“One of the biggest gifts you’ve given me is space,” Latasia Cox told both her Upstander and Emerging Leader, Jill Lum and Natalie Kassa. “The amount of clarity I’ve been able to have because of that space is insane.” That sense of clarity has been the hallmark of Latasia’s summer journey as a Legacy Leadership Executive, supported not only by Natalie but also by her Upstander, Jill Lum. Together, the three embody how mentorship can create ripple effects that expand far beyond any single leader.
Building a Relationship with Trust in Mind
When Jill stepped into the Upstander role, she knew she was looking for intentional connection. “Every move that I’m intending for my life right now is about relationships that are intentional,” she explained. “To be invited into a community like The Legacy Leadership Project, where that intention is supported, is hard to imagine wanting anything different.”
For Latasia, Jill’s perspective has been refreshing. Coming from a different background, industry, and stage of life, Jill offers insights that stretch the way Latasia thinks about her work and leadership. “I get to have someone with varying perspectives help me expand the way I lead,” Latasia said. Their conversations range from leadership frameworks to the practical realities of business and motherhood, always grounded in honesty and openness.
The only challenge they admit is time. Both would like more of it together, but even with limited hours, their bond has brought forward connection, wisdom, and moments of laughter that reinforce the strength of their partnership.
The Upstander Perspective
Jill has spent years leading Seeing Whiteness circles, and she brings that experience of listening and self-reflection into her role as an Upstander. For her, supporting Latasia is about more than advice or expertise. It is about stepping back, recognizing the limits of one’s own perspective, and making space for others to lead.
“I’ve come to believe it’s okay if you’re not the perfect professional match for someone,” Jill reflected. “What matters is believing that this relationship is enough. It will bear fruit in ways you can’t always predict.” She emphasizes humility and joy as essential to this role. For her, the time with Latasia is not about outcomes but about presence, and the learning that comes from being fully engaged.
Mentorship in Action with Unwavering Support
Alongside Jill, Latasia has cultivated a powerful relationship with her Emerging Leader, Natalie. Stepping into her first internship, Natalie admitted she was nervous about her qualifications. Instead, she discovered that she already had many of the skills she needed—and that under Latasia’s guidance, those skills could grow. “Latasia’s patience and appreciation for what I already bring has encouraged me to improve and build confidence,” Natalie said.
For Latasia, Natalie has been more than an assistant. “I didn’t realize I needed this much support,” she told her. “You’ve given me the room to think through what I want for my business, and that has been transformative.” With Natalie’s support, Latasia was able to design and launch her Frame Your Pipeline workshop, a new offering that might not have come to life without that extra space and accountability.
Natalie, in turn, has gained a deeper sense of confidence and adaptability. Watching Latasia navigate entrepreneurship has given her a clearer picture of how professional identity matters as much as technical skill. “I’ve learned a lot about how to present myself to stand out in the professional world,” she said.
The Ripple Effect of Mutual Aid
Together, Latasia, Jill, and Natalie represent the layered support system that defines Legacy Leadership. Jill brings the wisdom of experience, Latasia steps into new levels of leadership, and Natalie discovers her own capacity as a leader-in-the-making.
“Sometimes it’s for a season,” Jill reflected. “And that’s okay. What matters is that the relationship brings joy and growth while you have it, and it lives on in the ways you carry it forward.”
The result is undeniable: strengthened leadership, new perspectives, and a web of support that continues to grow outward.
The LOLA is their space for Growth and Connection
Programs like Legacy Leadership thrive at The Lola, where leaders and their allies find community, resources, and intentional space for honest conversations. The relationships between Executives, Upstanders, and Emerging Leaders are strengthened by this environment, one designed to spark both personal and professional growth.
Support The Legacy Leadership Project
The partnership between Nanette, Jenna, and Jenny shows how leadership expands when rooted in authentic relationships. Each person grows because of the others, and their growth ripples outward into the communities they serve.
You can help sustain these powerful mentorship experiences for our mission-driven leaders. Donations to the Legacy Leadership Executive Membership provide resources, professional development, and the network necessary to keep this work alive.
Interview Conducted by Natalie Kassa, 2025
