Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Diamond.
Hi Erica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The words “Living Legacy” have been a part of my vocabulary from a very young age! Legacy is about the creativity, values, and wisdom that you inherited from those who came before you. It’s about the way you influence the lives of others in your family, community, or field of work while you are alive. Lastly, it’s about the meaning that will outlast you. I have always wanted to be and strived to be the BEST example possible for anyone around me (family, friends, neighbors). I knew from the age of 10 that I had a big purpose to fulfill in life and I was excited about it because I knew I would be helping many people.
Living Legacy remained on my heart however I did not know where to start. I prayed for guidance. I went on to join different youth leadership programs in church as well as private groups in my community in Tampa, FL. After graduating High School at the age of 16, I started the Living Legacy Arts Team. It consisted of a local group of girls that had a passion for music and dance. We put skits together and performed in the inner cities to bring joy to the youth and to win souls to Christ!
At the age of 19, I had officially graduated from college and went into teaching at a local private school. I went from teaching middle school to elementary. I loved every age group. The idea of what Living Legacy would be then turned into some form of a youth center. Even though I loved teaching, I did not want to remain with only one age group. I had an urgency to reach more than my small class of 14 lower elementary-aged students. I remained a teacher in different capacities over the next few years (Kindergarten teacher, Specialty teacher for All Elementary Math & Spanish, Homeschool Co-op Electives Director, Character building classes within youth group homes, Youth bible study classes).
At the age of 23, I left the traditional brick-and-mortar schooling. At the age of 26, after having my two oldest daughters (my Irish twins), I became heavily involved in the homeschool community. “Living Legacy” was still on my heart. I wondered if it was simply the dreams of a little girl that had fizzled out. I prayed for more guidance. After learning a few struggles of the homeschool community, I decided to be of help and created an “umbrella school” (2012). This helped many homeschooling families in the state of FL dealing with issues within their own counties. As the umbrella school grew, I decided to add on selected classes as well as tutoring services for K-12 students. In January 2013, Living Legacy Academy was officially born! 2013 was also the year I gave birth to my last child, a son. My children and other children became my WHY!
Living Legacy Academy went from helping homeschoolers with select needs and providing select cooperative classes to an actual non-profit online private school with teachers, office staff, and hundreds of students from PreK through 12th Grade! Parents can choose from Teacher-Led programs, Parent-Led programs, or a mix of both! Not only do we believe in exceptional education, we also strive and are committed to reaching the heart of every child in our school by aiding with Growth Mindset, Character Building, Finances, Life Skills, and much more! Living Legacy Academy believes every child was born into this world to fulfill their God-given purpose. We strive to bring out the very best in each child. The Living Legacy Foundation was born in 2020 because of this very belief. It is a non-profit branch of Living Legacy Academy that provides in-depth free community workshops, online classes, group studies, and more. The Living Legacy Foundation focuses on mental health awareness, emotional mastery, and intergenerational healing and growth. All of which is much needed to effectively fulfill each person’s purpose as they live their legacy!
It is now almost 30 years since God placed “Living Legacy” in me; two of THE MOST AMAZING WORDS I could have ever been entrusted with to flourish into something way beyond me. Why, you ask? To answer that question, you must first be able to answer, “What is a LIVING LEGACY?” It is a living reflection of who you are. It is YOUR story, unfolding in real-time, inspired by what makes life fulfilling; achieving your God-given purpose!
My heart is full of joy doing what I do. I will continue my journey encouraging not only my 3 amazing children but everyone I encounter to not miss an opportunity to create their own living legacy. I can’t wait to see how many more lives will be touched!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
A high calling of God is not just an ordinary call but a special call from Heaven. It requires going beyond what may be considered acceptable and into a life of total surrender to the will of God. You must be willing to suffer and to endure many things. I have had many obstacles and challenges along the way. I have been broken in ways I would never wish upon an enemy. Through much prayer, I made a choice to not allow any of the negativity, heartbreak, and trauma/abuse to change who I was and what I was meant to do. I am honored to share my testimony of the many struggles I have overcome.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Surprising?!? Everyone thinks I am in my early 20’s. My children and most of my students say I’m a “vampire” because I do not age. Haha! I am just about 40yrs old. (No one actually knows this!)
Pricing:
- Elementary School Tuition – $2080 annually
- Middle School Tuition – $2580 annually
- High School Tuition – $3080 annually
- Parent-Led Learning Option – $375 – $550
- Donations Accepted – $100
Contact Info:
- Website: www.livinglegacyacademy.org / www.livinglegacyfoundation.org
- Instagram: @LivingLegacyAcademy / @LivingLegacyFoundation
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivingLegacyAcademy / https://www.facebook.com/livinglegacyfoundation501c3
