Meet Latonya Patterson | Founding Director

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

Hi Latonya, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I came up with the idea for my business through my oldest child. My son was the true inspiration behind my business journey. Jabriel “Quese” Calhoun became a father at sixteen years of age. By the time he turned seventeen years old, he was a single father. I saw him endure depression, anxiety, and dropping out of school. I was a grandmother at 38 & I was faced with a lot of emotions myself. I was angry, confused, frustrated, and hurt. Yet; I pondered: WHY DID THIS HAPPEN TO MY SON? This gave me the courage to go out into the community & serve my purpose & fulfill my Divine Assignment. See, my family has had five generations of Young Parents; so breaking that generational curse was my mission. The curse isn’t becoming a Young Parent but fulfilling that void of why we become young parents. In our program, many of our youth stated: I had my baby young because I wanted someone to love me or accept me for who I am. Not realizing the responsibility of parenthood but yearning to fill a void quickly. So my goal is to heal that place of hurt while helping them be positive, productive young parents.

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?
What set my nonprofit apart from others is: We service not only Mothers but Fathers and Pregnant Youth ages 13-23. There isn’t another nonprofit in our city that services Young Mothers & Fathers and Young Couples.

I am most proud that we have been able to operate for two years without any major grants due to our amazing community & silent sponsor.

Having an intimate relationship with The Divine (God) (Faith) & being Determined is what got me to where I am today.

This journey wasn’t easy, I had plenty of days of Anxiety, Depression, and tears.

I overcame my challenges by NOT GIVING UP. I PUSHED through every obstacle forcefully.

The biggest lesson I learned was; Fear and Sucess don’t go together. When you are scared, you are doubtful and doubt will never allow you to be Successful.

I want the world to know that Love is the Key to making a Difference and we should all vow to be The Change we are looking for.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spot in my city of Mobile, Alabama would be downtown. One spot is to a local museum called: History Museum of Mobile located at 111 S Royal Street Mobile, Alabama. We would also go to Sophiella Gallery located at 111 Dauphin Street Mobile, Alabama. Both of these amazing places are in downtown Mobile, Alabama. I would love for them to learn more about our city. We could also visit some metaphysical stores: Conjure South located at 10 S Conception Street Mobile, Alabama & Ashakras & Ashtro Juice Bar located at 558 Dauphin Street Mobile, Alabama.

Once we finished that, we could enjoy nature at two parks downtown: Cathedral Square and Bienville Square. We could do some Grounding techniques; while reading books with friends would be perfect

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Divine (God), My Ancestors (West African Lineage). Without my Roots; I wouldn’t have Blossomed as culturally as I am. My Spouse (Shundretta Patterson) of sixteen years, for being by my side and cheering me on during my hard days. Because of her love for me; I know loving unconditionally exists. My children oldest to youngest (Jabriel, Janiyah, Yasmione, Kennedy & Malachi), for being my LIFE, they truly keep me living and motivated to be the best Positive Role Model I could be. My grandchildren oldest to youngest( King, Karter, Chosyn, & Kacey), for adding to my LIFE, they truly water my flowers. My Mom & Grandmother (Zennia Calhoun & Jacqueline Moppins) for giving me their characteristics of STRENGTH; I’ve never given up because I never saw them give up. My Siblings, My Divine Tribe(Trinitius Smith, Marsha Sewell, Charita Terell, Kristen Patterson, Makaela Williams) The Community of Mobile, Alabama, and The Young Parents of Ambitiously Him & Her King Foundation. Most of all our Administrator Khaleea Powell. Khaleea Powell has been volunteering as an Administrator full-time. I couldn’t put in words the recognition she deserves. Khaleea is Divine Greatness & operates within a Divine Frequency. I feel God when I’m around her, I see God when I look at her. She is the perfect example of a God-fearing Woman. How many people do you honestly know who work full-time, and volunteer full-time in their community? There isn’t that many hours in a day, yet Khaleea demonstrates DETERMINATION, STRENGTH, COURAGE, & ADVOCACY to the fullest. She deserves credit, recognition, and more. If a could add another section to this interview, just to show my gratitude toward her; I would.

I do apologize for any inconvenience and I hope I have corrected the delay in this interview.

Website: https://www.ambitiouslyhimher.org

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