Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenitra Eagans.
Hi Kenitra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, I was raised by my grandparents, who instilled in me the importance of servant leadership, integrity, hard work, and helping others. They created a stable and loving environment for me and modeled what it meant to show up for family and community. From a very young age, volunteering and giving back were simply a part of my life. Whether it was helping at church, in the community, supporting families in need, or showing up for others in small ways, service was always something that came naturally to me and became a core part of who I am.
As I got older, I began to realize how many children and families in underserved communities lacked access to mentorship, resources, exposure, and support systems. I saw talented young people with incredible potential simply needing guidance, encouragement, and opportunities to believe in themselves and dream bigger. I also understood early on how important representation is. So many young people have never seen someone who looks like them in certain careers, leadership positions, creative industries, or business spaces. Representation matters because it expands what young people believe is possible for their own lives. Sometimes exposure alone can completely change the trajectory of a child’s future.
Professionally, I built a career in insurance, business development, and leadership, but my passion for community work never left me. During the pandemic in 2021, I founded To You From Us, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Lancaster, Texas, with a mission to help children and families living in marginalized communities with resources to break the cycle of poverty and become self-sufficient through STEM: Service, Training, Education, and Mentoring.
What started as simply wanting to help people quickly grew into something much bigger. We began mentoring youth, providing school supplies, food assistance, hygiene products, financial literacy education, workforce development training, creative arts programming, and leadership opportunities. Over the years, we’ve expanded into career pathway academies focused on leadership and creative arts, real estate and development, and financial literacy and entrepreneurship, all while intentionally exposing youth to industries and opportunities they may not otherwise encounter.
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been seeing lives transformed. We’ve had youth gain opportunities in the film industry, receive scholarships, build confidence through our leadership and fashion programs, and discover career paths they never imagined for themselves. We’ve also helped college students gain internships and real-world experience to support their educational journeys.
Today, To You From Us has served thousands of individuals and families through mentorship, education, outreach programs, and community partnerships. While we’ve grown tremendously, our mission remains the same: changing mindsets, creating pathways, and building self-sufficient futures.
For me, this work is personal. It’s about making sure young people feel seen, valued, supported, and know they’re capable of achieving more than their circumstances may suggest. Sometimes all it takes is one opportunity, one mentor, or one person believing in you to change everything.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely NOT! Lol. However, every challenge has helped shape both me and the organization. Starting a nonprofit during the pandemic came with a lot of uncertainty. In the beginning, we were operating with very limited resources, wearing multiple hats, and trying to meet overwhelming community needs while still building systems, partnerships, and sustainability at the same time.
One of the biggest struggles has been funding and capacity. Many nonprofits are doing incredible work, but smaller grassroots organizations often have to work twice as hard for visibility, support, and access to major funding opportunities. There were times when we had the vision and the passion, but not always the staffing, transportation, finances, or infrastructure needed to fully execute at the level we desired.
Another challenge has been balancing the emotional side of this work. When you are serving children and families facing poverty, trauma, food insecurity, violence, or lack of opportunity, it can weigh heavily on you. You want to help everyone, but you also have to learn how to build sustainable systems so the organization can continue long-term. (Something we’re still working on.)
At the same time, those challenges strengthened my faith, resilience, and leadership. They taught me how to adapt, advocate, build relationships, and remain committed even when things were difficult. Seeing the impact on young people makes every obstacle worth it. When you watch a child gain confidence, discover their purpose, or access opportunities they never imagined possible, it reminds you why the work matters so much.
Even now, I’m navigating a challenging season personally and professionally, including unexpected obstacles that come with leading a growing grassroots nonprofit. But one thing this journey has taught me is how to keep moving forward with faith, purpose, and a commitment to doing the best we can with what we have. That resilience is the same mindset we try to instill in the young people and families we serve every day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Professionally, I specialize in community leadership, youth development, program creation, and building meaningful partnerships that create real opportunities for underserved communities. My background is in insurance, business development, and leadership, but my true passion has always been helping people and creating spaces where others can grow, feel supported, and succeed.
Today, as the founder and Executive Director of To You From Us, I’m known for creating programs that go beyond simply “keeping kids busy.” Everything we do is designed to expose youth and families to leadership development, workforce skills, financial literacy, mentorship, creative arts, and career pathways that can truly change the trajectory of their lives.
One thing that sets me apart is that I genuinely lead from the heart while still thinking strategically about long-term impact and sustainability. I believe in meeting people where they are, building authentic relationships, and creating programs that make people feel seen, valued, and capable. Representation and exposure are extremely important to me because many young people have never been introduced to certain careers, industries, or opportunities until someone intentionally opens that door for them.
What I’m most proud of is the real impact we’ve been able to create in such a short amount of time. One student from our program was cast in a paid acting role in a film that is now streaming on platforms including Amazon Prime, Peacock, and Tubi. Through that same opportunity, 25 additional youth gained behind-the-scenes exposure to the film industry, shadowing producers, directors, actors, and film crews while earning IMDb credits as extras in a different production.
I’m also incredibly proud of our partnership efforts within the community. In collaboration with a corporate partner and our local school district, we helped provide two book vending machines to elementary schools to help improve literacy rates and re-engage students in reading by making books exciting and accessible.
At the end of the day, I want To You From Us to be known not just for programs or events, but for creating lasting change, opening doors, and helping young people and families realize that their circumstances do not define their future.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about Lancaster and the surrounding Southern Dallas community is the heart, resilience, and potential of the people. There is so much talent, culture, and opportunity here, and I’ve met incredible youth, families, educators, leaders, and small businesses who genuinely care and want to see the community thrive.
What concerns me most is the lack of engagement and involvement that we sometimes see within our communities. Whether it’s participation in youth programs, attending school or city meetings, supporting local initiatives, or staying informed on decisions that impact future generations, there are times when people don’t realize how important their voice, presence, and participation truly are.
I believe many people are overwhelmed, discouraged, or simply trying to survive day to day, but community change requires all of us. One of the reasons I’m so passionate about the work we do through To You From Us is because I want young people and families to feel empowered, connected, and invested in both themselves and their community. Real change happens when people believe they matter and understand that their involvement can make a difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.toyoufromus.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toyoufromus1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toyoufromus1
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/to-you-from-us/
