Her Story
About Leticia
Leticia Starks-Underwood is an educator, author, publisher, entrepreneur, and ministry leader based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, whose work is dedicated to inspiring, educating, and empowering others. She has worked in education since 2013 at a private K–12 school, where she serves as an elementary lead teacher, Global Program Director, and advisor for multiple clubs and student activities. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to helping students develop academically, personally, and spiritually. Her dedication to educational excellence has been recognized through honors including Teacher of the Year and the Possibleology Award.
In addition to her work in education, Starks-Underwood is a published author and entrepreneur who operates a private tutoring company, has written and published multiple books, and assists others with bringing their own work to publication. She is also the publisher and CEO of You Can Make Inspiration, a print and online magazine featuring inspirational stories, educational content, and encouraging messages designed to uplift and empower readers. Through her writing, publishing, mentorship, and ministry work, she continues to use her platform to encourage individuals to recognize their purpose and pursue their full potential.
Deeply grounded in faith and service, Starks-Underwood also supports her family’s businesses, including a restaurant and daycare, while remaining active in ministry and community-focused initiatives. Looking toward the future, she envisions expanding her nonprofit efforts to assist individuals and families facing housing challenges and other needs. She attributes her accomplishments to the grace of God, thoughtful organization and planning, the unwavering support of her family and team, and her passion for empowering both youth and adults. Through her leadership, faith, and commitment to service, she continues to make a meaningful impact across education, publishing, entrepreneurship, and ministry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Leticia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the grace of God, thoughtful organization and planning, and the unwavering support of my team and family. My passion for empowering others also plays a central role in my journey, as I strive to use my gifts and talents to make a meaningful difference. Ultimately, I believe my success is rooted in my calling from God and my commitment to faithfully pursuing the purpose and gifts He has given me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
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.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
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.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
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.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
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.
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