About

Meet the Founders

Our story and vision for The Leona’s Kings and Queens Foundation began as young girls growing up in historically segregated communities (Geismar and Carville, Louisiana). We watched firsthand as systemic racism played a role in how children were educated, and how critical infrastructure was built or not built in communities that needed it most. We also watched how the lack of financial and political investments led to poor zoning, and large cancer clusters throughout the community leading to the deaths of many family members.

As we matriculated we saw a need not only in our community but in other communities like ours so we decided to establish The Leona’s Kings and Queens Foundation in honor of our grandmother Leona Vallery-Williams. We established the 501c3 as a model that represents our grandmother’s eternal love and generous heart that she continuously shared throughout her community. The foundation was officially established as a 501c3 in 2016.

Today the foundation is still small and family-operated but makes big waves in global communities as they seek to serve those in need. The 501c3 primarily serves and provides funds to those living in vulnerable industrial communities. The organization relies heavily on the support of donations from those in the community and partnerships between local businesses to successfully provide services.

Our core mission at The Leona’s Kings and Queens Foundation is to support the mission and vision of those living/working in marginalized communities by providing critical resources to increase the capacity of community organizations regardless of race, gender, or religious affiliation.

Our Mission

We seek to invest in marginalized communities to increase shared learning, build capacity, empower a young workforce, and reduce marginalized groups’ vulnerability to hazards and disasters.”

At The Leona’s Kings and Queens Foundation, we embody the spirit of service and love that defined the life of our namesake. Committed to uplifting and empowering our community, we strive to honor Leona Williams’s legacy by providing essential support, fostering meaningful connections, and promoting positive change. Through dedicated funding programs, compassionate initiatives, and collaborative partnerships, we aim to cultivate a nurturing environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and supported. With unwavering dedication, we pledge to continue Leona Williams’s legacy of service, spreading compassion, and making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.”