Breakthrough: Lasheena Williams

A myriad of moments can light one’s fire for a breakthrough. For Lasheena Williams (Orlando 2023), a learning simulation known as asset mapping sparked hers.

“While doing the asset mapping exercise, I had a powerful realization,” said Lasheena, referencing her participation in the DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative (DVULI). “There were plenty of community resources but very few spaces intentionally designed for teens. This insight sparked a vision that’s now becoming a reality with us opening a teen center in East Orlando.”

In 2012, Lasheena launched L.O.V.E. Our Youth (L.O.V.E.), a nonprofit with a mission to encourage youth to embrace their self-worth and value life’s lessons in order to maximize their potential through mentorship, workshops, and special events. For most of its existence, L.O.V.E. operated as a 100 percent volunteer-based organization conducting enrichment programs in various community locations. That would eventually change.

Lasheena grew up in South Florida, and when the time came for her to enroll in college, she moved to Orlando to attend the University of Central Florida (UCF). Finding herself in the higher education space opened her eyes to a world of new possibilities she never perceived were attainable. This realization prompted Lasheena to get into youth work because she wanted other teens to have the same awareness sooner than she did.

“My parents did their best to expose me to options after high school,” offered Lasheena, who, like many, believes more informed career decisions can be made when there is broader exposure early on.

Two years before her DVULI training process began, Lasheena was directed by God to let go of her full-time position working in local government in Orlando.

“It was truly a leap of faith,” Lasheena remarked about leaving her job and not getting a clear game plan from God about what was next. She had to trust that the next step would be revealed, and God did just that. First, she was to commit to more private devotion time, and second, lean deeper into L.O.V.E. Neither of these came easily.

“The early days were full of hustle, late nights, and constant pressure,” said Lasheena. “I struggled to separate work from life, and the risk of burnout was real.”

Without the parameters of a nine-to-five job, everything felt urgent, and Lasheena realized, “I needed more than just ambition—I needed a breakthrough.” This goal could not happen on her own. Through the DVULI training, core values such as balance and interdependence, in addition to trusting God, were key for her breakthrough to become a reality and tools she continues to use on the path forward.

Lasheena stated that going through the process “revolutionized” how she used her time, and she grew to understand that the growth of her organization didn’t have to come at the expense of her health or relationships. Learning alongside her DVULI cohort members both locally and nationally reminded her that the journey wasn’t hers to carry alone.

“The cohort became a source of accountability and encouragement,” she said. Those resourceful relationships remain intact today and have spread to her own organization. Her DVULI city coordinator joined her organization after their graduation, and one other Orlando cohort member is now on her board of directors.

Leaning further into interdependence, Lasheena sought partnerships with area businesses, most significantly local developers Avalon Park Group (APG) and the Avalon Park Foundation (APF). This relationship helped to prioritize the teen center Lasheena envisioned. As a result, APF put Lasheena and the center on the docket for every community meeting to work toward finding a solution to the problem she hoped to address. With Lasheena leading, a youth advisory board comprised of teens in their community was developed to obtain their input on what the center needed and to help see the goal of the physical space come to life.

That part of her breakthrough and vision is now a reality. In June 2025, Lasheena’s partners miraculously blessed her with the opportunity to move into a 2,500-square-foot facility for the teen center. This allowed L.O.V.E. to move out of its 500-square-foot office and have adequate space to operate and conduct its teen programs.

Lasheena’s breakthrough also included shifting from seasonal to year-round programming. Historically, programs were only held during spring break, summer, and Thanksgiving. “We’d go six to seven months without any programming,” recalled Lasheena. As of September 2025, L.O.V.E. now runs weekly programming interdependently with other nonprofits.

Reflecting on where she is today, Lasheena beams, “I no longer chase urgency—I prioritize what truly matters.” Additionally, the interdependence core value reminded her that strong ministry is built through collaboration, allowing her to better lean on others, and in return, find greater strength, joy, and sustainability in her work.

For Lasheena and her team, the work is far from being done. She is constantly reminded that “the breakthrough wasn’t just for a moment—it was for a movement.” A movement that continues to unfold.