SUBURBAN BALANCE
About Us
Learn who we are, why we exist, and how Suburban Balance is creating educational and cultural opportunities for kids of color and their families across Kansas and Missouri.
About Suburban Balance
Founder • President • CEO
LaShawn Walker
LaShawn Walker is the Founder, President, and CEO of Suburban Balance, a non-profit family organization serving Kansas and Missouri. Founded in 2012, Suburban Balance provides educational and cultural opportunities to suburban kids of color—particularly those who attend schools or live in communities where diversity is limited.
To date, more than 500 families from Missouri and Kansas have joined the organization, serving more than 1,500 students. Suburban Balance works to eliminate inequities that contribute to health and educational disparities while fostering connection, belonging, and opportunity.
LaShawn is also the driving force behind the inspirational movement “Lift Her Up,” launched in 2017 to inspire women to support, encourage, elevate, nominate, celebrate, and lift one another up in business and beyond. The movement takes place every year during Women’s History Month and in 2024 drew its largest crowd, with more than 1,100 women.
Through Suburban Balance, students gain access to robust programming centered around Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Advocacy. Recently, the non-profit launched the L.E.A.D Academy—fostering Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and helping students use their voices to be the change they seek. The organization also focuses on teaching students the importance of voting, networking, financial literacy, and closing the wealth gap through entrepreneurship.
LaShawn and her family have lived in the suburban community of Lee’s Summit for over 21 years. Through Suburban Balance, she has created an avenue for kids to come together, learn about their culture, and have fun while doing so—building bonds and long-term friendships that last a lifetime.
Our Mission
Suburban Balance is committed to addressing inequities that create educational and health disparities. Education is a key social determinant of health, and we are dedicated to ensuring students of color are college and career ready.
Our mission is to help students prepare for college, connect them to workforce development or certification programs, and equip them with the skills, confidence, and support needed to achieve economic mobility. Through intentional programming and advocacy, Suburban Balance is creating pathways for long-term success for students and families.
Our Mission
Suburban Balance’s mission is to provide educational and cultural opportunities to Suburban kids of color to help them experience a well balanced life while growing up in suburban school districts or attend schools that lack diversity.
Our Team
Our team consists of a supportive group of dedicated parent volunteers who donate their time, ideas, resources and more to ensure SB events are both educational, rewarding and fun for grades K-12th.
Our Families
Our families are spread throughout Missouri and Kansas and many join SB because of the support system we provide for families. We are known for our advocacy work on equity and developing leaders. Through SB families can bond & share experiences.
Our Impact
Since its founding, Suburban Balance has grown into a trusted community organization supporting students and families across Kansas and Missouri through education, advocacy, and intentional programming.
500+
Families Engaged
1,500+
Students Served
2012
Year Founded
Leadership Team
Suburban Balance is led by a dedicated group of community leaders, educators, and advocates who are committed to advancing equity, opportunity, and positive outcomes for students and families.
Dr. Pamela Webb
Board Member
Educator Administration
Rasheida Perry-Otutu
Board Member
Physician Liaison, StratiFi Health
Robbin Fortson-Roustic
Board Member
NICU Nurse – Children’s Mercy Hospital
Sara Myers, M.D.
Board Member
General Pediatrician
Roxanne Moore
Board Treasurer
Government Contract Specialist
Sharon Locke Cleaver
Board Member
Senior Director, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City
Michelle Dickerson
Student Alumni Lead
Latisha Lindsey
High School Director and Community Service Lead
Shaunee Taylor
Elementary Division Director
Candice Wise
Hospitality
Kina Gunnels
Website & Database Manager
Vanessa Vaughn-West
Advocacy Team Moderator
Ashlynn Pratt
Itty Bitty Division Director
Dr. Jamesia Donato, M.D.
Itty Bitty Division Co-Director
Nicole Davis
Elementary Division
Shandra Mitchell
Elementary Division
Kalia McKinley
Middle School Division Director
Myisha Boyd
Equity & Advocacy Director – State of Kansas
Emily James
Equity & Advocacy Director – State of Missouri
Clydette Johnston
Lift Her Up Marketing and Apparel
Debbie
Black Girls ROCK Director
Tiffany Green
Elementary Division
Allison Williamson
Special Events Volunteer
JaNia Motley
Special Events
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Meet Our Ambassadors
Our ambassadors help extend Suburban Balance’s mission throughout the community by raising awareness, building partnerships, and representing our families and students.
Empowering students and families through education, health, and opportunity.