Today we’d like to introduce you to LaTonya Sanders.
Hi LaTonya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my companies purely out of passion and a heart for helping others. What began as volunteer work turned into a lifelong mission rooted deeply in my personal journey. I was raised in Newport News, Virginia—what many refer to as “the bottom” or downtown. It was called that because once you hit the bottom, the cost of getting out felt nearly impossible. Drugs, violence, and shootings were everyday realities, especially in the 80s when the projects were overwhelmed by addiction and crime.
Growing up in that environment, I knew I wanted something different—not just for myself, but for everyone I could possibly help along the way. I tried hard to distance myself from the statistics and stigmas tied to my neighborhood and upbringing. But it wasn’t until I truly drew closer to God that my life began to transform.
I can say with complete honesty that the only reason I’m where I am today is because of my obedience to the purpose God placed over my life. He gave me a vision, and I wrote it down and made it plain, just as it says in Habakkuk 2:2.
Not only did I survive what was meant to kill me—mentally, spiritually, and physically—by divine intervention, but what was stolen from me was replaced, just as God promised. I pray that my life stands as a symbol, like the rainbow, a sign of God’s covenant and unchanging promise.
The world wanted me to accept the labels: bitter, broken, abused, unlovable, and ungodly. But I refused. Instead, I claim victorious. I claim virtuous. Today, I am a four-time author, a three-time CEO, the proud mother of three beautiful daughters, two grandchildren and a newlywed wife to an amazing man, Moses, and a divine prayer warrior and worshiper.
The journey has been anything but easy—Scripture never promised it would be. I’ve faced trials that could have broken me: from the murder of my twin brother, to a painful marriage with a person who was sent to destroy me, to facing time in prison for attempted murder charges. But God kept me. The seeds I planted were good, and those who truly knew me could never be convinced otherwise. No matter how dark the season, I held on to purpose.
I am living proof that your past does not define your future, and that obedience—even when it hurts—will always usher in divine purpose. I don’t just carry my testimony—I live it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not—but I’ve never been a stranger to rocky roads, nor have I ever been intimidated by struggle. The journey has tested me in ways I never could have imagined, but each test has revealed a deeper level of strength, resilience, and purpose.
One of the greatest struggles was thinking I could fight battles alone—even with God by my side, I was still trying to handle things in my own strength. But I had to come to terms with the fact that the battles we face are no longer just physical or emotional—they are spiritual. I learned the hard way that some systems are not built for justice, but for control.
At one point, I was hit with a criminal charge that I knew I did not deserve. Yet despite my record of giving, building, and supporting my community, I found myself alone in a courtroom where it felt like everyone—from the attorney I hired to the court officials—was on the same side, and it wasn’t mine. I’ll never forget hearing them casually mention they were discussing my freedom—my life—over lunch. That moment broke something in me, not because I didn’t believe I’d make it through, but because I realized how little humanity is sometimes placed on people like me.
It was a painful reminder that in our justice system, it’s not always “innocent until proven guilty,” but often “guilty until proven innocent.” I was forced to fight not just for my name and my freedom, but for my dignity and my purpose. But God—but GOD—stepped in.
What the enemy meant for evil, God turned for good. Every delay, every disappointment, every detour has only drawn me closer to Him and pushed me deeper into my divine calling. I wouldn’t wish the pain on anyone, but I wouldn’t trade the outcome either—because it shaped the woman I am today.
We’ve been impressed with See Below, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am LaTonya Sanders-Lawrence an author, four time CEO, As the founder of PRN Healthcare Staffing, Inspire Health Medical Institute, MelaninPages, and InspireHealth Education Foundation. I want to share a little about the businesses God has blessed me with, because they are also part of my testimony.
PRN Healthcare Staffing, LC, which I’ve proudly owned for 16 years, provides healthcare staffing solutions. We connect qualified healthcare professionals with the right opportunities, and it’s been incredible to witness the impact we’ve had on both the healthcare community and the lives of those we’ve employed.
Inspire Health Medical Institute, which I started two years ago, is a nursing school designed to empower the next generation of healthcare professionals while embracing inclusiveness and diversity. Through this institute, we’re training future healthcare professionals to serve with skill and compassion. I want every student who walks through our doors to know they are stepping into a space where they can grow, thrive, and make a meaningful difference in healthcare. This one is my favorite because it allows me to reshape the literary landscape by making Black-authored books accessible, studied, and integrated into the English 101 curriculum in my programs. Just the thought of it brings me joy and puts a smile on my face.
MelaninPages, my online bookstore for Black authors, has been a dream of mine for years. We launched two years ago, and it has been a space for amplifying Black voices and stories. Literature is such a powerful tool for change, and I wanted to create a platform where Black authors could shine and inspire others.
InspireHealth Education Foundation, which I founded one year ago, provides scholarships and support to aspiring healthcare professionals, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This foundation is close to my heart because I know the power of education and how it can change lives. We’ve already been able to help several students overcome financial barriers, and I believe God is just getting started with what we can do through this foundation. We are always accepting donations!
I’ve built a career focused on empowering others through healthcare, education, and uplifting Black voices. My journey has been filled with both challenges and triumphs, and it is through these experiences that I’ve been able to confirm my purpose—to help others discover theirs while walking in faith.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I absolutely love Myrtle Beach. I evacuated here after Hurricane Katrina with nothing but two black garbage bags filled with soggy clothes—and no family. Yet despite arriving with so little, I was met with open arms. The people here are genuinely welcoming, and over time, I’ve built a solid support system that has become like family. The opportunity here is endless, especially if you’re willing to work hard and stay grounded in purpose.
As for what I like least, honestly, the things that once challenged me about this city are steadily changing for the better. So there’s no need to dwell on them—Myrtle Beach continues to grow, and so do the people in it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.inspiremedicalinstitute.com
- Facebook: melaninpages
- Other: lsanders@prnhealthstaff.com
