My name is LaToya Lewis and I was born and raised here in Worcester. I am a single mother of 4 amazing children Nala, Sanai, Jovann and Jayceon. As well as a proud Nana of 2, Sariah and Christian. I am the youngest of 16 siblings!! Yes, 16 the first on my mom’s side to graduate from high school and go on to pursue a college education. I graduated from Worcester Vocational High School, pursued and obtained my Associates in Human Services at Quinsigamond Community College and completed my BA in Psychology at Becker. Certificate in Humanities from Bard College through the Clemente School. I would love to find the time to go back and pursue my Master’s in Social Work. I am a certified Substance Abuse counselor, completed my education at Adcare Institute. I am a commissioner for the city of Worcester Human Rights board as well as a Human rights officer for Open Sky, my employer. I have volunteered with various organizations in my community from Torch, Teens Against Tobacco, Hope Coalition, YWCA, Civilian Police Training and many others. My heart and passion lies in giving back and being able to make a difference in the lives of others. Life was not always easy for me I have had my battles from overcoming addiction, homelessness as a teen mom, domestic violence, incarceration etc..you name it. I share this with you because you see me and you would never know because I don’t look like what I’ve been through and I am an influencer, I am a Face of Worcester! How my story started is not how it finishes and there are so many others who are just like me and I hope reading this encourages and inspires them. Never be ashamed of who you are or what you been through. Your scars tell a story! The beauty in my story is seeing what I had the ability to transform into today of becoming what I needed. I have overcome so many challenges that would have broken me, I believed even when it was hard to and never gave up. My prayer is God will continue to use me in a profound way of being able to give back in make a difference in the lives of each individual he places before me. That I will one day have the ability of creating my own business, speaking in blessed places my feet haven’t touched yet, writing a book sharing my story giving other women hope from my experiences. I was once a broken crayon, and as broken as a crayon can be, it still has the ability to color and so do I and so do you!!!
Q: Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
I currently work with Open Sky as a navigator with the Behavioral Health Justice Involved division. I serve individuals who struggle with mental health, substance use or have been recently released from prison working with their Parole and Probation officers connecting them to community resources. The best part of my job is the impact I get to have on my clients and being able to be a part of their transformation. Witnessing the fruits of my labor knowing I am making a difference and lives are changing because of it. Allowing God to use me in a profound way where I have the ability to connect with my clients on a much deeper level when serving them. The Power of Transformation shows them how to create true balance and serenity in every area of their lives by applying biblical principles and trusting in Jesus as their instrument of change.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
There are alot of restaurants I love but, if I had to choose I am going with Aretha’s Kitchen on Cambridge St. It is a Jamaican restaurant and my favorite dish is their Oxtails with rice and peas.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
Honestly I can say that I have met many amazing and interesting people in my life, but the one most interesting person I got to meet, was myself. The person I never knew was in me all along that I had the pleasure of meeting.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I have always wanted to travel and visit Jerusalem. It is considered to be the city of peace!! I would love to go and see all the historical sightings I read about in the bible, experience the culture, but most importantly learning more about Christ.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I don’t have a particular band per say I typically go with the flow of how I am feeling. Most of the time its just the Gospel station on Pandora.
Q: What is your best advice?
You are only limited when you limit yourself! A broken crayon can still color and as long as you have life in you so do you!!
Q: What is one of the top three items on your Bucket List?
Drive the Highway, completing my Masters, and becoming an author.
Q: What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester?
A non profit organization that does not exists anymore called the Black FBI. Black Fighting Back with Intellect my first program as a teen that inspired me and contributed to the attributes of who I became. A teen mentoring program.
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
I would love to have lunch with Tyler Perry. A man who had experienced so much adversity and challenges and still rose above them who has a background that I can relate to of his upbringing. I admire his success as an actor, writer, director, producer, and entrepreneur, but most of all, I respect his dedication to his vision.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I declare myself becoming a homeowner, established business owner, author, motivational speaker changing lives one city at a time lol!
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
I am afraid of the dark and don’t like to sleep with any closet doors left open lol.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
peace, love and joy.
Q: If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
Taraji P. Henson or Viola Davis
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
Worcester has come a very long way from how it was with me growing up. It’s a place that more and more people are gravitating to and make a home. Welcoming, diverse, historical, the resources, community, Worcester is my home!
Q: What is your favorite smell?
Eucalyptus and Bath and Body plug ins lol.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
So many play a role of inspiration from my children, grand babies, friends, family and church.
