Born and raised in Metro Detroit, Laquaia Thomas aspired to become a police officer, earning an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from ITT-Technical Institute in 2011. However, while working as a security guard at a homeless shelter, she discovered a deeper calling—uplifting and empowering others.

This realization led her to volunteer as a motivational speaker in shelters, schools, and prisons, inspiring individuals to overcome adversity. In 2019, she joined Vista Maria, mentoring young women, and later became the Senior Mobility Coach at the Coalition on Temporary Shelter (C.O.T.S.), helping women set and achieve life goals.

Dedicated to continuous growth, Laquaia earned a bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship from Ashford University in 2023 and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at Walden University. Her journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and purpose, demonstrating that life’s unexpected turns often lead to a greater mission—serving and uplifting others.