Today we’d like to introduce you to Latania Chisholm.
Hi Latania, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My Story
As the eldest of three children, my first community was my family – where responsibility, care, and leadership became second nature. I later carried those values into the medical field as a Medical Assistant and IV Therapist, a space where my, unbeknownst to me at the time, natural gifts for healing and service could shine. Compassion and commitment to healing became of the utmost importance to me. In 2006, inspired by my four young children, I founded Tender Hearts Family Daycare, LLC to provide before and after-school care that supported working families. By 2008, I became a licensed and registered childcare provider, serving nearly 100 families across Baltimore.
Those experiences officially launched my path as a multipreneur- building businesses and initiatives rooted in healing, education, and community. Today, as Chief Envisionary Officer of Jamii Leadership Incorporated and NuLight Herbal Healing, LLC, it is my purpose to continue to plant seeds of wellness, leadership, and cultural pride so that families and youth can rise and thrive together.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
LOL!! Smooth road…not so much. Balancing home and business has been my biggest challenge. Growing a business while caring for a family can easily throw life out of balance. Another challenge has been funding the business and sustaining my livelihood. Operating a business with no start-up money to fund your dream is not for the faint of heart. Many people working in their purpose don’t even factor money into the equation, but finances can shape the journey.
Through it all, I’ve learned to give myself grace. I’ve faced hardships and challenges, while choosing to believe that I DESERVE EASE on this path of wellness and purpose. I no longer see obstacles as “struggles.” Instead, I approach them as opportunities for alignment and growth. By shifting my mindset, I know that nothing is too hard to achieve when met with the uplifting energy of positivity and perseverance.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Jamii Leadership Incorporated?
Jamii Leadership Incorporated is a community-rooted nonprofit dedicated to uplifting youth, families, and elders through holistic wellness, education, and leadership development. Our mission is guided by the Eight Pillars of Wellness—physical, emotional/mental, environmental, intellectual, occupational, financial, social, and spiritual—which we weave into every program and service.
We are known for creating culturally affirming, healing-centered safe spaces where learning and leadership grow hand-in-hand. Our core offerings include:
~ Education & Youth Development: Jamii Leadership Academy’s Homeschool Collective, afterschool enrichment, and academic support rooted in cultural pride.
~ Wellness & Nutrition: Wellness Works Summer Program, intergenerational wellness initiatives, and community-centered meal programs.
~ Youth Leadership & Workforce Training: YouthWorks employment opportunities, workforce readiness programs, and leadership development initiatives like the Jamii Y.A.Y. Program (Young Adult/Youth voices initiative)
~ Community & Family Engagement: Intergenerational initiatives like the “I.WE.US” Project (Intergenerational Wellness Evolving Under Seniors), community celebrations, family workshops, and partnerships with local businesses and farms.
What sets us apart is the power of community word of mouth. Families, partners, and supporters share Jamii’s impact in rooms we may never step foot in, and that organic testimony has expanded our reach far beyond traditional marketing. This trust and visibility come from our authenticity and the deep relationships we’ve built in Baltimore and beyond.
Most importantly, Jamii Leadership is more than an organization—it is a village in motion, nurturing the seeds of leadership today so that families and communities can rise and flourish together tomorrow.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see Jamii Leadership evolving far beyond what we imagined at the start. As a forever scholar, I know there will always be new lessons and innovations to embrace in the wellness sector over the next 5–10 years. For Jamii, the big shifts will include expanding education and wellness partnerships and increasing our role as consultants for families, schools, and communities whose energy and intentions align with our mission and vision.
A major part of our growth strategy is securing access to sustainable funding that will allow us to provide free professional services – from education to wellness supports – for families who need them most. We also envision hosting more community events that provide direct access to essentials for healthy living – education, nutrition, clothing, shelter, and holistic wellness (mental, physical, spiritual, etc.)
Another big step is partnering with local government, community business owners, and developers to secure a building and transportation resources. This will allow us to house all Jamii services in one hub, so families and the community can access everything they need in one place.
Ultimately, Jamii Leadership will not just be an organization, but a wellness ecosystem—a place where education, healing, and community strength come together to sustain future generations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jamiileadershipinc.org
- Instagram: jamiileadership.inc
- Facebook: Jamii Leadership Incorporated
- Other: Tik Tok @jamiileads21
