The community is brimming with pride as it celebrates Lena D. Ford, a remarkable 14-year-old, who has been honored as the 2024 Black Enterprise Youth Entrepreneur of the Year. Lena, the visionary behind Positively Lena, has been a beacon of entrepreneurship and community service since she was just seven years old.
Lena’s entrepreneurial journey began with ARTing for You, a heartfelt initiative that gathered and donated art supplies to shelters, foster homes, and transitional homes, spreading creativity and hope. At nine, Lena expanded her vision with Positively Lena, a business aimed at promoting positivity through various products and services.
Positively Lena is more than a business; it’s a movement. Lena aims to inspire and uplift her peers, proving that age is no barrier to making a significant impact. She spends her time teaching entrepreneurship to other young people, giving them the tools and confidence to pursue their dreams.
Lena expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am deeply honored to receive this award and grateful for the recognition of my efforts to make a difference in the lives of others. This is just the beginning, and I am committed to continuing my work to support and uplift our community.”
Beyond her business, Lena co-founded the Kinship Family Initiative, a non-profit supporting kinship families. One notable project is the “Embrace Their Roots Campaign,” which addresses the unique hair care needs of African American children in foster care and homelessness, showcasing Lena’s dedication to cultural pride and community support.
In addition to her entrepreneurial achievements, Lena was recognized by Michael Strahan of Good Morning America as a “Generation Rising-Youth to Watch,” highlighting her role as a young leader and an inspiration.
Lena received this award at the 2024 Black Enterprise Disruptor Summit, held on May 17-18 in Atlanta, Georgia. Hosted by Nationwide, the summit aimed to empower Black entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors with insightful instruction and networking opportunities. The event featured speakers like Nick Cannon, Cam’ron, and Arian Simone, and included a keynote address from Black Enterprise CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr.
About Positively Lena:
Positively Lena, founded by Lena D. Ford, is a youth-driven enterprise that promotes positivity through various products and services, inspiring young people to impact their communities positively. For more information, visit PositivelyLena.com.
Lena’s recognition as the 2024 Black Enterprise Youth Entrepreneur of the Year is a beacon of hope and inspiration for the entire Black community, showcasing that our youth are powerful agents of change.
For press inquiries, contact Tressie Bloodworth-Ford at [email protected] or 678-826-9208.
