Breaking Barriers: Latoya LeGrand’s Transformative Journey From Foster Care To City Council Candidate

By Edwin Freeman for Black Star News

Photos: Edwin Freeman

In the heart of Southeast Queens, a remarkable story of resilience, determination, and community transformation is unfolding. Latoya LeGrand represents more than just a political candidate; she embodies the very spirit of grassroots empowerment. Her journey from the foster care system to potentially serving on the City Council is a testament to the power of perseverance and purposeful action.

A Southeast Queens native with roots deeply embedded in community service, LeGrand has turned personal challenges into a powerful platform for change. As the founder of Projects II Projects Inc., she has developed innovative programs like the iDrone Project and a mobile library that directly address the needs of marginalized youth. Her work extends beyond traditional nonprofit efforts, encompassing her current role in the New York State Assembly and as Education Committee Chairperson for Community Board 12Q.

LeGrand’s story is not just about overcoming obstacles, but about creating systematic pathways for others to do the same. In this candid interview with Black Star News, she shares her transformative journey, her vision for Southeast Queens, and the deeply personal motivations that drive her commitment to public service.

Edwin Freeman (Black Star News): Latoya, your story is remarkable. Can you tell us about your early experiences in the foster care system and how those challenges shaped your path to public service?

Latoya LeGrand: Growing up in the foster care system was incredibly challenging. I experienced firsthand the systemic gaps that leave many young people feeling voiceless and disconnected. Those years taught me resilience, but more importantly, they showed me the critical need for community support and advocacy. Every obstacle I faced became a motivation to create meaningful change for others who might be going through similar experiences.

Freeman: How did your time in NYCHA housing influence your perspective on community development and social services?

LeGrand: Living in public housing gave me a ground-level view of the real challenges facing working-class families in Southeast Queens. I saw mothers struggling to provide opportunities for their children, youth feeling trapped without resources, and communities fighting to maintain hope. Those experiences weren’t just personal challenges – they became the blueprint for my non-profit work and political advocacy.

Freeman: Tell me about the moment you decided to transition from community activism to running for political office.

LeGrand: It wasn’t a single moment, but a gradual realization that to create systemic change, I needed to be at the decision-making table. My work with Projects II Projects Inc. showed me that while community programs are crucial, we also need legislative support to truly transform lives. Running for City Council is an extension of my community work – it’s about amplifying the voices that are often overlooked.

Freeman: Your iDrone Project is particularly innovative. What inspired you to create a program that certifies youth as drone experts?

LeGrand: Technology is a great equalizer. Many young people in our community don’t have exposure to cutting-edge technical skills. The iDrone Project was designed to break those barriers, giving youth from public housing and foster care backgrounds a pathway to careers in emerging technologies. It’s about more than just learning a skill – it’s about building confidence and showing these young people that they have incredible potential.

Freeman: How has your background in criminal justice from John Jay College informed your approach to community service and political leadership?

LeGrand: My education gave me a systemic understanding of social challenges. It’s not just about addressing symptoms, but understanding root causes. Whether it’s addressing youth intervention, educational opportunities, or community safety, I approach problems with a holistic, data-driven perspective that combines compassion with strategic thinking.

Freeman: What are your primary goals if elected to the City Council?

LeGrand: My focus is threefold: housing stability, educational empowerment, and economic development. I want to create policies that support families struggling with housing costs, expand educational opportunities for underserved youth, and develop economic initiatives that truly benefit local communities in Southeast Queens.

Freeman: Your mobile library is another unique initiative. Why is literacy so important to you?

LeGrand: Reading is liberation. For kids in foster care or public housing, a book can be a window to possibilities they might never have imagined. The mobile library is about bringing resources directly to communities, breaking down barriers to access, and showing young people that knowledge is their most powerful tool for transformation.

Freeman: What message do you have for young people, especially those from challenging backgrounds, who might be listening?

LeGrand: Your circumstances do not define your potential. Every challenge is an opportunity to develop strength, every setback a chance to build resilience. Seek out mentors, believe in your capabilities, and never stop learning. Your lived experience is not a limitation – it’s your greatest source of power and perspective.

Freeman: Finally, what does community empowerment mean to you?

LeGrand: Community empowerment is about creating ecosystems of support where individuals can not just survive, but truly thrive. It’s providing resources, creating opportunities, amplifying voices, and building collective power. My entire journey – from foster care to potentially serving on the City Council – is about proving that when we invest in our community, we invest in our collective future.