Our Story
Rooted in Community. Rising with Purpose.
SEAL USA builds the future of leadership by centering strategy, action, and shared progress.
SEAL USA was created to fill a critical gap: visionary leaders exist in every community, but far too many face systemic barriers to recognition, resources, and readiness.
We believe in building with—not for—our communities. From training the next generation of civic leaders to powering grassroots campaigns, SEAL USA is a launchpad for those ready to lead with clarity and impact.
Our work is guided by a simple truth: real leadership is forged in service, shaped by lived experience, and scaled through strategic action.
Our MVP
SEAL USA strengthens communities by cultivating leaders, building capacity, and advancing solutions rooted in strategy, service, and shared progress.
We envision a future where leadership reflects the lived experience of our communities — and where systems are shaped by those most ready to lead with clarity, courage, and purpose.
SEAL USA prepares leaders to drive change across sectors, strengthens grassroots and institutional capacity, and accelerates collaborative efforts that move communities from vision to action.
Our Strengths
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A Message From Our Founder
Dear Friends,
Every now and then, we’re called to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. It’s in those moments of reflection that we remember who we are—not just as individuals, but as communities, as a nation. We see the struggles we’ve endured, the progress we’ve made, and the work that remains ahead.
We’ve faced challenges before—daunting ones. But in those challenges, we’ve also found opportunities to rise above, to build something better, stronger, and more lasting. That’s the heart of the work we’re doing here: bringing people together, lifting each other up, and ensuring that everyone, no matter their background or circumstance, has a chance to contribute to and share in our collective success.
We believe in the power of ordinary people to do extraordinary things. We’ve seen it time and again—leaders stepping forward not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary. Communities refusing to be defined by hardship and instead choosing to redefine what’s possible. And every time we take those steps together, we come closer to building the kind of world we want to leave for the next generation.
This work is personal—it’s about the stories that shape us, the connections that ground us, and the hope that sustains us. It’s about recognizing that while we all walk our own paths, we share a common journey. And when we work together, when we lean on one another, we have the power to turn challenges into opportunities and create a future that is brighter, more inclusive, and more just.
So, I ask you: What part will you play? How will you use your voice, your talents, your heart, to make this world just a little bit better? Because that’s how change happens—not all at once, but step by step, one person at a time, united by a common purpose.
Together, we can achieve extraordinary things. Let’s get to work.
With hope and determination,
Bana Soumetho
Executive chair, SEAL USA
Real Voices. Lasting Impact.
The most powerful proof of impact comes from those who’ve experienced it. Hear directly from leaders, partners, and community members who have stepped into their purpose
— and into action — through SEAL USA’s programs and support.
