Leticia Starks-Underwood

I attribute my success to the grace of GOD, thoughtful planning, intentional organization, the unwavering support of my family and team, and the blessing of having an incredible mentor who has challenged, coached, and inspired me to recognize the greatness GOD placed within me. My passion for empowering others has been a driving force throughout my journey, as I strive to use my GOD-given gifts and talents to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I believe that if GOD did it for me, He can do it for them. Above all, I believe my success is rooted in gratitude, my calling from GOD, and my commitment to faithfully fulfilling the purpose He has entrusted to me..

The best career advice I have ever received has come from the mentors who have believed in me and encouraged me to pursue excellence in education and leadership. One mentor in particular, an educator who became Indiana’s first African American Teacher of the Year and later received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, had a profound influence on my professional journey. His encouragement and confidence in my abilities inspired me to continue striving for excellence and to recognize the importance of using my own experiences and gifts to empower others. Today, I continue to draw daily inspiration from my faith, my family, and the people I have the privilege of serving through education and ministry.

My advice to young women entering my industry is to trust GOD and have faith that He will provide both the vision and the resources needed to pursue your purpose. Do not allow fear, comparison, or concern about what others are doing to hold you back. Never be afraid to start small; even the most meaningful ventures can begin with limited resources, sometimes with nothing more than a suitcase and a vision. Take the first step, remain faithful to your calling, and trust that God will guide you and show you how to build along the way.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is helping people remain hopeful, motivated, and focused despite the obstacles and uncertainty they may face. As educators, entrepreneurs, and ministry leaders, we often wear many hats while balancing the needs of others with our own responsibilities. At the same time, I believe there are tremendous opportunities to inspire positive change through education, entrepreneurship, media, and faith-based leadership. By embracing technology and expanding outreach through podcasts, online publications, YouTube, and other digital platforms, I hope to reach more people with messages of encouragement, purpose, and hope while continuing to empower individuals and families to recognize their potential and pursue meaningful change.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, integrity, service, compassion, and perseverance. I believe every opportunity is a chance to encourage others, make a positive difference, and create meaningful change within families and communities. My work is guided by a commitment to helping people discover their purpose and reach their full potential, while leading with kindness, humility, and a servant’s heart.