Renewal has been a central theme in Latrina Graves McCarty’s life and work — and now she’s creating opportunities for other women to be restored and empowered.
The published author and playwright is also an educator, a doctoral student in communication studies and the founder and CEO of LGM Productions LLC. In the summer of 2020, she hosted a book club to explore her first novel, “Olivia’s Journey,” and the group decided to host a weekend getaway.
While the pandemic paused the idea of an in-person event, a virtual gathering was held that December. This year, McCarty urges women to save the date for the My Journey Weekend Getaway. “We will experience a weekend filled with activities that will prompt the renewal of our spirit, mind, soul and body,” she says. “The ladies will experience a bonfire, a paint-and-sip party, a vision board party and breakout sessions designed to encourage and inspire a new beginning of their journeys.”
In honor of her late husband, LaRue F. McCarty, who was a teacher and a coach, McCarty established a scholarship program three years ago. Twenty-two of the top candidates in the Destiny’s Elite Girls National Scholarship Project will be invited to the getaway weekend.
“I wanted to develop and organize a girls’ mentoring program because, as a lifelong educator, I see the need for our children to be adequately equipped to handle life’s challenges,” McCarty says. “I want to establish a foundation of purpose and ‘why.’”
McCarty says she wants young women to know it’s OK to fall, and because of Jesus’s resurrection, “we have forgiveness and the power to forgive and heal.”
Referring to the shoes that have come to symbolize her brand, she adds, “I wear my red heels because I am healed.”
“Even though we fall, we have the authority to get up and continue the journey and authorize our destiny,” she says. “So, wherever we journey, we are covered and empowered to begin again.”
Victoria Byrd, Pascagoula High School 2019; Desiree Rodriguez, St. Martin High School 2020; Ana McCarty, University of Southern Mississippi freshman 2021
SAVE THE DATE
June 10-12 at Centennial Plaza in Gulfport
SCHOLARSHIP
Female 2022 high school graduates with a GPA of 2.5 or greater are eligible to apply. The top three entrants will be recognized at the event, and the winner will be awarded $1,000 to attend the college or trade school of her choice.
Info: myjourneymydestiny8@gmail.com
To apply for the scholarship: jotform.com/220828744989171