About the Founder

 Hi. My name is Latoya Spencer.  I founded Strong Survivors Women Empowerment Jun, 2018, changing the name to Survivors Women & Youth Empowerment in  November 2023. (The youth are our future).  I originated from Minnesota, and have been residing in Arizona since mid-2018.  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 schema," 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.

Hi, my name is Danielle Spencer. I am a proud minority woman who grew up during challenging times and faced many struggles throughout my teenage years. Those hardships shaped me into the resilient woman I am today and continue to fuel my drive to give back. I am now a mother of three amazing children who inspire me daily to work harder, push further, and live with purpose.

I hold a Master’s degree in Psychology and am currently pursuing a Master’s in Substance Abuse Counseling. My educational journey reflects my deep commitment to healing, empowerment, and advocacy. Through Strong Survivors, my mission is to empower and uplift youth and women of color, encouraging them to believe in their strength, overcome challenges, and build brighter futures. I am equally passionate about supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness, ensuring they have access to the resources and compassion they deserve.

My life experiences have taught me that perseverance and community can transform pain into purpose. I want to use my story and my platform to create spaces where women and youth feel seen, heard, valued, and supported. With Strong Survivors, I strive to break generational cycles, restore hope, and provide the encouragement needed for others to rise above their struggles.