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   LaToya Faustin of Charlotte, NC, has been tasked with leading a very essential organization that’s purposed for women, youth, and marginalized communities.   

     Born and raised in the Southeastern section of Greensboro, NC, LaToya graduated from James B. Dudley High School, where many of her values and worldview were formed.  She would later attend Elon University and graduate with a double major, obtaining Bachelors Degrees in Corporate Communications and in Spanish.  Attending Elon University would have a lasting impact on LaToya’s life.  She shares, “I have traveled all around the world. I have been to Belize, Australia, China, Cuba, and Haiti; however, the twenty-minute trek from Dudley High School to Elon University has been the biggest culture shock I have ever experienced in my life.”

     After graduating from Elon, LaToya joined Teach For America and drove her Toyota Camry to the borders of Texas and Mexico, and taught high school English for three years.  “Initially, my goal was to be a Social Justice Attorney, but what I saw while teaching in the Valley, helped to develop my heart for the community.  I realized that what was possible within the four walls of the classroom was extremely limited by the community that surrounded it.  If we don’t have access to affordable housing, quality healthcare, and good-paying jobs, no matter what we did as teachers in the classrooms, it would not yield the fruit, because there is no pathway,” she explains. 

     LaToya would eventually leave the classroom and become involved with various non-profit organizations.  She returned to school at Elon and acquired her Master’s in Business Administration.  Today, she uses her experiences and education to lead as the CEO of She Built This City, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide industry-disruptive programming that sparks interest and builds pathways to lucrative careers in the skilled trades for youth, women, and marginalized communities.  Their vision is to dismantle barriers and stigmas in traditionally male-dominated industries through innovative, sustainable practices that prepare women for a future of jobs that have yet to be created.  In North Carolina, She Built This City has established offices both in Charlotte and in Greensboro, and serves surrounding communities including York,SC, and Cabarrus County, NC. 

     Telesa Smith Wright, also known as Lady Tee, is a wife, mom, Yaya, Realtor, Certified Elevation Coach, motivational speaker, and author.  

     She is married to her best friend and business partner, Benjamin, and together they have a blended family of six amazing children and grandchildren who keep their lives joyful and full. 

     Currently residing in Memphis, TN, Telesa’s background is as diverse as her passions:  She was a teen mom who turned struggle into strength, later becoming a business owner, certified coach, and leader of leaders. Her life’s foundation is faith, family, and the belief that every obstacle can become a stepping stone.

     Telesa is also the co-owner and Managing Broker of Bespoke Realty and the founder of Lady Tee, LLC.  Her company’s proudly serves the tri-state area of Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas.  Through Bespoke Realty, Telesa provides residential and commercial real estate sales, property management, investment opportunities, and in-house lending connections.  “She says, “We specialize in tailoring services to each client—hence our slogan: “Services tailored to you.”  Through Lady Tee, LLC, Telesa coaches, mentors, and empowers individuals, especially women and aspiring Realtors, helping them elevate their mindset and achieve their goals.  Additionally, she has written books and created programs that inspire growth, healing, and confidence.