An Inspired Chat with Lorreen Pryor of Elk Grove, CA

Lorreen Pryor shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Lorreen, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I am in a season where I’m being called to step away from what’s familiar and comfortable. Over the years, I’ve lost friendships I once thought were solid. I’ve celebrated people who never thought to celebrate me in return. Some felt no need to explain their absence, and I’ve had to make peace with that.

I walked away from a 17-year marriage. Out of respect, I won’t go into details—I refuse to damage someone else’s reputation, even if the same courtesy wasn’t extended to me. I’ve also parted ways with employees I once considered family, because accountability requires growth, and not everyone is willing to rise to that challenge.

Through all of this, I’m learning the importance of prioritizing myself—taking breaks, practicing self-care, and giving space to my own grief. For too long I’ve carried everyone else’s burdens without checking in on my own heart. Now, I’m being called to let go. Let go of what no longer serves me, so I can make room for the right people and the right opportunities.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Lorreen R. Pryor, and I serve as the President and CEO of the Black Youth Leadership Project (BYLP). What started as a passion has become my life’s calling—to create spaces where Black students and families are seen, heard, and supported. At BYLP, we lead with cultural affirmation, mentorship, and advocacy. We don’t just talk about equity; we show up in boardrooms, classrooms, and communities to make sure our kids are protected and our parents are empowered.

What makes us unique is that we meet families exactly where they are. We’ve built support networks for Black boys and girls, created safe spaces for parents, and launched a youth-led podcast, Black v. Board of Education, to amplify the next generation’s voice. Everything we do is rooted in love for our people and the belief that our students deserve the best.

Right now, we’re focused on expanding these networks, strengthening partnerships, and pushing school systems to be more accountable. BYLP is more than an organization—it’s a movement, and I’m blessed to help lead it.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a girl with a quiet heart and a strong desire to help others. Family and music fed my soul, but I often held myself back—too shy, too timid, too worried about what people thought of me. I made myself small, believing that if I stayed out of the way, I would be safe.

I remember being so afraid of being alone that I’d hide under tables, away from doors and windows, until someone came home. I just wanted to be liked, to be seen, and most of all, to be protected. Growing up without a father or strong male figures in my life left a void that shaped me deeply.

But looking back now, I see that even in that fear, God was planting seeds. That longing to be safe became the reason I fight so fiercely to create spaces of safety for others. That shyness gave me a deep sensitivity to people’s needs. That void pushed me to build community where none existed.

So while I once was a girl afraid to take up space, I am now a woman who refuses to shrink. I understand my assignment, and I show up boldly—not just for myself, but for every person who needs to know they, too, are worthy of love, protection, and belonging.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me lessons that success never could. It showed me that you have to go through the fire in order to become that indestructible diamond. Everyone wants the shine, but very few are willing to endure the heat that shapes you.

It also taught me the beauty of small beginnings—how to appreciate the process, not just the outcome. Suffering revealed that I am far more capable than I ever gave myself credit for. It birthed in me a fighting spirit, a resilience that no easy win could have ever produced.

The truth is, pain has been my greatest teacher. It stripped me, stretched me, and then rebuilt me into someone stronger, tougher, and more determined. Out of pain came purpose, and that purpose is the fire that fuels everything I do today.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’d like to think so—what you see is what you get with me. I don’t switch up too much. Of course, I know how to code switch when I need to, but the core of who I am doesn’t change. I’m hardworking, honest, and I don’t do nonsense. You’re not going to piss on my leg and tell me it’s raining.

I try to stay accessible because I believe in being real and present for people, but I’ve also learned the hard way that not everyone comes with good intentions. So, while the public version of me is authentic, I am more guarded in my personal life. Protecting my peace and my space has become a priority, and I don’t apologize for that.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing? 
The one thing I know I’ll always carry some regret about is not having biological children. Growing up, I dreamed of a big family—five kids running around, laughter in the house, that legacy of love. But as my work became more consuming, I put that dream on the back burner, telling myself there would always be time. Now, as I get older, I feel the weight of that choice and the reality that I don’t have children of my own to pass my passion, wisdom, and legacy down to.

Still, I remind myself that God had another plan. While I may not have biological children, I have thousands of young people I’ve poured into, mentored, and fought for. In many ways, they carry pieces of my legacy forward. And maybe that was the assignment all along.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Tevin Tyler

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than