Meet Latoria Lundy

 

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Latoria Lundy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Latoria , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from the environment that shaped me, the struggles, the chaos, and the unshakable will to rise above it all. Growing up in a home with two parents, but under the weight of a low socioeconomic status, I learned early on that survival required strength. My father’s battle with alcoholism and the presence of domestic violence created an atmosphere where I had to navigate pain while holding on to hope. Being the youngest of nine, I saw firsthand the impact of hardship, yet I also witnessed resilience in action. I learned how to adapt, how to endure, and most importantly, how to dream beyond my circumstances. Education became my escape, my tool for breaking generational cycles, and my testimony of perseverance.

As a first-generation college graduate, I refused to let my beginnings dictate my future. I carried the weight of my past, but I never let it crush me. Instead, I let it refine me. Every challenge I faced built my endurance, teaching me how to stand firm in the face of adversity. I’ve learned that resilience is not just about enduring struggles but about overcoming them with purpose. My faith, my determination, and my unwavering belief that I was meant for more have carried me through every trial. I don’t just survive—I thrive. And I use my story as a testament to God’s grace, knowing that He has always been my source of strength.

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

I am deeply committed to both ministry and entrepreneurship, blending my passion for faith, community, and business into everything I do. As a licensed minister, I am devoted to spreading the Word of God and creating spaces where people can grow spiritually, build meaningful relationships, and walk boldly in their purpose. One of the most special aspects of my journey is G.I.F. (God Intended Friends), a movement I am developing that focuses on the power of God-centered friendships. I currently host G.I.F. Bible Study in the Park every Wednesday from noon to 2pm at Memorial Park Riverside, where we gather outdoors to study scripture, pray, and fellowship in a peaceful, open setting. Additionally, I host G.I.F. Bible Study via Zoom every Thursday at 8 PM, providing a virtual space for those seeking deeper connection and biblical teaching. My heart is to create opportunities for people to connect with God and one another in an authentic and uplifting way.

Beyond ministry, I am also an entrepreneur with a strong focus on beauty, business, and public speaking. I recently launched makeup classes, with MandaTORI Makeup, empowering women to enhance their confidence through beauty education. I am also a host, motivational speaker and MC through my business, MandaTORI Hosting, LLC, where I bring energy, inspiration, and excellence to events of all kinds. As I navigate this season, my primary focus is on growth, impact, and financial breakthrough, trusting God to open doors for expansion in both ministry and business. I am also working on a 30-day devotional titled “G.I.F. God Intended Friends”, which I hope to release by my birthday March 29th. My ultimate goal is to build a brand that reflects faith, excellence, and empowerment—whether through ministry, business, or community engagement. God is doing something big, and I’m excited for what’s ahead!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, three key qualities and skills that have been most impactful: resilience, adaptability, and faith-driven leadership.

Resilience has been essential in overcoming the challenges I faced growing up and navigating the demands of higher education and entrepreneurship. As the baby of nine children, a first-generation college graduate, and someone who has pushed through adversity, I’ve learned that setbacks are not the end, they are setups for greater opportunities. My advice to those early in their journey is to develop a mindset that embraces challenges as lessons. Keep pushing forward, no matter how difficult the path may seem. Someone or something will always “Move Your Cheese!”

Adaptability has allowed me to pivot and grow in multiple fields, from law and criminal justice to business and ministry. The ability to adjust, learn, and reinvent yourself is crucial in today’s world. I encourage others to remain open to learning, seek mentorship, and invest in continuous education. Whether through formal degrees, certifications, or hands-on experience, knowledge is power.

Faith-driven leadership has guided my decision-making and purpose. My belief in God has shaped how I lead, serve, and inspire others. To those starting their journey, I recommend grounding yourself in your values and seeking wisdom beyond just professional success. True leadership comes from serving others with integrity, compassion, and vision. Make Jesus a priority and you won’t fail!

One book I highly recommend to those early in their journey is Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss. While it may seem like a simple children’s book, it holds profound wisdom about the ups and downs of life’s journey. It teaches valuable lessons about perseverance, embracing new challenges, and navigating uncertainty with courage. Life will take you through peaks and valleys, but as long as you keep moving forward with faith and determination, you will reach the places you were meant to go.

My educational background reflects my passion for law, justice, business, and ministry. I earned my Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law, my Master’s in Criminal Justice from Florida A&M University, and my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Pre-Law with a Minor in English from Florida A&M University. I also obtained a Certification in Business Startups from Miami Dade College. This year, I am expanding my knowledge by pursuing my Masters of Divinity and an Executive MBA at Virginia Union University. My journey has shown me that education is not just about degrees; it’s about equipping yourself to walk boldly in your purpose.

I’m always a student. You should always be a student because continuous learning fosters growth, wisdom, and the ability to adapt to new opportunities and challenges.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was introducing me to church and instilling the foundation of faith in my life. Even though they didn’t have financial stability or higher education, they ensured I was in Sunday school and church as a young girl. That foundation became the anchor for my resilience, strength, and purpose. As I grew older, I continued going to church on my own, even when I was the only one in my household doing so. That personal pursuit of faith shaped my identity, my perseverance, and my ability to walk in love.

Beyond faith, my parents’ struggles with life, finances, and personal growth also shaped me. Watching them navigate hardship taught me the value of hard work, resourcefulness, and the importance of breaking generational cycles. Their journey showed me what perseverance looks like in real life, even when things aren’t perfect. It gave me the drive to push forward, pursue education, and create a different future for myself. Their evolution, even in struggle, became a lesson in endurance, and it inspired me to seek not just survival, but healing, purpose, and a life rooted in both faith and love.

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