The community is beaming with pride as it celebrates the extraordinary achievements of Lena D. Ford, a 14-year-old trailblazer who has been named the 2024 Black Enterprise Youth Entrepreneur of the Year. Lena, the dynamic founder of Positively Lena, embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and community service, making waves since she was just seven years old.
Lena's entrepreneurial journey began with a heartfelt mission: ARTing for You. This initiative collected and donated art supplies to shelters, foster homes, and transitional homes, ensuring that creativity and hope reached those who needed it most. At the age of nine, Lena's vision expanded with the creation of Positively Lena, a business dedicated to spreading positivity through a diverse range of products and services.Positively Lena is not just a business; it’s a movement. Lena's mission is to uplift and inspire her peers, showing that age is no barrier to making a significant impact. She dedicates her time to teaching entrepreneurship to other young people, empowering them with the knowledge and confidence to pursue their dreams.
Lena comments, "I am deeply honored to receive this award and grateful for the recognition of my efforts to make a difference in the lives of others. This is just the beginning, and I am committed to continuing my work to support and uplift our community."
Her work extends beyond her business. She co-founded the Kinship Family Initiative, a non-profit organization that supports kinship families, but her heart remains deeply rooted in Positively Lena. One of her standout projects is the "Embrace Their Roots Campaign," which addresses the unique hair care needs of African American children in foster care and experiencing homelessness. This campaign highlights Lena's dedication to cultural pride and community support.
In addition to her entrepreneurial success, Lena was recognized by Michael Strahan of Good Morning America as a "Generation Rising-Youth to Watch," underscoring her role as a young leader and an inspiration to many.
This accolade was presented to Lena at the 2024 Black Enterprise Disruptor Summit, a premier business conference held on May 17-18 in Atlanta, Georgia. The summit, hosted by Nationwide, is designed to empower Black entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors through insightful instruction and networking opportunities. The event featured a dynamic lineup of speakers, including Nick Cannon, Cam'ron, and Arian Simone, and was highlighted by a keynote address from Black Enterprise CEO Earl "Butch" Graves Jr.
About
Positively Lena is a youth-driven enterprise founded by Lena D. Ford. The business promotes positivity through various products and services, inspiring young people to make a positive impact in their communities. For more information, visit PositivelyLena.com
Lena's recognition as the 2024 Black Enterprise Youth Entrepreneur of the Year is not just an accolade but a beacon of hope and inspiration for the entire Black community. It is a reminder that our youth are powerful agents of change, capable of leading and uplifting us all.
Lena is a shining example of what our future holds – a future led by bright, compassionate, and determined young leaders.
For press inquiries, contact Tressie Bloodworth-Ford at tressie@positivelylena.com or 678-826-9208