EPIC Program Wraps Up Fall Semester with Community Leadership and Giving

The EPIC Program closed out the fall semester with meaningful conversations about leadership, entrepreneurship, and the importance of giving back — reinforcing the program’s mission to develop not only strong future business leaders, but engaged community citizens.

Students welcomed guest speakers Ryan Moberly, VP of Membership & Marketing of the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and Kylee Raulerson, Executive Director of the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation, who shared valuable insight into how chambers of commerce support business growth and professional networking. Students learned how chambers connect businesses to resources, advocacy, marketing opportunities, and relationship-building that helps organizations thrive at every stage.

The speakers also emphasized the many volunteer opportunities chambers provide, encouraging students to become active in their communities and to see service as an important part of professional leadership. Students gained a greater understanding of how involvement builds connections, strengthens communities, and develops leadership skills beyond the classroom.

Continuing the theme of service, students also heard from the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center, which the EPIC students selected as their charity of choice this semester. Each December, EPIC instructor Tara McMeans leads a discussion on what it means to give back as a business owner and community leader. Students learn that philanthropy doesn’t have to wait until success is achieved; even small acts of giving can make a meaningful impact, especially in the early stages of building a business.

This lesson encourages students to develop a mindset of service that will grow alongside their businesses, preparing them to one day become leaders who actively invest in their communities.

Students, mentors, and parents supported the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center by donating water, snacks, and monetary contributions, demonstrating firsthand how collective generosity can create positive change.

The EPIC Program is proud of the students for embracing both entrepreneurship and community responsibility as they continue their leadership journey.