Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivy Carpenter.
Hi Ivy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I had recently graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in Motion Picture Arts and my mother (Eileen Carpenter, CEO) and I were discussing what I wanted next in my life. I wanted a way to marry my love for entertainment and my love for giving back. We had a client we would assist with charity fashion shows that went from volunteering to being hired. Their organization was to help victims of human trafficking and we assisted in their annual Fashion for Freedom brunch (Glory House of Miami). We were in charge of production, casting, event management, and so much more. We realized there was such a need in supporting non-profits and we were able to build teams to help them reach their financial goals. Once we realized our impact we knew we had to start somewhere. From there, I started building the programming for The House of Eli Miami. I realized I wanted to connect with young talent and give them experience and jobs through our partnerships. This has since created a sustainable system where we teach and mentor students while giving back to our community.
Where we are today is incredible. Although it has only been 2.5 years, we have achieved many milestones.
So far we’ve:
• Partnered with 10 organizations
• Hosted 17 events
• Led 23 giveback initiatives
• Completed 100+ hours of community service
We truly believe in the power of helping people help more people.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every day comes with challenges. Building meaningful connections and relationships, maintaining them, and continuing to support our mission while creating an organization that challenges the norms of both the entertainment and nonprofit sectors can feel daunting at times. The need in our community is immense. There are so many people and communities who require support, which makes the responsibility feel even greater, but it also reinforces why the work matters.
Coming out of college and building an organization from the ground up required a tremendous amount of confidence, belief, and faith that the work we envisioned truly matters. Finding like-minded individuals who understand that vision can be challenging, but when we do, those connections become incredibly meaningful. They strengthen our mission and create a sense of community that uplifts both the work and the people behind it.
We’ve been impressed with The House of Eli, Miami, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The House of Eli, Miami is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reshaping the culture of the entertainment industry through education, creativity, and community impact. Our work sits at the intersection of fashion, film, media, sports, and nonprofit collaboration. We create programming that gives students, young creatives, and emerging professionals access to real industry opportunities while also supporting other nonprofits and mission-driven organizations.
What makes our organization unique is the way we combine professional-level productions with education and service. Through our programs, we produce fashion campaigns, runway shows, film projects, and creative content while integrating students and interns into every step of the process. This allows them to gain meaningful, hands-on experience while contributing to projects that support charitable causes and community initiatives.
Our work is organized through several key initiatives. ELI-MODELS helps emerging models and designers gain access to high-quality productions, campaigns, and portfolio development while creating job opportunities for photographers, stylists, and creatives. Models for Good Measure is our community impact initiative where our models and production teams go into the community to volunteer, support local organizations, and raise awareness for important causes. The ELI-PROJECT focuses on storytelling and film, supporting filmmakers and students while developing original productions and educational opportunities such as screenwriting initiatives and film festival partnerships. ELI-CAMPUS is our internship program, which provides students with professional training and real-world experience in the entertainment industry.
What truly sets us apart is our philosophy of “helping people help more people.” Our programs are intentionally built to create opportunity across multiple levels. A single project might support a nonprofit cause, provide portfolio material for a young creative, connect designers with models, and give interns professional experience all at the same time.
Brand wise, what we are most proud of is the community we have built. The House of Eli has become a place where creativity, professionalism, and generosity exist together. Our team, collaborators, and students share a belief that beauty is not just aesthetic but something that can uplift others, create confidence, and spark meaningful change.
We want readers to know that our organization is not just producing events or creative projects. We are building a new model for how entertainment, education, and nonprofit work can intersect. Every partnership, production, and program we create is designed to open doors for the next generation while giving back to the communities around us.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I would go back to our core values. They are extremely important to us as an organization and guide everything we do. We are intentional and strategic about who we collaborate with, making sure the people and organizations we work with align with our mission and the impact we want to create.
1. Excellence: In every undertaking, we commit to delivering our utmost. Our work is characterized by clarity, conciseness, and a representation of our finest efforts. Upholding a standard of excellence, we set the bar high and unanimously agree never to compromise or settle for anything less than greatness.
2. Honesty: Our words have meaning and we demonstrate it through kindness, patience, and clear communication.
3. Accountability: This is a core value that defines our ethos. We embrace ownership of our actions, fostering a culture of transparency and responsibility. We continuously learn, grow, and contribute to the collective success of our team and organization.
4. Responsibility: We have a responsibility to support the organization’s values and use our own personal values to elevate the overall mission.
5. Selflessness: In embodying selflessness, we prioritize others without hidden agendas or personal motives. Our actions are driven by genuine intentions, reflecting a commitment to the well-being and upliftment of those around us.
6. Confidence: We possess a deep understanding of oneself. We acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses, embracing them as opportunities for continual improvement and lifelong learning.
7. Loyalty: To understand the importance of ethics and doing what is right versus what is popular, ensuring our allegiance remains anchored in the pursuit of what is just and principled.
8. Resourcefulness: Our approach is marked by relentless perseverance, creative thinking beyond conventional boundaries, and a collective utilization of each other as invaluable resources to surmount any challenge we encounter. Never give up or settle.
9. Safety: In our organization, safety is not just a priority; it is a moral imperative. We have an ethical and moral responsibility to always ensure others are comfortable and safe at all points in time.
10. Team Player: In our dynamic environment, we are not merely individuals; we are collaborative contributors. As team players, we join forces, pooling our strengths and talents for the collective advancement of our projects. Everyone working together for the betterment of the project.
11. Kindness: This is a fundamental element in building strong, supportive communities. This fosters a culture of compassion where people are attuned to the needs and struggles of others. We are to be examples to others and should demonstrate generosity, consideration, and empathy.
12. Respect: Celebrating our differences and understanding the importance of those with differing opinions. We will always engage with active listening skills.
13. Fun & Creativity: With everything we do, it will bring us excitement, joy, and inspiration. This signifies our collective goal to foster team and client connection, creating a sense of unity and collaboration that brings positive and lasting impressions. Facilitate an environment that allows everyone to showcase original ideas.
14. Leadership: Using our unique talents and perspectives, we approach every opportunity courageously and confidently. Our main goal is to focus on efficiency and empathy for others, transcending hierarchical boundaries, giving everyone a chance to showcase and offer their knowledge and expertise.
15. Communication: We prioritize clear communication, humble interactions, and a shared commitment to efficiency. This approach empowers us to articulate our thoughts effectively, navigate conflicts respectfully, and collectively achieve our goals with a sense of unity.
16. Preparedness: Our dedication to foreseeing, strategizing, and promptly adjusting to challenges through thorough preparation. This allows us to be prepared for any call to action.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thehouseofelimiami.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elimodelsmiami/?hl=en
Image Credits
Kaleigh Hart, Janel Kilnisan, Dax Sagaro, Cristina Blasco
