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 Chief Executive Officer of Suburban Balance, a distinguished non-profit family organization serving the Kansas City Metro. Established in 2012, Suburban Balance is dedicated to providing educational and cultural enrichment opportunities for youth of color, initially those attending schools or residing in communities with limited diversity. The organization has expanded its footprint now serving students from school districts across KC including KCPS, Grandview, Raytown and beyond.
Suburban Balance advances economic mobility by equipping students with the essential competencies, mindset, skillset, and knowledge needed to access and successfully complete college. The organization offers guidance and resources and a robust mentorship program that not only prepares young people for higher education but also empowers them to pursue fulfilling futures. Additionally, Suburban Balance supports women entrepreneurs through a variety of entrepreneurship workshops designed to help them start, sustain, and grow their businesses, further expanding opportunities and fostering economic independence within the community.
To date, the organization has engaged more than 700 families across Missouri and Kansas, positively impacting over 1,500 students. Suburban Balance is committed to addressing and eliminating inequities that contribute to health and educational disparities, while prioritizing connection and collaboration, belonging, and equity.
LaShawn is also the visionary behind the inspirational movement “Lift Her Up,” founded in 2017 to empower women to support, encourage, elevate, nominate, and celebrate each other both professionally and personally. This annual initiative, held during Women’s History Month, now known as the largest Women’s History Month gathering in KC has reached a milestone in 2026 by attracting its largest audience to date, with over 2,000 participants. The movement has been a game changer for women entrepreneurs.
Under LaShawn’s Visionary leadership, Suburban Balance offers comprehensive programming focused on Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Advocacy. The organization recently introduced the L.E.A.D Academy, an innovative platform designed to cultivate leadership, entrepreneurial skills, and advocacy among students, empowering them to become agents of change in their communities. The C.A.R.E program is the successful College and Career Access readiness Education program. Additionally, Suburban Balance emphasizes the importance of civic engagement, voter education, networking, financial literacy, and closing the wealth gap through entrepreneurship.
LaShawn and her family have been residents of Lee’s Summit, MO for 24 years. Through her dedication to Suburban Balance, she has established a meaningful avenue for young people to unite, celebrate their cultural heritage, and develop lifelong friendships, creating lasting bonds and enriching experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.
Our Goal
Through educational opportunities that Suburban Balance provides, we aim to help students prepare for college, complete college, connect them to workforce development or certification programs, expose students to entrepreneurship concepts and equip them with the skills, confidence, and support needed to achieve economic mobility.
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 attending schools that lack diversity. Our mission has expanded to impact all school districts across the metro.
Our Team
Our team consists of a supportive group of dedicated parent volunteers who donate their time, ideas, resources and more to ensure Suburban Balance events are both educational, rewarding and fun. Assisting kids through college completion and entrepreneurial endeavors.
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 Suburban Balance 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.
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 Cleaver
Board Member
Senior Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City
Michelle Dickerson
Lift Her Up Team Director
Latisha Lindsey
High School Director and Community Service Lead
Shaunee Taylor
Elementary Division Director
Candice Wise
Vendor Manager
Kina Gunnels
Website & Database Manager
Ashlynn Pratt
Itty Bitty Division Director
Dr. Jamesia McGee, M.D.
Itty Bitty Division Co-Director
Nicole Davis
Middle School Director
Shandra Mitchell
Elementary Division Director
JaNia Motley
Lift Her Up Team
Kalia McKinley
Lift Her Up Team
Myisha Boyd
Equity & Advocacy Director – State of Kansas
Emily James
Equity & Advocacy Director – State of Missouri
Clydette Johnston
Lift Her Up Marketing and Apparel
Tiffany Green
Middle School Director
Vanessa Vaughn West
Education Summit Moderator
Lisa Benson
Education Summit Moderator
Tierra Miller
Lift Her Up Team Lead
Christina Jenkins
Lift Her Up, College and Career Team (C.A.R.E.)
MENTORSHIP LEGACY INITIATIVE
Meet Our Mentors/C.A.R.E. Coaches
Suburban Balance offers a ROBUST mentorship program. Mentors offer invaluable guidance and support to students as they transition into college, helping them navigate academic challenges and adjust to new environments. By sharing their experiences and insights, mentors empower students to set realistic goals, build confidence, and develop essential life skills. This relationship fosters a sense of belonging, encourages personal growth, and increases the likelihood of college completion, making mentors a crucial asset for any student entering higher education.
Funding Partners
GET INVOLVED
Help Us Continue the Work
Whether through advocacy, mentorship, donations, or community partnerships, your support helps Suburban Balance create lasting impact for students and families.
Empowering students and families through education, health, and opportunity.