About the Founder

 My name is Latoya Spence.  I founded Strong Survivors Women Empowerment June, 2018, changing the name to Survivors Women and Youth Empowerment in  November 2024. (The youth are our future).  I originated from Minnesota, and have been residing in Arizona since mid-2017.  I am a single mother of four daughters and a grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a  Master’s in Social Work, and I am currently pursuing my Doctorate in Social Work, furthering my commitment to creating lasting social change.

Giving back and serving is my passion. My journey began with serving low-income families, homeless youth, and at-risk youth, but empowering women has remained a lifelong mission. While working at the Harriet Tubman, I developed a deeper connection to empowering women experiencing mental health disparities and psychological distress. I have worked firsthand with homeless single women with children, women fleeing domestic violence. Working with women from diverse backgrounds reinforced my dedication to advocating for women’s healing and empowerment.

 I have devoted my career to uplifting underserved communities. As an AmeriCorps Alumni, I understand the power of service and the importance of creating spaces where women and youth feel safe, supported, and empowered.

My work is driven by a deep commitment to breaking generational cycles and ensuring that minority women and young girls have access to the resources, support, and encouragement they need to heal, thrive, and survive. I know firsthand the impact of stigma, discrimination, systemic racism, and barriers to mental health care.  Too many of us African American women struggle in silence due to the "Strong Black Woman," followed by increased stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. I have made it my mission to create a community where women and young girls feel, heard, valued, and understood, and a sense of belonging—a place where they truly belong.