Contrary to some rumors, EKINS are not responsible for brainwashing and inspiring a cult following. Although the EKIN program is akin to a secret society: "Sometimes I feel like it's like the Illuminati. You may not know someone was an EKIN until you see their email signature or meet them in person. All of sudden you're talking to someone who's a VP in the company and they're telling you about when they were an EKIN. [...] it has a fraternity/sorority feel and it's one that I'm proud to be a part of".