Meet LaTasha Thornton

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful LaTasha Thornton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with LaTasha below.

Hi LaTasha , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I truly believe that my purpose found me. In the fall of 1996, I returned home from Jackson State University as a first-year sophomore, unsure of what major to pursue. Soon after, I enrolled at LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, TN, and declared a major in education. Around that time, I was offered my first job as a daycare teacher at Southern Avenue Daycare, thanks to Elise Evans. From that moment, my life began to unfold in ways I never expected. What started as a part-time job quickly revealed itself to be a true calling. Teaching wasn’t just something I did—it became the path I was meant to follow. The very thing that captured my heart turned into a lifelong commitment, one that has been deeply fulfilling ever since.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am currently an advisor with Memphis Shelby County Schools where I support teachers who score low on their Level of Effectiveness score. Also, I started my own non-profit, Community Alliance Group which has a program named Educating Champions. Educating Champions is an educational preparation program that will develop aspiring teachers to learn strategies, systems and process and best practices that would move student achievement. Educating Champions is in its first year of existence. We are currently working on partnership with LeMoyne Owen College and Tennessee Reconnect.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that had the most impact on my journey were resilience, a heart for service, and adaptability.

Resilience – My path wasn’t clearly laid out from the beginning. I returned home without a major, unsure of my direction. But instead of being discouraged, I stayed open and kept moving forward. For those early in their journey: don’t be afraid of uncertainty. Use it as a space to grow. Push through the unknown with faith and determination, knowing that clarity often comes with action.

A Heart for Service – Teaching wasn’t something I initially planned, but once I stepped into the classroom, I realized it wasn’t just about a job—it was about purpose. The impact you make when you lead with love and care is immeasurable. My advice: whatever path you choose, do it with intention and a desire to serve. Purpose finds you when your heart is in the right place.

Adaptability – I had to pivot schools, change environments, and take on new roles before I found where I truly belonged. Every experience taught me something valuable. For anyone starting out: be willing to shift. Say yes to opportunities, even if they don’t look like the “perfect fit” at first. Growth often happens in the stretch.

Each step I took—even the uncertain ones—brought me closer to the work I was meant to do. Trust your process, stay open, and keep growing.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I do is pause and breathe. Sometimes we get so caught up in the weight of everything that we forget to simply slow down. Taking a moment to step back helps me clear my mind and reconnect with my purpose.
I also lean into routines that ground me—whether it’s journaling, prayer, a quiet walk, or just turning off distractions for a while. Those small practices remind me that I don’t have to carry everything at once.
One strategy that’s helped me is breaking things down into smaller, manageable steps. Overwhelm often comes from trying to tackle too much all at once. I ask myself, “What’s one thing I can do right now?” Focusing on the next right step helps me regain control.
And lastly, I remind myself that it’s okay to ask for help. Whether it’s a mentor, a friend, or a colleague—community matters. We were never meant to do everything alone.

My advice to others: give yourself grace. You’re human. The pressure will pass, but the way you care for yourself in those moments will stay with you.

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Image Credits

All images are taken by Victoria Wheeler.

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