Voice of the Month
June Edition – Kimora Lee Harris Taylor
Kimora Lee
Take the risk if not you, then who? Change starts by standing up, not sitting down. Being a changemaker doesn’t mean starting a nonprofit; it can be as simple as reposting valuable info or volunteering. Every small act creates momentum. Failure isn’t the end it’s a step toward growth. Believe in your power, and use your voice. The world needs young leaders who are unafraid to dream, speak up, and act boldly. Your lived experience is your strength lead with it.
Professional Services
- 1 on 1 mentorship
- Workshops
- Speaking engagements
Social Media Links
My name is Kimora Lee, I’m a youth leader, advocate, mentor, researcher, paralegal student, and founder of Youth Unlocked. I champion justice-involved and at-risk youth, focusing on prison reform, racial justice, and youth empowerment. My mission is to break systemic barriers and uplift marginalized communities, especially Black and Indigenous youth. I empower young girls to embrace self-love, confidence, and healing, while advocating for a justice system rooted in restoration, not punishment.
I founded Youth Unlocked, a nonprofit that empowers racialized and marginalized youth aged 13–29 who are justice-involved or at risk. We provide tools, mentorship, education, and employment pathways to help youth rewrite their stories. Through workshops, advocacy, and partnerships with over 10 organizations, we’ve supported more than 100 young people and secured 3 grants. Our programs break down systemic barriers and promote healing, growth, and transformation ensuring every young person has a chance to succeed and become a positive force in their community.
One of my biggest challenges was securing my first grant. Although I eventually received it within seven months, I faced a lot of rejection early on people didn’t see the vision or understand its importance. If I had given up after a couple of no’s, I would’ve never gotten the yes that helped move Youth Unlocked forward. I kept going, fueled by my purpose and constantly reminding myself of my why. I remind myself: “Don’t expect people to understand your vision when God didn’t give them your eyes.” Not everyone will see what you see, and that’s okay. My perseverance and belief in the purpose behind Youth Unlocked helped me overcome that obstacle and remain dedicated.
My motivation comes from my own story growing up in a single-parent home with an absent father shaped many of my struggles. I see my younger self in the girls I mentor. If I can be the reminder that they are loved and seen, I’ll never stop showing up. For youth in the justice system, I want them to know they’re more than their past. My goal is to expand Youth Unlocked nationally, build youth hubs, and ensure every young person has a chance to change their life, and know their worth. My purpose is to impact as many lives as I can.
Kimora Lee
Professional Services
- 1 on 1 mentorship
- Workshops
- Speaking engagements
Social Media Links
My name is Kimora Lee, I’m a youth leader, advocate, mentor, researcher, paralegal student, and founder of Youth Unlocked. I champion justice-involved and at-risk youth, focusing on prison reform, racial justice, and youth empowerment. My mission is to break systemic barriers and uplift marginalized communities, especially Black and Indigenous youth. I empower young girls to embrace self-love, confidence, and healing, while advocating for a justice system rooted in restoration, not punishment.
I founded Youth Unlocked, a nonprofit that empowers racialized and marginalized youth aged 13–29 who are justice-involved or at risk. We provide tools, mentorship, education, and employment pathways to help youth rewrite their stories. Through workshops, advocacy, and partnerships with over 10 organizations, we’ve supported more than 100 young people and secured 3 grants. Our programs break down systemic barriers and promote healing, growth, and transformation ensuring every young person has a chance to succeed and become a positive force in their community.
One of my biggest challenges was securing my first grant. Although I eventually received it within seven months, I faced a lot of rejection early on people didn’t see the vision or understand its importance. If I had given up after a couple of no’s, I would’ve never gotten the yes that helped move Youth Unlocked forward. I kept going, fueled by my purpose and constantly reminding myself of my why. I remind myself: “Don’t expect people to understand your vision when God didn’t give them your eyes.” Not everyone will see what you see, and that’s okay. My perseverance and belief in the purpose behind Youth Unlocked helped me overcome that obstacle and remain dedicated.
My motivation comes from my own story growing up in a single-parent home with an absent father shaped many of my struggles. I see my younger self in the girls I mentor. If I can be the reminder that they are loved and seen, I’ll never stop showing up. For youth in the justice system, I want them to know they’re more than their past. My goal is to expand Youth Unlocked nationally, build youth hubs, and ensure every young person has a chance to change their life, and know their worth. My purpose is to impact as many lives as I can.
Take the risk if not you, then who? Change starts by standing up, not sitting down. Being a changemaker doesn’t mean starting a nonprofit; it can be as simple as reposting valuable info or volunteering. Every small act creates momentum. Failure isn’t the end it’s a step toward growth. Believe in your power, and use your voice. The world needs young leaders who are unafraid to dream, speak up, and act boldly. Your lived experience is your strength lead with it.
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