We recently connected with Lawanda Horton and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lawanda , thanks for joining us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry?

I think that government, corporate America, and those with the financial resources and exposure to make change in our communities- advance those who are already in position and neglect the needs of those at the grassroots level. I think that this not only is misguided in that those are the folks who are doing the most profound work to heal our communities- but also in that it stifles our progress when the next generation of leaders aren’t mentored or consulted on what’s changing and how we can respond to those changes.

Lawanda , 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?

I am an award winning professional fundraiser and consultant to nonprofit organizations and grassroots community initiatives. I have a masters in nonprofit management from New England College and am a published academic around sustainability, fundraising, and cultural competency in the nonprofit sector. We offer these services through Mission Incorporated which has served organizations for the past 17 years. In addition our Nonprofit “Mission Forward” tackles serious community issues like gun violence and voter education through creative community projects like anti violence rap contests, arts programs, and social campaigns

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

I started my business after experiencing institutional racism in the workplace. There is an unspoken experience for people of color that doesn’t get talked about enough. Culturally we are unprepared for what we will experience at work and it often leads to unlawful terminations and financial instability in communities of color. I started Mission Incorporated so that I could take control of my future and reach my fullest potential. I resigned from my job and that same day purchased 500 business cards with the money I got from a lottery scratch off ticket. 17 years later I am empowering others to take control of their future and take back their community in the fight against institutional racism.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

To move into the next phase of one’s life you will have to let go of people, ideas, and habits that no longer serve your purpose. First I had to let go of the employee mindset. Very early on I showed up asking for respect and permission to serve. When I tapped into my inner CEO I earned the respect by being what I know myself to be and Doing what needed to be done. The respect follows that. And later I struggled with letting others consume my time and energy- which leads to a lower quality of life and work product. I had to learn to distance, delete, and not absorb the energy and “stuckness” of others. I learned that sadly people can be more committed to dragging you down than they are to lifting themselves up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.missionincdevelopment.com
• Instagram: @realmissioninc
• Facebook: Missionbusinessdevelopment
• Linkedin: Mission Incorporated

Image Credits

Photo By: Ilana Tabby