MEET THE CO-FOUNDERS
LaShanda C. Coleman is the Compliance Analyst and Life Skills Education Coordinator for The Marching and Athletic Bands’ at The Ohio State University. She is founder of Unleashed Sports and Fitness based in Pickerington, Ohio, and Co-Founder and Principal Officer 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 (Compliance and Sports Law) from The Ohio State University and current doctoral candidate in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs with a focus on African American male student-athletes and sport participation at the collegiate level at Ohio University.
As a lecturer at The Ohio State University, LaShanda’s expertise is in professional development, curriculum development and planning, organizational leadership, program development and management, and community engagement. LaShanda has a certificate in Public & Nonprofit Leadership from The Ohio State University, a 21st Century Innovative Leadership Certificate from Carolina Christian College, a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace certificate from the University of South Florida, and is a Certified Spiritual Life Coach through Carolina Christian College.
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
Latonya “Tonya” Thurman is a Cleveland native who currently resides in Columbus, Ohio. She
is the Director of Mobilization Campaigns for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Co-Chair of the Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition, and the Co-Founder of L.E.A.D. With Purpose
Academy. Her educational background includes a BA in Communications with an emphasis in Health from The Ohio State University, a MS in Health Service Administration and graduate
certificates in Human Resources and Public Administration from Central Michigan University.
Tonya is dedicated to serving the community through her social policy, outreach, advocacy and mentoring efforts both Domestically and Abroad; which includes visits to State Legislators and Capitol Hill. She has facilitated workshops and presentations across the country.
She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated in which she is has held several leadership
positions on the Local and State level. She has been featured in Who’s Who in Black Columbus and recognized by the Columbus School Board and Columbus City Council for her work with
teen girls.
Tonya believes that in order to be a great leader, you must learn to be a great servant. She is a
faithful member and servant at Strong Point Church in Columbus, Ohio.
Co-Founder
Tonya Thurman
Charity Martin-King is Co-Founder of LEAD WITH PURPOSE. She has a civic, business, coaching, and non-profit career which spans over 25 years.
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. Martin-King is dedicated to social change and her work has particular emphasis on human rights and restorative justice. She is an activist and mobilizer.
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, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Eta Nu Nu Chapter Citizen of the Year, NPHC of Columbus Woman of the Year, Zeta 100; Activists, 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 and is currently pursuing a PhD in African-American and African Studies.
Charity Martin-King
Co-Founder