MEET THE FOUNDERS
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Lovisa T. X. WoodsonAbout
Lovisa grew up surrounded by the wisdom, strength, and love of two extraordinary women—her mother, Marian, and her grandmother, Louise. They were more than caretakers; they were doers, gatherers, planners, healers, and compassionate leaders who believed in instilling a strong sense of self in every child. Marian’s love and guidance made Lovisa believe that anything was possible. One of her mother’s favorite sayings, “You know in September that Christmas is coming in December,” was a gentle reminder of the importance of preparation, planning, and perseverance. These values became cornerstones of Lovisa’s character, shaping her approach to life and inspiring her to dream big while staying grounded. Today, Lovisa embodies the qualities of the women who raised her. She is loving, strong, compassionate, and fiercely determined—a natural planner and doer with a deep-rooted sense of purpose. Together with Suzette, Lovisa channeled these qualities into creating My Lion’s Heart, a nonprofit that empowers children to embrace confidence and success. For Lovisa, My Lion’s Heart is more than an organization; it’s a reflection of her family’s legacy of love, preparation, and resilience. She is committed to ensuring that every child feels supported, celebrated, and ready to face the future with strength and pride. |
Suzette Martinez-QuilesAbout
Suzette’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of family values. As a first-generation immigrant from Honduras, Suzette grew up with her mother’s unwavering belief in the importance of education and the principle of “dressing for success.” Her mother often reminded her that confidence comes not from what you wear, but how you wear it—even when that meant proudly sporting hand-me-downs as the youngest in her family. These lessons became the foundation of Suzette’s life. She credits her success and her passion for helping others to the sacrifices and wisdom of her parents, who taught her that dignity, hard work, and perseverance can open doors. Today, Suzette pours those same values into raising her daughter and son, instilling in them the lessons her parents once taught her. Through My Lion’s Heart, Suzette continues her family’s legacy by empowering children in her community to feel confident, capable, and ready to face the world. To Suzette, every child deserves the opportunity to dream big—and the tools to make those dreams a reality. |
MEET OUR DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING
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Lovisa T. X. Woodson IIAbout
Lovisa is a proud Black woman, West Philadelphia native, and lover of humanity. Her time is dedicated to loving herself, her family, including her two sons, Logan and Lohan, and her friends, while committed to civic engagement, socioeconomic empowerment, and impactful work. Lovisa prays you, too, will seek opportunities to be actively involved in this historical movement and be a part of real change. er Education. Lovisa is working on her MBA focused in Accounting from the University of Phoenix. |