Mission, Vision, Impact
Our Mission
The ICL mission is to inspire, educate and impact students to dare to dream.
ICL Fellows work passionately towards their academic and professional goals while developing intellect and character.
They positively impact local and global communities with a multiplier effect through their outreach.
Our Vision
We inspire through mentorship and teaching from world-champions.
We educate through award-winning leadership and social entrepreneurship.
We support the education and training of the world's most exceptional youth.
Our Impact
ICL students make a meaningful impact in the world through a wide range of Impact Projects that reflect their passions, talents, and desire to serve others. From community outreach initiatives and charitable fundraising efforts to creative storytelling projects, mentorship programs, advocacy campaigns, and entrepreneurial ventures, our Fellows use their gifts to create positive change. These projects encourage them to think beyond personal achievement and consider how they can contribute to their communities, inspire others, and solve real-world challenges through leadership, creativity, and compassion.
ICL is also deeply committed to making an impact on the lives of our Fellows by equipping and empowering them to pursue their dreams with confidence and purpose. Through mentorship, flexible education, fellowship support, world-class guidance, and a global community of champions, ICL helps students develop not only the skills needed to excel in their pursuits, but also the mindset, resilience, and vision required to build meaningful lives and lasting impact far beyond themselves.
We invite you to watch a few powerful stories that showcase how ICL is helping equip and empower the next generation of champions and leaders.
ICL Fellow Aphrodite Deng
ICL Fellow Aphrodite Deng has emerged as one of the brightest young stars in the world of golf, earning recognition as the #1 girls junior golfer through her extraordinary talent, discipline, and competitive excellence. Beyond her accomplishments on the course, Aphrodite represents the next generation of leaders—demonstrating resilience, humility, and a relentless commitment to growth while inspiring young athletes around the world to pursue their dreams at the highest level.
ICL Fellow Daniella Sales
Daniella Sales as she shares her passion for the ocean! Listen in as Dani discusses why this cause is important to her, how she makes an impact, and what small action you can take everyday to support the environment. Big thanks to Dani for inspiring us with her passion and for making a difference in the world! Be sure to visit @4ocean on Instagram to learn more about their work and how you can get involved!
ICL Fellow Charlie Cooper
ICL Fellow Charlie Cooper is a #1 ranked wheelchair tennis champion whose determination, resilience, and competitive spirit have made him an inspiration both on and off the court. Through his achievements in international competition and his leadership within the ICL community, Charlie embodies the Foundation’s mission of building champions for life and empowering young people to pursue greatness with purpose and perseverance.
ICL Fellow Zia Victoria
Zia Victoria is a rising star in the music industry whose powerful voice, artistry, and passion have already led to remarkable opportunities, including touring with Grammy Award-winning artist Seal. Since an early age, Zia has used her musical gifts not only to pursue her own dreams, but also to support impactful organizations such as Playing For Change and the Youth Performance Institute, demonstrating her commitment to using creativity as a force for connection and service.
ICL Fellow Sarah Yoshida
Listen in as Sarah shares how the 2011 Tōhoku tsunami inspired her passion for supporting affected communities and shaped her path forward as she begins her next chapter at Brandeis University this fall. We’re so grateful to Sarah for sharing her passion and purpose with us, and look forward to cheering her on as she continues to make an impact on the world.
A few words from our Founder
The students we support are driven, competitive, and deeply motivated to pursue excellence. They are young people with extraordinary potential and an inner determination to grow, achieve, and make an impact. Yet even the most talented athletes, artists, performers, and leaders face moments of doubt, pressure, fear, and adversity. At ICL, we believe these challenges are not obstacles to success—they are opportunities to build resilience, character, confidence, and perspective.
By helping students understand who they are, why they matter, and the unique purpose behind their journey, we equip them with life skills that extend far beyond competition or performance. They learn how to persevere through setbacks, lead with integrity, stay grounded in moments of success, and develop the emotional strength needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
As students apply these lessons to their passions, they not only elevate their performance and well-being, but also develop the mindset and character required to create meaningful lives of impact and fulfillment. These experiences become the foundation that will guide them long into the future—as leaders, creators, innovators, and ultimately, champions for life.
KIRK SPAHN