Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Latoya LeGrand. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Latoya, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
My generosity comes from being in the same predicaments of the community that I serve. It is also rooted in my personal experiences with the struggles faced by our community, driving my deep commitment to empower and uplift those in similar situations through ProjectsIIProjects.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
At ProjectsIIProjects, I’m committed to creating experiences and opportunities for individuals in marginalized communities, drawing from my own life’s journey of overcoming many adversities. From living in poverty, navigating the foster care system, becoming a parent at a young age, to rebuilding my life after losing my home to a fire, these experiences have not only shaped me but also fueled my passion to serve and connect with others facing similar challenges. Our non-profit, a 501(c)3 organization, is focused on serving disadvantaged and underserved communities, including individuals residing in shelters, by partnering with local schools, organizations, and businesses to provide essential resources and transformative experiences.
What’s truly exciting about our work is the ability to bring joy, hope, and tangible change to the lives of those we serve. For instance, our collaboration with local schools and organizations has enabled us to reach over 100 families, providing them with much-needed coats, clothes, toys, home accessories, and toiletries. Another highlight was the opportunity to offer young ladies in foster care an unforgettable experience at Tiffany’s & Co., which was not just about the luxury but about showing them their worth, potential, and the possibilities that lie ahead.
As we look to the future, ProjectsIIProjects is continually seeking to expand our reach and impact. Our mission goes beyond just meeting immediate needs; it’s about empowering individuals and fostering a sense of community and belonging. We believe that by sharing our story and the stories of those we’ve helped, we can inspire a larger movement of compassion and support within our community and beyond.
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?
Reflecting on my journey with ProjectsIIProjects and the path that led me here, the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been resilience, empathy, and community networking.
Resilience: Overcoming personal adversities such as poverty, foster care, early parenthood, and significant losses taught me the power of resilience. It’s the ability to face challenges head on, learn from them, and come out stronger on the other side. For those early in their journey, I recommend embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Develop resilience by setting small, achievable goals, celebrating your successes, and learning from setbacks without letting them define you.
Empathy:
My experiences have deeply ingrained in me the ability to connect with others’ feelings and perspectives, especially those facing hardships. This empathy has been crucial in understanding the needs of the communities we serve and in crafting initiatives that truly make a difference. To cultivate empathy, actively listen to others, try to see situations from their perspectives, and involve yourself in volunteer work to experience diverse life situations.
Community Networking: Building strong relationships with schools, organizations, businesses, and individuals has been vital in amplifying our impact. These partnerships have enabled us to provide comprehensive support to those in need. For those starting out, I advise focusing on building a robust network by attending community events, joining relevant groups, and not being afraid to reach out for collaborations. Remember, the strength of your mission is amplified by the number of hands that come together to support it.
In developing these qualities and skills, patience and continuous learning are key. Engage with your community, seek mentors, and be open to feedback. Your journey will be unique, but these foundational elements can guide you toward making a meaningful difference in your chosen path.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Throughout my journey with ProjectsIIProjects, the support and guidance from several key individuals and organizations have been instrumental in overcoming challenges and developing the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge needed for success.
First off my Mentors and Advisors, Early on, mentors who had navigated similar paths provided invaluable advice and perspective. Their wisdom in non-profit management, community engagement, and resilience in the face of adversity helped shape my approach and strategies. For anyone looking to grow, finding a mentor who aligns with your values and vision can provide crucial support and guidance.
My local Community Leaders and Partners : Engaging with local community leaders and forming partnerships with many organizations like Public Schools in Queens, and businesses such as Tiffany & Co. have not only expanded our reach but also deepened our impact. These collaborations have taught me the importance of networking, mutual support, and leveraging collective resources for a greater cause. Building relationships with community stakeholders can offer new opportunities and insights into effectively serving your community.
And lastly, The Communities We Serve: Perhaps most significantly, the individuals and families in the communities we serve have been a constant source of inspiration and learning. Their resilience, feedback, and stories of impact remind me of the purpose behind our work and continuously inform our approach to better meet their needs. Engaging directly with those you aim to serve can provide the most genuine insights and motivation to adapt and improve.
To anyone building their path, remember that success is often a collaborative effort. Surrounding yourself with a diverse group of supporters and being open to learning from every interaction can provide a strong foundation for overcoming challenges and achieving your goals.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: projects2projects
- Other: gmail: [email protected]
