“The underdogs - those passionate emerging changemakers that sometimes feel intimidated by those big names and big budgets that get all the attention.”
I'm Eric Leocadio and I'm here to help the underdogs - those passionate emerging changemakers that sometimes feel intimidated by those big names and big budgets that get all the attention. When you feel like just a regular person who wants to do big things in the community, it's natural to feel like you're the underdog in your social impact industry. I get it. We feel like a small fish in a vast ocean. Maybe you feel like you need help but are embarrassed to go to trainings with others who seem like they have it all together. Do you prefer a one-on-one approach to getting the help you need? My mission is to support your business, personal, and social impact efforts to help you see your vision take flight. So it’s kinda like going on a tandem skydive!
Here's what I can bring with us:
- 15+ years of non-profit management experience.
- 15+ years of administrative support experience.
- 20+ years of event planning and program development experience; planned, organized, and/or implemented 350+ events, projects, activities, workshops, training courses, and programs.
- 26+ years of leadership experience in a variety of fields.
- Master of Arts in Social Entrepreneurship and Change from Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology (2012).
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from DeVry University, Long Beach (2005).
- LBSNA Hero Award (2017) from Long Beach School Nurses Association
- Jose Colmenares Memorial Award (2015-16) from California Teachers Association
- Special Membership Communications Award (2015-16) from California Teachers Association
- Friend of School Nurses Award (2016) from Long Beach School Nurses Association
- Ralph J. Flynn Digital Media Award for Web Sites (2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2014-15, and 2015-16) from California Teachers Association
- 40 Under 40 Award (2013) from Long Beach Post
- Human Rights Award (2011) from Teachers Association of Long Beach
- Valedictorian Award (2005) from DeVry University, Long Beach
Many of us have amazing vision for impacting our communities but implementing them can seem insurmountable because we don't know where to start or we don't know how to do certain tasks or we just feel insecure about succeeding compared to everyone else's success story. Sometimes we just need help flying.
I know what it's like to feel like an underdog.
When I started a 501c3 non-profit organization called Catalyst Long Beach (aka Catalyst Network of Communities) in 2006, I had a big vision to help my city feel like a connected community. But I was just a guy who didn't feel connected and hoped there were others who felt the same way. I did find others and helped grow our group of rag-tag dreamers into a network of catalysts that worked to impact our neighborhoods. In the beginning, it was hard to get the attention of city council members, corporate sponsors, the bigger organizations, and the major funders. Honestly, it was hard to compete with big names and big budgets. I felt like they wouldn't give me the time of day. So we just did our own thing, learned to be creative with the little resources we did have, and kept trying to surround ourselves with regular folks that believed in what we were trying to do. And we did grow by bringing together small groups and organizations, pooling resources, and empowering emerging leaders. We've done amazing things! 12 years later, I feel like I understand the trials and tribulations of the small non-profit. And I have experience conducting trainings specifically for small non-profits and coaching emerging leaders with amazing ideas.
“...we don’t know where to start or we don’t know how to do certain tasks or we just feel insecure about succeeding compared to everyone else’s success story. Sometimes we just need help flying.”
In addition to Catalyst, I was also the co-founder and Operations Director for a 501c3 faith-based non-profit organization called Kingdom Causes from 2002-2006. We networked faith communities to serve their city together. I developed our organizational infrastructure, helped create our strategic plans, and handled our operational logistics. We saw amazing things happen!
I also started a small private catering business called American Pinoy in 2017. I tested out my menu items of Filipino-fusion food and started selling dinner plates. People seem to enjoy my food! It was a slow start but a start nonetheless, and this part of my story isn't over.
So I'd like to say that if you feel like an underdog, I get it and I can help. I can help you feel like you're not alone. I can help you learn some things with a relatable and non-intimidating approach. Or if you'd rather not do certain things, I can just do it for you!