Meet LaTressa Moses | Founder, Youth Mentor & Coach, Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with LaTressa Moses and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaTressa, how do you think about risk?                                                         

Taking risks can be a scary thing to do depending on the decision and what’s at stake. I believe risks can be beneficial and can help push a person out of their comfort zone to achieve a goal, but there are other times when I feel that certain risks are not worth taking.

Recently, I’ve been taking a leap of faith to accomplish some of my goals and it hasn’t been easy, but in order for my dreams and goals to become a reality, I’ve had to step out of my comfort zone and do it scared, uncomfortable, and sometimes alone. I’ve learned that some things don’t just happen, you have to make them happen! Taking a risk can be scary, but we’ll never know what we are capable of achieving until we just do it!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?                       

I’m the Founder, Mentor, and Director of S.T.E.M. 101, Inc., a 501 c (3) organization that provides life skills trainings to encourage, equip, and empower the youth with essential life skills. One of my most recent accomplishments that I’m proud of is the release of my first published book, “It Starts as a Child” a personal development guidebook for teens that aims to  help young males and females become more self-aware of their feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and options to make wise decisions, overcome challenges, and accomplish their goals.

Growing up, I faced challenges as a teenager which is why I’m so passionate about teens having opportunities to learn valuable life skills as they grow and develop. In 2014, I launched S.T.E.M. 101 and I had no clue of what I was doing and how I would do it. I just wanted to make a difference in the lives of the youth in my community and surrounding communities. Building this organization hasn’t been easy, in fact, it’s been hard work but nothing worth having comes easy. The times I feel like giving up, I remind myself of why I started—that’s my motivation!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.                        I live in a small town where there’s not a lot of entertainment, but it doesn’t take much for my best-friend. Honestly, when she’s visiting it consists of much needed R&R. We mostly spend time riding somewhere to get food and ice cream. Some of my favorite places to go in my hometown are Peck’s, Chicken Delight, and C’s Seafood. She loves ice cream, so we’ll go to Sonic’s and then park somewhere for hours catching up and chatting about life. Additionally, she loves playing spades, so eventually we’ll end up at family or a friend’s house so that she can play a round or two and talk smack. No matter what we choose to do, we simply enjoy spending time with each other.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I remember a few years back, I prayed and asked God what my purpose was because I knew it was more to my life. I would like to thank him for who I am and becoming. I would like to thank my parents, they have always encouraged my siblings and I to never settle, and I appreciate the both of them for always supporting me, pushing me, and seeing the best in me. I would like to thank my sisters and best-friend for always being right there and supporting my events. I would like thank my spiritual mom, Ms. Lynn and my pastor, Frank Bussey for their prayers and speaking God’s word over my life. I would like to thank Dr. Tracy McClelland for talking with me and sharing her words of wisdom as a successful business owner. Last, but not least I would like to thank every person who has supported me along this journey throughout the years, I appreciate you! 

Website: www.stem101inc.com

Facebook: S.T.E.M. 101, Inc.

Image Credits
Headshot Photo- Damien Moss, DJM Photography