WILL.I.AM was founded on a windy day, on the campus of Oklahoma State University in September 2007.  That month marked the beginning of a revolution.   Rikki Jones, Rocio Torres, Joseph Ballard, Loza Dejene, Sara Marin, and Gabrielle Brown make up the group that has worked for months to learn as much as possible, from provided and outer sources, about how to promote inclusive leadership.  We are a group of exceptional students, composed of young people who vary by means of age, sex, religion, nationality, and ethnicity.  We are six individuals, our differences being infinite, our goal being the same - to bring out the best in each other, by bringing out the best in ourselves.

The name WILL.I.AM was chosen primarily for two reasons.  Besides the obvious correlation (and in appreciation) to the Williams Company, we agreed that the terms motivation and inspiration is probably being utilized by other groups in the program repetitively.  We recognized that both of these words are intertwined with the concept of leadership, and that in order to truly fulfill the meaning of those words, there is a prerequisite that must be met.  This necessity is often overlooked, even though it is vital.

Will is defined as determination, and the conscious power that is used to control the mind to fulfill a specific purpose.  With the creation of WILL.I.AM, we discovered that we possess something that every student doesn’t have.  This is what separates us from the other groups.  Throughout this year, we have been the recipients of teachings from those who are already leaders in our eyes who have spoke to us for the sole purpose of initiating a sense of purpose in us. WILL.I.AM has made a vow to not only conceptualize the lessons we've been taught, but to actualize them in an attempt to lead by example.

                    Pillars of WILL.I.AM’s foundation:

               1.  Looking at life through a bigger window

               2.  Recognizing that leadership IS service

               3.  Initiating the change that starts from within