La Nita's Inspirational Keynote at The Urban Leaders Fellowship Spring Fling
Vision
The Urban Leaders Fellowship (ULF) has long been a bastion of empowerment, leadership, and transformative change in urban communities. Celebrating its twelfth year and a significant expansion into ten regions, ULF's enduring mission to empower community leaders has never been more critical. The third annual Spring Fling event, "Building to Empower Communities to Achieve," marked a pivotal moment to honor our journey, foster deep connections, and unveil ambitious plans for the future. In this celebratory context, ULF invited La'Nita, a luminary in leadership and community service, to share her unparalleled insights and experiences as our opening speaker, embodying the essence of our theme and aspirations.
Industry
Youth education/fellowships
Team Size
Large
Location
Virtual
Services
Keynote speech
La’Nita's Profound Influence
La'Nita's keynote, delivered on May 18, 2023, via a virtual gathering, was a journey through her milestones, encapsulating the essence of discovery, authenticity, and impact. Her story began at Pepperdine University, where the principle of "freely ye receive, freely ye give" laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to servant leadership. La'Nita's subsequent experience as an ESL Program Coordinator deepened her resolve to serve her community effectively.
However, a venture into the corporate realm led La'Nita to a crossroads, feeling disconnected from her calling. It was through volunteering and a consequential mission trip to Burkina Faso—marred by a terrorist attack—that La'Nita's commitment to servant leadership was reignited with renewed vigor. Through her narrative, La'Nita illustrated the nonlinear journey toward fulfilling one’s purpose, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one's "north star" and maintaining integrity to personal dreams and goals.
Feedback and Reflection
La’Nita's message struck a chord with the ULF community, her experiences and insights serving as a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the power of dedicated leadership. Her eloquence and empathy during the keynote and subsequent FAQ session profoundly impacted attendees, cementing her status as an invaluable member of the ULFamily. La'Nita was celebrated for her words and the enduring wisdom and spirit of community she embodies.
“La’Nita is an incredible force. In May 2023, she served as our Annual Spring Fling Keynote. She delivered a fantastic message on discovery, confidence, and making an impact in the community while being authentic and grounded in one’s mission.
She’s exceptionally eloquent, transparent, kind, empathetic, and professional. We are forever grateful for her wisdom and time, and she’s an official part of the ULFamily!”
Tamira Samuels, Co-Executive Director of the Urban Leaders Fellowship
Conclusion
La'Nita's participation in the ULF Spring Fling was not merely an event but a landmark moment in the ongoing narrative of community leadership and empowerment. Her journey from Pepperdine University to Burkina Faso and back to the heart of community service encapsulates the essence of authentic leadership and the impact of unwavering commitment to one's principles and community. As ULF looks forward, La’Nita's story remains a beacon of inspiration, guiding us toward a future of meaningful change and leadership that truly empowers.