LaToya Reed. We’ve had the privilege of knowing her for quite a few years and were immediately impressed by her dedication to vulnerable youth and her heart for wanting to help them succeed.
As we before her morning session, she currently serves as the Director of the South Carolina National Guard Youth Challenge Academy under the Adjutant General’s Office and that she is the first female and first Black American Director since its inception in 1998. She has led the program in the last 5 years. Previously, LaToya served as the State Coordinator for the Independent Living Program at the South Carolina Department of Social Services. She also served for almost 10 years at the Department of Juvenile Justice in many different capacities, including Assistant Chaplain, Youth Specialist, Spiritual Development Volunteer Coordinator, and Director of Volunteer Services.
She completed her undergrad studies at Columbia International University (CIU) in Youth Ministry & Bible and truly enjoyed her experience as an undergrad student. She obtained her master’s degree from Liberty University in Human Services – Marriage & Family.
We told you earlier that LaToya enjoys working with youth and in her 25 years experience has developed, assisted, and worked with youth in various settings…but we didn’t give you the magnitude of everywhere she’s served with the goal of providing every opportunity for them to succeed. She’s been involved with youth in mentoring programs, at-risk youth in communities, the juvenile justice system, foster care system, churches, dance ministries, and after-school programs. She performed trainings on many topics such as “breaking bad habits, self-esteem, and why faith matters.”
She currently serves on the Advisory Committee for the Town of Lexington, a board member on Katrina’s Kids, which is a non-profit organization that serves youth in foster care, and as a board member at Emmaus Church.
Her mission is to inspire and motivate others to become better than their circumstances, recognize their greatness, and make the impossible possible.
LaToya believes there are two decisions in life: Allow your strengths to become your weaknesses; or your weaknesses to become your strengths.
We believe, LaToya, that you embody the very same heart of a Champion for Children that Keith Frazier had and it is our privilege to present to you today, the 2024 Keith A. Frazier Champion for Children Award. Congratulations!
