We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful LaQuenna Lewis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with LaQuenna below.
Hi LaQuenna, thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
I started by actually putting one foot in front of the other and serving. I didn’t look for others to invest in me. I invested in myself first for a long time. I believed that what I was doing by serving others was going to change the world and I still believe that. I self-taught myself the things I needed to know to do my job.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Meet LaQuenna Lewis, a force of compassion and change, who carries the heart of a community activist and the spirit of a true humanitarian. Born in Greensboro, Alabama, her journey took an early turn when her mother moved them to South Central Los Angeles, California. But life’s trials didn’t deter her; they only fueled her determination to make a difference.
At the tender age of 32, fate dealt her a devastating blow with the loss of her children’s father. Amidst grief and adversity, LaQuenna made a courageous decision to return to Alabama, embarking on a path of service and healing, seeking solace from the echoes of silence that losing a loved one leaves behind.
In 2016, she took her passion to the next level and founded the awe-inspiring nonprofit, Love Is What Love Does. Through this organization, she became a relentless champion for food security, youth services, emergency assistance, and voter rights, touching the lives of countless individuals in need.
But her impact didn’t stop there. In 2021, when Mayor Braxton faced unjust denial of his seat by the oppressive white-power structure, LaQuenna fearlessly stepped up and aligned herself with his campaign. Her unwavering support played a pivotal role in finding legal counsel and initiating a lawsuit to challenge and dismantle that unjust structure, ultimately securing Mayor Braxton’s rightful position.
Yet, the path to justice was far from easy. Tragedy struck once again when her home was inexplicably burnt to the ground, a stark reminder of the adversities she had faced. Despite these challenges, LaQuenna stood tall, refusing to be silenced by the malevolence that tried to intimidate her. Even in the face of vile hate mail, threats against her, her four children, and Mayor Braxton, she remained steadfast in her mission.
LaQuenna Lewis is a living testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless capacity for love and compassion. Her journey from Greensboro to South Central Los Angeles and back to Alabama echoes the profound impact she has made on people’s lives. Through her unwavering dedication, she has touched hearts, transformed communities, and shown us all that love truly conquers hate.
Join LaQuenna on her inspiring journey as she continues to be a beacon of hope and an agent of change, standing tall against adversity and proving that one person’s commitment to love and service can ignite a movement of transformation.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
The first organization I started was in partnership with someone else. I soon realized that our goals were different, and we were going in different directions. I initially questioned if I had the courage to do it on my own. It was a challenge, but I completed walked away from my first-born business just to do it all over again on my own. It was then that I realized that I could do anything I put my mind my to.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
My consistency helped me build a positive reputation in the market. I would identify a need in a community and did everything I could to fulfill that need. I became highly requested throughout the counties I serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: loveis-lovedoes.org
- Facebook: Love Is What Love Does
- Twitter: @LaQuennaLewis