Leading with Purpose: Dr. Elisha Reed’s Journey to Empowerment

A Journey Rooted in Resilience and Purpose
Dr. Elisha Reed’s path to leadership has been shaped by personal challenges and an unwavering commitment to service. As a caregiver for 15 years, she balanced adversity with resilience, using her experiences to fuel her mission of empowerment. Surviving two major health crises in 2010, she emerged with a renewed perspective on ministry, mental health, and community advocacy. Recognizing the transformative power of healing, she took it upon herself to create platforms for women, developing gender-specific programs that address diverse needs and provide critical resources.
Today, her leadership is driven by the belief that collaboration and community engagement are essential for growth. Through her work, she continues to inspire others to break through limitations and step into their full potential.
Key Accomplishments and Community Impact
Dr. Reed’s career is marked by significant achievements that have positioned her as a leader in behavioral health, mentorship, and social responsibility. Some of her most notable milestones include:
- Founder of EREEDME Creations: A multifaceted organization encompassing training, entrepreneurship, inspirational speaking, therapy, and authorship.
- 20-Year Career in Public Service: Served as a Clinician, Education Director, and Training Administrator for the State of Georgia.
- Mentorship and Youth Development: Directed the Positive Girls to Positive Women mentoring program in the DeKalb County School System and led the Boys to Men mentorship initiative in the Dekalb Regional Youth Detention Center.
- Philanthropy and Sponsorship Initiatives: Secured sponsorships to take 10 chaperones and 35 young girls to Disney World for the first time.
- Mental Health Advocacy: Served as a subject matter expert in mental health training for new police recruits, equipping them with knowledge to effectively serve individuals with mental illness.
- Corporate and Community Engagement: Developed Morehouse School of Medicine Parent Program and founded the Breaking Free From Limitations, training programs focused on breaking mental barriers and addressing limitations, associated with mental illness and addictive diseases.
Her accomplishments reflect her deep-rooted commitment to service, equity, and mental health advocacy.
Overcoming Challenges with Courage and Conviction
Dr. Reed’s leadership journey has been marked by moments of isolation, where she had to recognize and embrace her uniqueness. God’s favor placed her in leadership positions that required courage, often navigating spaces where she was the only one of her kind.
Overcoming loneliness required her to be intentional, seizing opportunities in meetings, client interactions, and program management to showcase her skills. She sought out mentors, continuously learned from her environment, and dedicated herself to delivering quality work. Her perseverance allowed her to excel in her craft and prove her value in every space she entered.
The Power of Mentorship and Influence
Dr. Reed attributes much of her leadership foundation to influential figures in her life. Her fifth-grade teacher, Ms. Tuck, instilled in her a lifelong appreciation for education, speaking words of encouragement that still resonate today. Her mother was another profound influence, demonstrating resilience and advocacy by entering the education profession later in life while raising grandchildren and working with special needs students.
From these mentors, Dr. Reed learned the importance of grace, community impact and being tenacious. Their legacy of hard work and strength continues to shape her approach to leadership and mentorship.

Creating a Lasting Impact
Dr. Reed’s work has left an undeniable mark on the psychology and mental health fields. By focusing on the scientific study of behavior, thought processes, and emotional well-being, she has contributed to multiple sectors, including:
- Employee Assistance Programs: Addressing workplace behavior and improving productivity through mental health interventions.
- Emergency Crisis Intervention: Promoting mental and emotional well-being in emergency healthcare settings.
- Public Mental Health Initiatives: Providing evidence-based therapies and interventions for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
- Community Training Programs: Leading workshops such as Breaking Free From Limitations to help individuals overcome mental and emotional barriers.
Through these initiatives, Dr. Reed has helped individuals and organizations foster greater well-being and resilience.
Core Values and Leadership Principles
Dr. Reed’s leadership philosophy is built on her RISE core values:
- Resilience: Overcoming adversity and maintaining strength in the face of challenges.
- Integrity: Upholding honesty, authenticity, and ethical leadership.
- Sustainability: Creating lasting impact through intentional and meaningful work.
- Empathy: Leading with compassion and understanding.
She also adheres to BLAST principles, which guide her decision-making:
- Balance: Maintaining harmony between professional and personal life.
- Leverage: Using opportunities strategically for maximum impact.
- Accountability: Taking responsibility for actions and outcomes.
- Service: Committing to uplifting and empowering others.
- Teamwork: Fostering collaboration and shared success.
By integrating these principles into her daily work and interactions, Dr. Reed ensures that her leadership is both impactful and sustainable.
Advice for Emerging Women Leaders
For women aspiring to leadership roles, Dr. Reed offers these key insights:
- Embrace Your Confidence: Believe in your abilities and value your voice in leadership conversations.
- Develop a Clear Vision: Define your goals and the impact you want to create.
- Seek Mentorship and Networking Opportunities: Connect with experienced leaders for guidance and collaboration.
- Cultivate Resilience: Prepare for challenges and develop coping strategies to navigate them effectively.
- Master Communication Skills: Lead with empathy and authenticity to build trust and inspire others.
By following these principles, aspiring leaders can step boldly into their roles and create meaningful change.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Reed’s long-term vision includes expanding her public speaking and consulting enterprise, securing multi-year contracts, and strengthening relationships with community stakeholders. She is committed to building sustainable partnerships that foster empowerment, education, and economic growth.
As she continues her work, her mission remains clear: to be a catalyst for transformation and to inspire future leaders to step into their full potential.
Balancing Leadership and Personal Well-Being
Dr. Reed maintains balance by prioritizing tasks and practicing effective time management. Her strategies include:
- Setting Clear Priorities: Identifying what matters most in her personal and professional life.
- Creating Dedicated Time Blocks: Allocating time for work, family, self-care, and relaxation.
- Cultivating a Strong Support System: Surrounding herself with mentors, family, and colleagues who offer encouragement and shared responsibilities.
These strategies allow her to sustain high performance while preserving personal fulfillment and well-being.
A Message to She Emerge Readers
“I encourage you to ACT! Step out on faith and refuse to let people, places, or situations deter you from claiming your destiny. Your ancestors paved the way—now it’s your turn to move forward boldly. Research, learn, and position yourself for success. The world is waiting for what only you can offer.”

About Dr. Elisha Reed
Dr. Elisha Reed is the founder of EREEDME Creations, a transformative organization specializing in training, entrepreneurship, mental health advocacy, and public speaking. She served the State of Georgia for 20 years in leadership roles as a Clinician, Education Director, and Training Administrator. A dedicated mentor, she has led youth and women empowerment programs that create pathways for success and resilience.
Her impact extends to law enforcement mental health training, corporate development initiatives, and community philanthropy. Through her expertise in psychology and leadership, Dr. Reed continues to break barriers, advocate for mental wellness, and inspire others to rise to their full potential.