Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Lashley.
Hi Patricia , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m proud to say I grew up with two amazing parents who taught my sibling and I the importance of community involvement and giving back. My journey began 26 years ago with a strong desire to support young girls and connect with people who may not know where to turn for help. Through my work in public education, I’ve been blessed with opportunities to build programs focused on leadership, etiquette, and sisterhood. Each step has strengthened my commitment to serving and uplifting my community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely not. It has not been a smooth road. Along the way, I encountered leaders who did not always value my voice, my ideas, or the work I was passionate about. There were moments when it would have been easy to become discouraged, but I was determined to keep going and never give up.
I am a woman of faith who strongly believes in the power of prayer, perseverance, and determination. When I saw a need, instead of waiting for someone else to create a solution, I created a platform.
One example was the creation of a Community Sisterhood Group, which gave women a safe space to come together, share their experiences, and be heard without judgment. Something that was born out of my own pain and fear became a source of strength and connection for others. Ten years later, that sisterhood is still going strong.
Today, that same passion continues through my advocacy for girls. I am committed to helping girls discover their voices, build confidence, understand the importance of leadership and etiquette, and recognize the power of community.
The road has not always been easy, but every challenge has helped shape my purpose. What was once a struggle becoming an opportunity to create something meaningful for others. I learned that sometimes the very thing you need is the very thing you are called to create.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is centered around education, mentoring, advocacy, leadership, and community connection. With more than 25 years in public education, I have had the opportunity to work with students, families, educators, and community partners, always looking for ways to create meaningful opportunities for people to feel supported, empowered, and heard.
I specialize in mentoring girls and young people, particularly helping them build confidence, leadership skills, social confidence, etiquette, communication skills, and an understanding of the importance of community. I believe that when young people are given the right guidance, encouragement, and safe spaces to express themselves, they can discover their voice and recognize their own potential.
I am known for seeing a need and creating a solution. Whether it is developing a mentoring group, creating a safe space for women to connect through sisterhood, teaching girls’ proper etiquette and life skills, or connecting families with community resources, I believe in being proactive rather than simply talking about what needs to be done.
What I am most proud of is the lasting impact of the relationships and programs I have created. One example is the Community Sisterhood Group, which was created to give women a safe, supportive environment where they could share, connect, and be heard without judgment. What began from a personal place of pain and fear grew into something much bigger—and ten years later, that sisterhood continues.
I am also extremely proud of my work with girls. Being able to mentor them, encourage their individuality, teach leadership and etiquette, and help them understand their value is more than a program to me—it is part of my purpose.
What sets me apart is that I lead with faith, compassion, authenticity, and action. I don’t believe in waiting for someone else to create the change I know is needed. When I see a gap, I ask, “What can I do about it?” Then I take action.
My goal has never simply been to create programs. It has been to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, valued, and empowered to become who they are meant to be.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, especially young girls and women. My faith is at the center of who I am, and I believe God has given each of us a purpose and a responsibility to use our gifts to encourage, empower, and uplift others.
I care deeply about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, valued, and safe to be themselves. I know what it feels like to have your voice overlooked, which is one reason I am so passionate about helping others find and use their own voices.
My work with girls is especially important to me because I want them to understand their worth early in life. I want them to know that their circumstances do not define them, that their voice matters, and that they have the ability to lead, inspire, and make a difference in their communities.
What matters most is knowing that something I said, taught, created, or simply did to encourage someone may have changed the direction of their life. For me, success is not just about what I accomplish—it is about who I help along the way.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Paticia Lashley
