Today we’d like to introduce you to LaTonya Harris Croom.
Hi LaTonya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Detroit, Michigan, and entrepreneurship has been part of my story for as long as I can remember. At the age of 8, I began shampooing hair for my mom in some of Detroit’s top salons. This is where I truly started learning teamwork, customer service, discipline, and business basics even before middle school. I went on to get my own license in the beauty industry years later. As well as became a Medical Assistant and have remand within those two industries throughout my life. I married my husband in 2004 and we had our 1st child in 2007.
In 2012 my family relocated Cali then to San Diego in 2015. I started teaching in the beauty industry in 2016 still loving this industry but I wasn’t being fulfilled professionally. I enjoy serving others so I began yet another entrepreneur venture and started hosting Pop-Up Market events. Yes this was fun and all but still something was missing. I began praying and talking to God like what’s going on, this cant be it for me . And it was in that moment God began expanding my vision, I heard EMPOWER YOUTH. I realized that the purpose He placed inside me was connected to serving the next generation. Today, I walk confidently in that purpose as the founder of Empowering Youth Together (EYT).
Focusing on developing youth ages 9–19 through entrepreneurship training, smart money relationship, leadership skills, basics health (CPR) Certification and real-life business opportunities. We host youth markets, hands-on workshops, and mentorship programs that support young entrepreneurs from idea to execution. So I’m just waiting on God to open the door of our own local to house our programs and events.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh no it has not, as they say “The Struggle has been REAL”. I have learned so much during this time both personally & professionally, a few hurdles I have faced is finding my community here. Not just youth but what we offer requires parents to be engaged and excited. Their support is what allows the youth to show up, want to participate and grow with us. Also securing a consistent location and community partners has been quite difficult. As a small, mission driven organization, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to share who we are and our dream for San Diego youth. Even though it’s been tough, every obstacles has helped me refine the mission, connect with people who truly align with our purpose, and keep building a strong foundation for the community. So if you would have asked this question a year ago you’d probably get a answer, I’m so grateful for this journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the founder of Empowering Youth Together, I do whatever needs to be done for our youth within our community.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
If I had to say it would most likely be resilience, authenticity, and my heart for youth and community. I don’t give up easily even when doors close or things move slower than I hoped, I stay committed to the purpose God has given me. Authenticity is a big one, showing up as myself and sharing my story openly, from growing up in Det to becoming an entrepreneur at a young age. To building a life as a wife, mom and founder of EYT here in SD. That honestly helps young people & community trust me because they can not only see my passion but they feel it. Above all I lead with compassion. I genuinely care about the youth, their futures and the barriers they face. That care pushes me to create opportunities, build partnerships and keep expanding the impact of Empowering Youth Together. Those qualities together are what keeps me moving forward and this organization growing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.empoweringyouthtogether.org
- Instagram: empowering_youth_together
- Facebook: Empowering Youth Together
