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Welcome to Spotlight Hustle, my weekly newsletter celebrating Black women whose resilience, brilliance, and faith are transforming lives.
Today’s feature is Minister LaRita Francois — faith leader, coach, and founder of Divine Ministry of Hope. From surviving homelessness in New Orleans to building a global mission of healing and faith, her journey reminds us that purpose can be born from pain.
Her story is proof that your past doesn’t disqualify you — it equips you.
Her Story: From the Streets of New Orleans to a Ministry of Hope
Before she was Minister LaRita Francois, she was a young girl in New Orleans learning to survive storms life kept sending her way.
Her childhood was marked by instability — parents battling addiction, nights of homelessness, and moments when it felt like the world had forgotten her.
But even in the chaos, God was planting seeds.
Her grandmother was her anchor — a woman of unshakable love and prayer who showed her that faith could grow in the middle of hardship. When LaRita lost her at 13, the pain was deep, but her influence never left. Later, when her mother overcame addiction and entered long-term recovery, LaRita witnessed the power of redemption firsthand.
Those experiences became her foundation — proof that even broken beginnings can lead to powerful destinies.
She found her calling early: helping others heal. What started as sharing her testimony with youth in New Orleans grew into Take the Lead NOLA, a nonprofit that served women and young people for 15 years. But after losing her brother to gun violence and closing that chapter of her organization, LaRita faced another reckoning.
Out of grief, Divine Ministry of Hope was born — a sanctuary for women navigating pain, loss, and transition. Through her coaching, writing, and ministry, she helps women rediscover identity, rebuild faith, and rise again.
Challenges & Resilience
Homelessness nearly broke her. Losing loved ones tested her faith.
But LaRita says those valleys became classrooms for grace.
She remembers clinging to God’s promises when there was no roof over her head and no clear way forward.
“Every time I wanted to quit,” she says, “God reminded me that my story was an assignment.”
Today, she teaches other women to see setbacks as sacred detours — opportunities for growth, not punishment.
Her resilience isn’t built on comfort; it’s built on conviction.
Routines & Practical Hustle
Minister LaRita’s days are guided by prayer, purpose, and peace.
Her mornings start with Scripture, a walk or jog, and breakfast paired with reflection in her journal. From there, she dives into coaching sessions, ministry planning, and writing projects — all anchored by faith
Her focus rituals include:
- Prayer & Affirmations — to center her spirit before the world begins.
- Journaling — to process lessons and stay aligned.
- Therapy & Self-Care — because healing the inner child is holy work.
She ends her day with gratitude — proof that no matter how busy life gets, peace is always a choice.
Wisdom & Advice
If she could talk to her younger self, she’d say:
“Don’t let your past define your worth. Every setback will become part of your testimony.”
Myth to bust:
You don’t have to do it all to succeed. Real success is faith plus focus, not burnout disguised as ambition.
Her message to women:
Your story is enough. Your imperfections don’t disqualify you — they equip you. Authenticity will open more doors than perfection ever could.
Looking Ahead
Minister LaRita is expanding her mission beyond New Orleans, creating spaces where faith and wellness meet.
- She’s growing her wellness and healing programs to reach women globally.
- She’s planning retreats that blend faith, inner work, and community.
- She’s writing to tell her story and amplify the stories of other women who’ve risen from hardship into healing.
Her legacy is one of courage, compassion, and divine restoration. She’s proof that purpose can be born from pain — and that faith really can rewrite the ending.
Rapid-Fire Round
- Coffee or tea? Tea.
- Morning person or night owl? Morning all the way.
- One word for this season? Expansion.
- Currently reading: The Emotionally Healthy Leader by Peter Scazzero.
- Mantra: Healing is possible, and purpose is promised.
- Favorite activity: Long walks in nature.
- Discipline hack: Protecting her morning routine and setting time boundaries.
Why We’re Excited
Minister LaRita Francois embodies what this Summit is all about — faith, leadership, and transformation through purpose.
Her story is one of radical grace, and her voice will light up the stage at the Top 100 Most Powerful Black Women Summit.
Here’s to healing, rising, and walking boldly in purpose together.
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