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

Hi Lanita, what do you want your legacy to be?
You often hear people say they want to leave the world a little better than when they came into it. Similar to that train of thought; I’d like for my legacy to be that I tried to build people up and teach skills that could last a lifetime. Basically, “teaching them how to fish.” In doing that, I hope they too would pass it forward whenever they have an opportunity to do so.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
P.U.S.H. (Pushing Upward; Striving Higher) was created as a community resource for middle to college aged youth and young adults. I wanted to ensure we had options and opportunities available for youth to have one-on-one conversations with professionals in their fields of interest. During COVID we can’t have the face to face interactions we’re used to having, but we’ve expanded and begun working with a local school via zoom to ensure we keep the momentum going. In addition to what we offer the youth, I love being able to provide our more seasoned participants the opportunity to give back and share their experiences with our with younger participants. (Also a good way for them to practice with public speaking!) All in all… we provide exposure, education and opportunities!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Mercy’s Jamaican Kitchen FDR State Park Mountain Views Coca Cola Space Science Center Heritage Park Fountains National Infantry Museum The Riverwalk Ma Rainey House and Blues Museum Minnies Uptown Restaurant Chester’s BBQ Country’s BBQ Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have the best support system anyone can ask for! This team is the backbone for every P.U.S.H. event: Ashley Burbine Snead, Clarissa Barron, Jackie Curry, and Tarisha Fields. No to mention behind the scenes support from the Lucas family: Damiyan, Mykell, and DJ Lucas.

Website: Www.PUSH1.org

Instagram: 1Push_

Linkedin: Lanita Lucas

Facebook: 1PushEvents

Image Credits
Linda Mills photography

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