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

Lakeydra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

For me, survival was not just about enduring the darkest moments—it was about finding a way to ensure others never felt as alone as I once did. My journey began with profound pain, but it led me to a life of purpose, advocating for those who are often unseen and unheard.

I am a survivor of sexual assault and a suicide attempt. These experiences could have shattered me, leaving me trapped in the weight of trauma. But instead, they became the foundation of the work I do today. I know what it feels like to struggle in silence, to feel invisible, and to believe that no one is coming to help. That is why I have dedicated my life to ensuring that others, especially unhoused veterans and underserved communities, receive the support, resources, and dignity they deserve.

Pain has a way of reshaping our values. It strips away illusions and reveals what truly matters: empathy, justice, and the unwavering commitment to lifting others up. My mission is rooted in these principles. I fight for veterans who have served our country but now find themselves without shelter or stability. I advocate for survivors of trauma who are often dismissed or overlooked. And I work to bridge the gap between crisis and sustainable support, because no one should have to walk that journey alone.

The path I’ve taken was not easy, but it was necessary. I became the person I once needed, and in doing so, I found my purpose. Every story of resilience, every life changed, and every opportunity created reminds me why I do this work. Because survival is not just about making it through the darkness—it’s about lighting the way for others.

Lakeydra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My path has been shaped by a relentless commitment to justice and human rights. As a sexual assault advocate, I’ve worked to amplify the voices of survivors and push for real change. This passion led to my feature on Dateline NBC’s Voices for Vanessa Guillen, where I spoke out on behalf of those who have suffered in silence for too long. My advocacy isn’t just about raising awareness it’s about fighting for tangible solutions, whether that means connecting survivors with resources, working to prevent future harm, or holding systems accountable.

At the same time, I’ve dedicated myself to supporting unhoused veterans in crisis, helping them secure employment and long-term stability. My annual job fair is one of the ways I bridge the gap between those in need and the opportunities that can change their lives. I also partner with career coaches and businesses to create sustainable employment opportunities, ensuring veterans and underserved individuals don’t just get a job but build a future.

My work extends beyond employment. I provide crisis intervention and outreach consulting for survivors of trauma, ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need. Through my LinkedIn platform, I raise awareness, inspire action, and push for systemic change. I know that real impact doesn’t come from just talking it comes from doing.

I don’t just talk about change, I make it happen. Whether it’s standing beside a survivor as they reclaim their power or ensuring a veteran has the resources to rebuild their life, my work is deeply personal. I combine direct intervention with long-term solutions because I know that real change requires more than a temporary fix.

Receiving the 2024 Presidential Volunteer Award was a huge honor, but my greatest achievements are the lives I’ve helped transform. I’m proud of every survivor who has found their voice, every veteran who has secured stable housing and employment, and every moment where someone feels seen, heard, and valued.

If you’re an employer looking to hire veterans, a survivor seeking support, or someone who wants to be part of the solution, I’m here. My work is about creating real, lasting impact, and I invite you to join me in this fight. No one should be left behind.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I am a survivor.

As a child, I endured sexual abuse. It shaped the way I saw the world, but it never defined me. As I grew, life didn’t get easier I faced the compounded trauma of military sexual violence and domestic abuse. At times, the weight of it all felt unbearable, and I almost became a statistic.

But I’m still here.

I fought my way through the darkness because I refused to let my pain be the end of my story. I chose to live, to advocate, and to stand for those who are still struggling in silence. Today, I have a beautiful life, a reason to smile every day, and a purpose that drives me forward.

To anyone who feels like they can’t make it through—please hear me: You are not alone. There is life beyond the pain. There is hope. And I am living proof of that.

This honors your strength while also sending a message of hope. Would you like to add anything about the work you do now?

Have you ever had to pivot?

Sometimes, the road shifts unexpectedly, forcing us to pivot in ways we never imagined. My journey from military service to corporate recruiting to advocacy wasn’t just a career shift it was a search for purpose.

After serving 20 years in the military, I knew transitioning to civilian life wouldn’t be easy. The structured environment, the camaraderie, the clear mission everything I had known for two decades was suddenly gone. Like many veterans, I faced the challenge of figuring out what’s next?

Corporate recruiting became my entry point into the civilian workforce. It made sense helping others find jobs, guiding professionals in their career journeys, and leveraging my leadership skills in a new way. For a few years, I found success in this space. But something was missing.

I was looking for a way to make a difference. The conversations I had with transitioning veterans, the struggles I witnessed in survivors of trauma, and my own lived experiences all pointed me in a different direction. That’s when I made the biggest career shift of my life. I stepped into the world of advocacy, outreach, and crisis intervention, focusing on helping veterans and survivors of trauma. This wasn’t just a new job it was deeply personal.

Living Experience as a Strength

People often talk about qualifications, degrees, and expertise, but lived experience is just as powerful—if not more. Having walked this path myself, I can connect with those I serve in a way that no textbook ever could.

Now, my days are spent advocating for unhoused veterans, helping survivors of trauma find stability, and building networks of support for those who need it most. It’s not always easy, but it’s the most meaningful work I’ve ever done. Pivoting isn’t failure, it’s growth. It’s about recognizing when something isn’t fulfilling you and having the courage to change direction. Be open to the pivot. It just might lead you to your true purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://keyfitllc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mskeys/?hl=en
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/lakeydrahouston

Image Credits

Nation Crime Victim Law Institute