Angelica demonstrated that the goal of a company is not only financial success, but the opportunity to provide back to the community as well. 

Groups were encouraged to work together alongside their mentors to brainstorm their own unique business ideas. Simple brainstormed ideas quickly turned into well thought out business plans by developing the product, price point, social impact, team roles, and marketing slogans. The room was charged with excitement as they pitched their business model to each other, creating new ways to give back to the very community that supports them. 

Join us in sending a big thank you to Angelica Ford for energizing the girls and providing them tools to think about future entrepreneurship!