We had the good fortune of connecting with Latonya Wallace and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Latonya, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of Purseverance 207 was truly understanding my personal brand. It’s so important to understand who YOU are. You’ve got to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Just being true to yourself will shine through in all that you do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I want people to know that I am a silent force, living through the eyes of compassion. I am most proud of MY story.

I am a Branch Manager for Bangor Savings Bank, I sit on the Portsmouth Library’s Board of Trustees, 2020 graduate of Leadership Seacoast and 2021 recipient of the NH Women’s Foundation Amplifiher award celebrating the women and girls of the pandemic.

My story began as an African American child growing up in a white suburban community, where I knew I was different and often felt alone. I struggled with the impact of being both ignored and singled out. Since society wasn’t ready to embrace diversity in a constructive way, my parents taught me to be strong and move beyond the taunts.

As an adult, I see myself as a powerhouse of positive outlook, mentorship, and grace behind a smile. But beneath the sparkle, I haven’t forgotten what it’s like to feel excluded and undervalued. My favorite quote is “Be who you needed when you were younger.”

Today, I strive to help people develop to their potential and has a particular passion for empowering young people. In service of that mission, I am a board member of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, which promotes awareness and appreciation for the lives and history of African Americans. The organization’s goal is to build more inclusive communities around the state in which everyone feels valued and respected.

As important and personal as racial equality is to me, it doesn’t limit my focus and dedication to issues of diversity. I also works to inspire people who don’t know their own strengths. In 2019, I founded Purseverence 207, a non-profit organization through which I connect with women who find themselves in transition; women who are going through tough times and could use a lift. Purseverence 207 has distributed over 550 purses filled with personal care products and a handwritten message of encouragement to various organizations that assist women in need.

When I’m not working at my full-time job, parenting my children singlehandedly, or immersing myself in civic activities, I’m building bridges; lighting the way along a nuanced path that will bring people together. When my journey is behind me, I want to leave a legacy of “She showed up.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Anyone that knows be knows that I LOVE a good view, so moments of reflection are important to me. In New Hampshire there is still so much I’m learning about the area. But to start some of my favorite things are the sunset cruises through the Isles of shoals. I have recently fallen in love with an Italian restaurant “Ristorante Massimo”. Great seafood dinner on the water at “Surf restaurant”. And Karaoke at “The Office”. We’d travel along the seacoast finding outdoor things to do during the nice weather months and just laugh until we got a headache wherever we end up for the week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few people I’d love to shoutout! First, I’d like to give a shoutout to the late Terry Thompson. She was the person who sparked the flow of ideas that grew into Purseverance 207. She inspired me to search for how I truly wanted to give back and leave my mark on this world. TO HELEN, THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS BEING MY BIGGEST SUPPORTER. There are so many amazing people in my world who have been supportive of Purseverance 207 but even more importantly supportive of me, the human. To all those who have lifted me up when I was down. Also, a shoutout to Jane of Janegee for making this connection to ShoutoutLA  so I can share my world and mission with even more people.

Website: www.purseverance207.org

Instagram: www.instagram.com/purseverance207

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/latonya-wallace-05b64673

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MsLDubU

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