WHO WE ARE

Building rooms where women lead and flourish.

Expand Leadership Initiative (ELI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on a mission to help women get into the rooms that change them. We believe real leadership is built through in-person experiences, meaningful relationships, and access to opportunities that expand both who you are and how you lead.

Founded by Chelsea Carter—the Ceremonial CEO, community builder, and the founder of Heart Centered Humans and Ascend Psychedelics—ELI was created to bridge the gap between potential and access. After years of witnessing how in-person events transformed her own business and leadership, Chelsea launched ELI to ensure more women could experience that same level of connection, clarity, and growth—regardless of financial barriers.

Our work is rooted in the belief that when women are supported in their personal and professional evolution, they change everything around them. That’s why we offer scholarships, curate transformational experiences, and host live events that help women rise in business and beyond.

At the heart of our organization is FEMPIRE, a twice-a-year business summit for female entrepreneurs. What began as a Denver-based gathering is now growing into a national movement—with plans to bring FEMPIRE to cities across the U.S. and, eventually, around the world.

Over the next three years, we are committed to awarding 1,000 scholarships to women attending events, retreats, and leadership experiences. This is about more than attending events—it’s about expanding what’s possible when women are fully seen, supported, and surrounded by others who believe in them.

We exist to open doors, build tables, and make sure women everywhere know they belong in the room.

OUR MISSION

When women prosper, the whole world rises.

Expand Leadership Initiative exists to help women get into rooms that change them. We provide scholarships and create access to in-person events, experiences, and communities that support women in their personal and professional growth. Our mission is rooted in the belief that when women are well-resourced, deeply connected, and supported in spaces that expand their leadership—everything changes.

We believe the world is a better place when women have more money, more influence, and more support. That’s why we focus on removing financial barriers and creating opportunities for women to rise in business and life through embodied leadership, powerful community, and transformative in-person experiences.