MEET THE CO-FOUNDERS
LaShanda C. Coleman is the Compliance Analyst and Life Skills Education Coordinator for The Ohio State University Athletic Marching and Athletic Bands. She is founder of Unleashed Sports and Fitness based in Columbus, Ohio, and Co-Founder of LEAD WITH PURPOSE.
Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Education with a Specialization in Sport and Leisure Studies from The Ohio State University, Master of Science in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Indiana State University, Masters in the study of Law from The Ohio State University and currently a PhD candidate in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs with a focus on African American Male Student Athletes and Athletic Motivation at Ohio University, and a current graduate student in the Master in the Study of Law program (Sports Law) at The Ohio State University.
LaShanda is a huge advocate for underrepresented youth and collegiate students. Over the years she has devoted her time and talents in various capacities with The Ohio State University, the City of Columbus (Commission on Black Girls – Columbus City Council), various collaboration efforts with all National Pan-Hellenic Council Organizations, and was named a Who’s Who in Black Columbus Emerging Leader by The Ohio State University in 2016.
LaShanda C. Coleman
Co-Founder
Tonya Thurman is the Associate Director of Mobilization Campians for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and Co-Chair of the Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition. She is also the Co-Founder of LEAD WITH PURPOSE. Tonya is dedicated to serving the community through her social policy and advocacy efforts; which includes visits to State Legislators and Capitol Hill. She has facilitated workshops and presentations across the country.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Health from The Ohio State University. Tonya also has a Master of Science in Health Service Administration and graduate certificates in Human Resources and Public Administration from Central Michigan University.
Tonya is an active member of her sorority where she is the current youth chair. She actively leads mentoring programs for young ladies ages 14-18.
Tonya believes that in order to be a great leader, you must learn to be a great servant. She is a faithful member and leader at Strong Point Church.
Co-Founder
Tonya Thurman
Charity Martin-King is Associate Director of the Center for Belonging and Social Change at The Ohio State University. She is Co-Founder of LEAD WITH PURPOSE. She has a civic, business, coaching, and non-profit career which spans over 20 years. Mrs. Martin-King is also an entrepreneur and published author. She is the former owner of Urban Spirit Coffee Shop, a social justice based coffee house. Mrs. King is dedicated to social change and her work has particular emphasis on human rights and restorative justice. She is an activist and mobilizer. Mrs. King’s Honors include: Outstanding Christian Leader by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Advisor of the Year, Statewide Governor's Award; Excellence in Community Education, Tom Joyner Morning Show “Hardest Working Entrepreneur”, Columbus Landmarks Design Award, Who’s Who Black Columbus “Interesting Personalities, Columbus Alive “People to Watch”, CDC Micro Entrepreneur Award, Iota Phi Theta 9 Who Care Award, All-AP Coach of the Year, Columbus City Schools Coach of the Year, Jump 25 Hall of Fame, and more! She has been recognized by the Ohio Senate, Columbus City Council, Governor Ted Strickland, and Senator Ray Miller.
Charity Martin-King is a proud product of Columbus City Schools. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a dual degree in Political Science and African-American Studies. She has a Masters of Science in Agriculture, Communication, Education and Leadership from The Ohio State University.
Charity Martin-King
Co-Founder