Today we’d like to introduce you to LaDonnia Cole.
Hi LaDonnia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born on the South Side of Chicago, the youngest of two girls. My parents were high school sweethearts and married in their early twenties. The place we knew as home was a housing project called Stateway Gardens. Growing up in the “Projects” is where I learned some of life’s most valuable lessons, such as having morals, values, and family, even the people that are not biologically related are still considered family. I learned how to be responsible as a Latchkey Kid, I had to let myself inside of our apartment and do my homework when my parents were not home.
In addition, I saw firsthand of what gang culture and the adverse effects that crack cocaine had on our community and how so many lives were damaged by this epidemic. Furthermore, as I became a teenager and fell in love, I had my first sexual experience and shortly after that, I realized that I was pregnant. I was so afraid to tell my parents and not being sure of what to do, I said nothing and did everything I could to hide my pregnancy.
My story may be similar to many, yet my experiences are unique to me. It is my dream to inspire and encourage other young adults who are dealing with difficult family dynamics and can’t see a way out of their current situation. As I share my truth in my book about crime-infested urban communities, love, teenage pregnancy, suicide, faith, hope, and healing, I want my story to resonate and inspire others to start their healing process today and to do the work required that will allow them to live out their dreams.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This has been a difficult journey for me, even as I write this today with a heavy heart because my mom passed away on April 25, 2023 and her memorial service was held on 5/6/2023 yet, I am still working diligently to complete everything I started and to accomplish my goals as I know my mom would have wanted. Also, I am finally in a place where I am ready to share my story with the world.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am currently working as a Supervisor in the Juvenile Justice Center, I have been a Correctional Professional for over a decade and a supervisor for about four years of this time. I am most proud of the fact that I often train new Officers and to watch them grow in their careers and express how much of a positive impact I had on them makes me happy. I am also proud to be in a position to offer hope to those who are incarcerated. Although people who are in prison have committed some sort of crime, I treat them as human beings, I treat people how I would want to be treated, all while upholding the integrity of my professional position. This is what sets me apart from others.
In addition to my career, I also have online businesses that I am currently working on growing, as well as the release of my first book, my story, and my memoir.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have had several people point me in the right direction, from family members to school teachers. In particular, my cousin (but more like a sister) Latonya Cole has always been an advocate, mentor, and supporter of me and my goals. I have always had a love for writing and I am so glad to finally be able to take the necessary steps to get me to the next level.
Contact Info:
- Website: beyondbb1.com
- Instagram: lady_d_35
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-cole-49594a44
- Other: https://linktr.ee/legacy888
Image Credits
Jeron Thompson (JT The Photographer) J Terre Imaging
