LaTrenda Ross

I attribute my success to a combination of faith, resilience, and an unwavering drive to keep moving forward no matter the circumstances. A major part of my journey is rooted in my experience as a breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed on December 10, 2024, with triple negative breast cancer, a rare and aggressive form of the disease. Because I was proactive in paying attention to my body, I was able to identify a lump early and take immediate action. Since then, I have gone through treatment and surgery, and although I am now in remission, I continue to undergo immunotherapy. That experience has strengthened me in ways I never imagined. Of course, when I first received my diagnosis, it was overwhelming. For a few weeks, I experienced fear, uncertainty, and emotion—but I made a conscious decision to rise above it. I leaned into my faith, found my strength, and kept going.

I consider myself a highly motivated and determined person. I don’t allow challenges to define me I push through them. Throughout my entire journey, I have continued to work, stay engaged, and remain committed to my purpose. That consistency, even during one of the most difficult times in my life, is a key part of my success.

Ultimately, my success comes from my mindset: staying focused, remaining strong, and turning every challenge into an opportunity to grow and make a greater impact.

One piece of advice that has stayed with me throughout my career came from a former CEO who once told me, “La-Trenda, when you become the captain of your ship, you can direct it any way you choose.”

She shared that with me because of my drive and passion. She reminded me that things won’t always go my way, especially when I’m not the leader of the organization or in a position to make the final decisions. That perspective helped me understand the importance of patience, growth, and preparing myself for leadership.

That message has always resonated with me. It reminded me that leadership is not just about responsibility—it’s about vision, direction, and the courage to steer your path with intention.

Today, as the CEO and Founder of both The R.E.L.L.E. Legacy Foundation and Trending Into A New Life, I carry that lesson with me—and I am now the captain of my own ship, leading with purpose and creating the impact I once envisioned.

I want young women to truly know who they are. Take the time to discover your purpose, define what you like and don’t like, and learn about yourself on a deeper level. Understand the meaning of your name, your story, and who you are called to be. Speak boldly about yourself every single day. Stand up for yourself. Use your voice—don’t be afraid to speak up, even when it feels uncomfortable. Walk into rooms that may feel intimidating. Walk into spaces where you may be the only woman, or even the only woman of your ethnicity—and still show up with confidence. You belong there.

Don’t shrink to fit in. Expand to stand out.

Love yourself every day. Say “I love you” to yourself. Place your hand over your heart and feel your heartbeat at its core reminding yourself that you are here for a reason.

Find your joy. Find your strength. Don’t allow anyone or anything to make you question your worth.

Don’t listen to naysayers. Stay away from negativity and those who don’t genuinely care about you. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, support you, and keep you grounded.

Be intentional about your circle because the people around you can either push you forward or hold you back. Choose those who see your value, encourage your growth, and remind you of your strength, even on your hardest days.

Be fearless. Be intentional. And never forget—you are powerful, you are enough, and you are deserving of every opportunity that comes your way.

As someone working in social services and as a CEO & Founder, I see both significant challenges and powerful opportunities in our field right now. One of the biggest challenges is financial sustainability. Many nonprofit organizations are facing funding uncertainty, reduced donations, and increased competition for limited resources. At the same time, the demand for services continues to rise, which creates a gap between what organizations can provide and what communities truly need.

Another major challenge is workforce strain and burnout. Leaders and staff are stretched thin, often doing more with fewer resources. In fact, burnout and staffing shortages remain some of the most critical concerns across the sector, making it difficult to sustain programs and retain strong leadership. There are also ongoing challenges around equity and access to funding, especially for grassroots organizations and those led by women and people of color. Many impactful organizations are doing meaningful work but are still under-resourced and overlooked.

However, within these challenges lie powerful opportunities.

There is a growing opportunity to reimagine leadership and collaboration in the social sector. We are moving away from traditional models and toward more community-centered, collaborative approaches that amplify voices and create deeper impact. There is also an opportunity to empower individuals, especially women, with tools, knowledge, and resources that lead to economic independence and long-term stability. Programs that focus on financial empowerment, leadership development, and self-advocacy are becoming more critical than ever.

As a CEO and Founder, I see this moment as a call to innovate, to build stronger partnerships, and to lead with both purpose and strategy. It’s not just about providing services—it’s about creating sustainable solutions, empowering people to thrive, and ensuring that our communities are not just supported, but strengthened.

I truly value connection and the power of networking. For me, it’s about how we, as women, can uplift one another. I often refer to women as my sisters because I believe in the importance of supporting, encouraging, and motivating each other. Whether it’s helping someone with branding or marketing, sharing their event, or simply asking, “How can I support you?”—I am all for women showing up for one another in meaningful ways. That spirit of collaboration and empowerment is something I carry with me every day.

A lot of my values come from my grandparents, who were true pillars of the community. My grandmother would bake pies for people—whether she knew them or not—and deliver them to families after funeral services as a gesture of comfort and care. My grandfather was always there for others as well, answering calls at all hours of the night to help those in need, including individuals experiencing homelessness.

Looking back, I realize that this spirit of service was instilled in me from a very young age. It wasn’t until around 1992 that I truly recognized that same passion within myself—and it has only continued to grow stronger over time.

That foundation of compassion, community, and service is at the core of who I am and the work I do today.