Lansing, Mich. – Lashaunta Waller’s journey is a testament to perseverance, service, and an unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of those around her. An Air Force veteran, author, and advocate for youth, Waller has devoted her life to building communities and fostering hope, with a particular focus on empowering young people.
Originally from Ohio, Waller moved to Michigan 16 years ago, a decision that would prove to be a challenging one. Upon settling in Mason, Waller’s family experienced a series of unsettling and hurtful incidents. Her new home was vandalized, with graffiti, profanity, and racial slurs scrawled across the walls. The situation escalated further when members of the Ku Klux Klan began to harass the family, following them to their children’s flag football practices and intimidating them with actions and gestures.
In the face of this adversity, Waller made a powerful decision to rise above the hate. “I wanted to show my kids that we didn’t see the faces of the guys, but we saw their arms and a part of their hands, and that everyone with that skin color isn’t a bad person,” she said.
Rather than leaving, Waller chose to stay in Mason and turn the experience into a catalyst for positive change. This resolve to overcome the challenges of her environment led to the creation of Garden of Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the youth in her community and beyond. The organization provides mentorship and educational opportunities through a range of programs focused on self-sufficiency, community service, art, music, STEM, agriculture, and financial literacy.
Through the Garden of Hope youth program, Waller has helped countless students pursue their dreams. Some have gone on to attend prestigious universities like Harvard and Yale, while others have achieved academic and personal milestones through the support and resources provided by the nonprofit.
In addition to its educational initiatives, Garden of Hope has made a significant impact in alleviating financial burdens for students. Over the past year and a half, the organization has helped erase more than $3 million in student loan debt.
“The goal is to be a resource for as many people as possible,” Waller said. Today, the nonprofit has expanded its reach to five states, serving hundreds of members, and its mission continues to grow.
Waller’s dedication to service began at an early age when she joined the U.S. Air Force at just 17 years old. Her time in the military not only helped shape her personal values but also inspired her to continue serving her community. “You see there’s a problem and you either be a part of the problem or you be a part of the change,” Waller said.
Her efforts have been widely recognized. In 2024, she was honored with the Governor’s Service Award for National Impact, and a month prior, she and her family received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from the Biden Administration. Waller is also the author of five children’s books that share messages of strength, resilience, and hope, further expanding her reach and impact.
Looking ahead, Waller is determined to continue growing Garden of Hope and spreading its message of empowerment to future generations. Her ultimate goal is to have the organization available in every state, creating a nationwide network of support and opportunity for youth across the country.
Waller credits much of her drive to her grandmother, whose work ethic and resilience have been a constant source of inspiration. “This woman never complained. No matter how it was presented to her, she just understood that we take the punches and we just keep moving,” Waller said.
As she reflects on her journey and the legacy she is building, Waller remains focused on one key mission: to create a more compassionate, understanding, and hopeful generation. With the strength of her grandmother’s example and her own unshakeable commitment to service, Lashaunta Waller’s impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
