Latoya White, a proud Summer Search alum from NYC, vividly remembers running laps in Battery Park to prepare for her first experience trip with Summer Search. Those runs, her mentorship relationships, and the resilience she was building became the foundation for a journey that has led her to a new state, meaningful direct service work, and a future dedicated to serving others. 

A first-generation Jamaican-American, Latoya graduated from Temple University in 2022 with a degree in Criminal Justice. She’s recently completed a fellowship with Partners for Justice, serving as a client advocate with the Delaware Office of Defense Services. But her path wasn’t always clear – and that’s where Summer Search made a lasting difference.

“At times in school when I often felt overlooked, I could rely on my mentor and the rest of the Summer Search team to help guide me through teenage struggles and confusion,” Latoya reflects. “Having continuity and reliable staff really makes the experience all the better. It made Summer Search feel stable, homey, and like family.”

That support underpinned many points of her journey, from navigating financial aid with her parents to finding her first full-time job. “I came into the program with the thought that I would have Summer Search for six years and I can see that it is a relationship that can last a lifetime,” she shares.

Looking ahead, Latoya is eager to continue her work in social justice. “In the near future, I hope to find another position that focuses on social justice reform, primarily working with justice-impacted individuals. I’d like to further my education in social work or psychology and provide therapeutic services to individuals navigating daily struggles.”

We’re so proud to celebrate Latoya’s path — and this is just the beginning.