LaToya Davenport, Boys Town South Florida Director of Program Support Services, was recently honored on Legacy Magazines' 40 Under 40 list of recognized professionals. Over 200 nominations were submitted from across South Florida and 40 individuals who have made a significant impact in their professional careers and local community were chosen for the honor.
Legacy Magazine was founded in 2004 as the premier publication for South Florida's black influencers and affluences. This award recognizes leaders who are key change makers in their communities, bring new energy and advance South Florida as a center for diverse ideas and innovations.
"My nomination described my 13 years of professional work experience and contributions I've made across the state of Florida within the child welfare field, and my volunteer work with numerous community service organizations." LaToya said.
LaToya was nominated by Dr. Wesley Mills, M.D. of Mills Primary Care & Sports Medicine, a former colleague and close friend. The two served on the National Urban League Young Professionals Network Board of Directors together and their professional experience helping young professionals prompted Dr. Mills to nominate LaToya. The nominations were ultimately reviewed and honorees were chosen by the CEO of Legacy MIA Media Group, Dexter Bridgeman and the Editor in Chief, Russell Motley.
"LaToya has demonstrated tremendous growth professionally and personally over the last 13 years. She not only makes extraordinary contributions daily in her role as the Director of Program Support Services for Boys Town, but she also willingly shares her gifts, talents, keen-eye and expertise with others in her local community and throughout Florida." The nomination reads. "LaToya is always volunteering whether it's through her job's numerous community fundraising activities, mentoring youth through her sorority and the Urban League or consulting with or providing consultation services to other non-profits to ensure excellence on every level."
Davenport contributes much of her professional success to her current role as Boys Town South Florida Director of Program Support Services. During her time at Boys Town, LaToya has had many leadership opportunities including her participation in the Nonprofit First Rising Leader Program and opportunities to attend and present at varies conferences.
"Boys Town has provided me with numerous leadership development opportunities," LaToya said. "This position has also allowed me to network and build professional relationships across the entire state of Florida and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work for such an amazing organization that allows me to do work I am very passionate about."
Legacy held an award event on Friday, October 6, 2017 at the Hilton Miami Airport in Miami, Florida. The events theme was "Honoring South Florida's 2017 40 Under 40 Black Leaders of Today and Tomorrow." Some of the honorees, including LaToya, were selected to participate in a photoshoot and be featured on the front cover of the magazine.
"I am honored to be selected alongside other young and elite professional leaders in our community from CEO's and business owners to judges, lawyers, doctors, etc." Davenport said. "It was such a humbling experience to be recognized for the years of hard work and dedication I have given to my career and to my community. Our success comes not so much from what we do (our job), but how well we do it (our passion for our job)."
