About Us

Take the Lead Foundation (TLF), is a non-profit organization established in 2009 for the purpose of motivating and educating youth to “Take the Lead” in life to become successful by making healthy lifestyle choices. The organization was founded by "LaRita" Francois-Flotte a local New Orleanian whose parental drug addiction led her through the struggles of homelessness, abuse and neglect. LaRita struggled with self-esteem and exhibited a lack of self confidence. As an adolescent her lack of self-esteem and self confidence fueled her destructive behavior and decision making. Through years of mental and emotional abuse she decided she wanted to live a better life and inspire others to do the same. LaRita prevailed through transcending boundaries such as graduating from high school and then going on to attend college later in life. After losing her father to alcohol and AIDS in 2000 she was determined to use her experiences to educate and empower others, specifically youth.

Take the Lead Foundation was formed to inspire, motivate, educate, and instill the self-esteem, self confidence, knowledge, and belief that motivating young people to “Take the Lead” in life will essentially make a lasting impression and help to “Unlock Their Potential”.

"With the motivation and inspiration of today's youth, there lies a better tomorrow" - "LaRita" Francois-Flotte.

For more information about Take The Lead Foundation working with your school or organization, please e-mail: info@tlfnola.org