Biography
“None of us are defined by our circumstances, nor are we defined by how other people perceive us. It is up to each one of us to define ourselves, and that is a life’s work. Each of us has the ability to lead a dynamic life by pursuing our unique goals and dreams. There are no limits to what you can accomplish when you know who YOU are. There are no limits to what you can do.” –Stedman Graham.
Here is a real look & chronological sketch that helps you to understand why LaNell is who he is, and does what he does.
“I’m not trying to be better than anyone else. I’m working toward being better than I used to be…better than I was yesterday. And tomorrow, better than I am today. I’m practicing the constant engage of excellence.” –LTW.
Humble Beginnings
Born to a teen parent, who understandably couldn’t care for a newborn child, and having never met his biological father, LaNell was lovingly cared for by his grandmother until the age of 13. At the age of 13, LaNell entered the foster care system and remained until 18. LaNell attended PEPC pre-school in Watts, 107th Street Elementary School, Gompers Middle School, Henry Clay Middle School, and Slauson Learning Center – all in South Los Angeles. It was during his time at Gompers Middle School where he was introduced to the ACE Program, which changed his life in great ways – forever. It was also during this early time where his grandmother introduced him to volunteerism, service work, and striving to be the best. He attended various camps (including ACE), volunteered for the Special Olympics, Junior Blind, Manchild Conference, and other organizations.
Little Big Business!
At the age of 13, LaNell started his first business, a candy cart in the park – made from a shopping cart that he “borrowed” from a local market, wooden shelving, and he sold high quality candies, juices, shaved ice and other treats. During his first summer of business, he very quickly was unable to keep up with the demand, and built another cart – where he enlisted the help of a neighborhood peer to help him keep up with the demand in sales. This business only existed during the summer months, and yielded enough money to provide for LaNell’s basic and extracurricular needs throughout the year. LaNell also discovered his fond love of music, and played piano extensively.
A New Phase of Life
At 16, LaNell had to move to a different foster home, and sold his candy cart business to the neighborhood peer (LaNell didn’t really know what he was doing…he just did it. This was also all before he knew the health department had rules against this, lol). LaNell took the proceeds from the sale, opened a bank account, and began investing in penny stock. During this time, he also volunteered at church and was of service to his neighborhood.
During this time between the ages of 16—19, LaNell was introduced to California Youth Connection, a Statewide Foster Care Advocacy & Policy organization. It was here that he learned public speaking skills, methods of building relationships with government officials, public policy, fundraising and advocacy. His main task? Helping create policy for the foster care system.
High School – Voted “Most Likely to Succeed”
For a brief period, LaNell attended Dorsey High School, and was quickly transferred to Lynwood High School when he moved to his new home under a new foster family agency. While at Lynwood High, LaNell was given the opportunity to be of service, learn, lift others and himself grow.
LaNell was an above average student academically – but not the 4.5 GPA’er as some have thought. LaNell focused very much on following his passions of service, and tended to not study much for exams. Hence, he was [only] above average.
During his tenure at Lynwood High School, LaNell launched and served as President of the school’s first Rotary Club Interact club, was Treasurer of Young Black Scholars, a Member of Junior Statesmen of America, participated in Gospel Choir, Marching Band, Jazz Band, played tennis, was a surgical intern at King-Drew Medical Center and was a bookkeeper for a local day care center, a tutor for the E-Step program, continued to serve California Youth Connection and during his senior year, was voted by his peers, “Most likely to succeed.” On campus, if you wanted to make something happen, change the world or raise money, LaNell was the “go to guy.” This guy was a real overachiever.
Somewhere along the way, LaNell participated in an amazing program, the Aspen Grassroots Experience/Aspen Youth Experience, where he and other inner city youth were flown to Aspen, Colorado where they learned skiing, outdoor education, interpersonal skills. He was exposed to an environment of prominence, and lived with an amazing, loving family, the King’s. This exposure helped LaNell in ways that are very important to him today.
During his final years of high school, LaNell met Keevan Crawford & Cedric Jones. Together, they started “M.O.W.E.T.” Enterprises. The acronym? More Opportunity When Everyone Tries. Event planning, fundraising, concept development and marketing became their "bread and butter".
Upon graduation, Cedric went on to UC Santa Cruz, while LaNell and Keevan remained close friends and business partners.
Early College Years
After high school, LaNell began his educational career at UCLA, pursuing a degree in Philosophy & Business Economics. His intention was to join Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, graduate, and become a professor. Staying true to his desire to follow his passion, after a few quarters and UCLA, he ventured back into the worlds of service and business – temporarily leaving formal education behind.
The Leave of Absence
During LaNell’s formal education leave, he was given some of the most amazing experiences imaginable. Through UCLA and the Department of Children & Family Services, LaNell was introduced to the Youth Empowerment Summit, held in Geneva, Switzerland and sponsored by Anti-Self Destruction, Inc. He served as a United Nations Fellow and held a post as a special photojournalist covering U.N. activity. For two years, he was elected by a prominent group of peers to be the Vice Chairman of the U.N. Summits, was elected as a Ralph Bunche Laureate, and received a distinguished honor as a World Peace Delegate.
In the years followed, LaNell consulted companies in France and Switzerland on marketing, business and financial development. He developed programs for and has advised Marriott International, Bank of America, the Los Angeles Community Development Commission, County of Los Angeles, City of Los Angeles, LA County Sheriff’s Department. He served as an advisor to the Director of the Los Angeles Department of Children & Family Services. Community development is a passion for him, and during the early stages of the new Crenshaw Blvd façade improvement projects and Expo Line expansion, he moderated the development of the strategic plan currently being used to “rebuild Crenshaw.”
He served as a fundraiser for programs of the Magic Johnson Foundation, initiatives of many prominent non-profit / for-profit organizations and political campaigns.
He received a number of formal trainings in the areas of personal development, fundraising, productivity, executive management, financial planning.
LaNell Today
The world we live in is an amazing one. The people in this world are truly phenomenal. One of LaNell’s lifelong intentions is to help people realize their limitless potential, while helping organizations and individuals become more remarkable.
Through one subtle and simple – yet very important action, connecting, LaNell is helping to create innovative and transformational opportunities in social service, business, politics and finance. His methods, accomplishments and intentions are quickly establishing him as one of the most influential men of his generation. LaNell wants to help create change in the world, and so far…with the help of others, has been doing just that.
LaNell continues to be directly active in developing transformational businesses under a set of unique business partnerships wherein he participates, although his primary efforts are moving toward helping individuals, businesses, politicians and entertainment professionals maximize their full potential through workshops, training, coaching and muse work, while creating unique opportunities for global economic change by creating innovative financial instruments & ventures, and bridging the gap between the worlds of philanthropy and for-profit commerce.
To find out what LaNell is currently doing in the business and financial world, click here.
To find out what LaNell is currently doing in the world of public service, click here.
To find out what human development, business development and training services LaNell is currently offering, click here.
Education
LaNell is a lifelong learner—dedicated to staying informed of global changes and any opportunities for learning wherever possible. He regularly attends specialized industry-specific training courses mainly in the areas of global structured finance, organizational development, and human development. For LaNell, “every experience is a learning experience”, and he often likes to “sharpen the saw”.
He is currently completing his degree in Philosophy with Harvard University Extension, and plans to return to UCLA to obtain his MBA, USM for his Masters in Spiritual Psychology, and Rutgers for his PhD in Global Affairs.
Personal Development
LaNell also believes that in addition to conventional education, one should have a well-rounded mental, spiritual, emotional educational experience. Mr. Williams has been through multilevel trainings with Insight Seminars, Peace Theological Seminary & College of Philosophy, and other global personal development training institutions for over 16 years.
In His Spare Time
Catch LaNell listening to music, dancing, singing (in the shower), hiking, skiing, camping, rock climbing (the little ones), reading, writing, capoeira, playing tennis, jogging on an easy breezy day, boating, traveling, spending time with family & close friends, or just kicking back and watching a good movie! Whatever it is…best believe…he’s having fun – it’s the LTW way.
Also in 1982 –
Here is a real look & chronological sketch that helps you to understand why LaNell is who he is, and does what he does.
“I’m not trying to be better than anyone else. I’m working toward being better than I used to be…better than I was yesterday. And tomorrow, better than I am today. I’m practicing the constant engage of excellence.” –LTW.
Humble Beginnings
Born to a teen parent, who understandably couldn’t care for a newborn child, and having never met his biological father, LaNell was lovingly cared for by his grandmother until the age of 13. At the age of 13, LaNell entered the foster care system and remained until 18. LaNell attended PEPC pre-school in Watts, 107th Street Elementary School, Gompers Middle School, Henry Clay Middle School, and Slauson Learning Center – all in South Los Angeles. It was during his time at Gompers Middle School where he was introduced to the ACE Program, which changed his life in great ways – forever. It was also during this early time where his grandmother introduced him to volunteerism, service work, and striving to be the best. He attended various camps (including ACE), volunteered for the Special Olympics, Junior Blind, Manchild Conference, and other organizations.
Little Big Business!
At the age of 13, LaNell started his first business, a candy cart in the park – made from a shopping cart that he “borrowed” from a local market, wooden shelving, and he sold high quality candies, juices, shaved ice and other treats. During his first summer of business, he very quickly was unable to keep up with the demand, and built another cart – where he enlisted the help of a neighborhood peer to help him keep up with the demand in sales. This business only existed during the summer months, and yielded enough money to provide for LaNell’s basic and extracurricular needs throughout the year. LaNell also discovered his fond love of music, and played piano extensively.
A New Phase of Life
At 16, LaNell had to move to a different foster home, and sold his candy cart business to the neighborhood peer (LaNell didn’t really know what he was doing…he just did it. This was also all before he knew the health department had rules against this, lol). LaNell took the proceeds from the sale, opened a bank account, and began investing in penny stock. During this time, he also volunteered at church and was of service to his neighborhood.
During this time between the ages of 16—19, LaNell was introduced to California Youth Connection, a Statewide Foster Care Advocacy & Policy organization. It was here that he learned public speaking skills, methods of building relationships with government officials, public policy, fundraising and advocacy. His main task? Helping create policy for the foster care system.
High School – Voted “Most Likely to Succeed”
For a brief period, LaNell attended Dorsey High School, and was quickly transferred to Lynwood High School when he moved to his new home under a new foster family agency. While at Lynwood High, LaNell was given the opportunity to be of service, learn, lift others and himself grow.
LaNell was an above average student academically – but not the 4.5 GPA’er as some have thought. LaNell focused very much on following his passions of service, and tended to not study much for exams. Hence, he was [only] above average.
During his tenure at Lynwood High School, LaNell launched and served as President of the school’s first Rotary Club Interact club, was Treasurer of Young Black Scholars, a Member of Junior Statesmen of America, participated in Gospel Choir, Marching Band, Jazz Band, played tennis, was a surgical intern at King-Drew Medical Center and was a bookkeeper for a local day care center, a tutor for the E-Step program, continued to serve California Youth Connection and during his senior year, was voted by his peers, “Most likely to succeed.” On campus, if you wanted to make something happen, change the world or raise money, LaNell was the “go to guy.” This guy was a real overachiever.
Somewhere along the way, LaNell participated in an amazing program, the Aspen Grassroots Experience/Aspen Youth Experience, where he and other inner city youth were flown to Aspen, Colorado where they learned skiing, outdoor education, interpersonal skills. He was exposed to an environment of prominence, and lived with an amazing, loving family, the King’s. This exposure helped LaNell in ways that are very important to him today.
During his final years of high school, LaNell met Keevan Crawford & Cedric Jones. Together, they started “M.O.W.E.T.” Enterprises. The acronym? More Opportunity When Everyone Tries. Event planning, fundraising, concept development and marketing became their "bread and butter".
Upon graduation, Cedric went on to UC Santa Cruz, while LaNell and Keevan remained close friends and business partners.
Early College Years
After high school, LaNell began his educational career at UCLA, pursuing a degree in Philosophy & Business Economics. His intention was to join Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, graduate, and become a professor. Staying true to his desire to follow his passion, after a few quarters and UCLA, he ventured back into the worlds of service and business – temporarily leaving formal education behind.
The Leave of Absence
During LaNell’s formal education leave, he was given some of the most amazing experiences imaginable. Through UCLA and the Department of Children & Family Services, LaNell was introduced to the Youth Empowerment Summit, held in Geneva, Switzerland and sponsored by Anti-Self Destruction, Inc. He served as a United Nations Fellow and held a post as a special photojournalist covering U.N. activity. For two years, he was elected by a prominent group of peers to be the Vice Chairman of the U.N. Summits, was elected as a Ralph Bunche Laureate, and received a distinguished honor as a World Peace Delegate.
In the years followed, LaNell consulted companies in France and Switzerland on marketing, business and financial development. He developed programs for and has advised Marriott International, Bank of America, the Los Angeles Community Development Commission, County of Los Angeles, City of Los Angeles, LA County Sheriff’s Department. He served as an advisor to the Director of the Los Angeles Department of Children & Family Services. Community development is a passion for him, and during the early stages of the new Crenshaw Blvd façade improvement projects and Expo Line expansion, he moderated the development of the strategic plan currently being used to “rebuild Crenshaw.”
He served as a fundraiser for programs of the Magic Johnson Foundation, initiatives of many prominent non-profit / for-profit organizations and political campaigns.
He received a number of formal trainings in the areas of personal development, fundraising, productivity, executive management, financial planning.
LaNell Today
The world we live in is an amazing one. The people in this world are truly phenomenal. One of LaNell’s lifelong intentions is to help people realize their limitless potential, while helping organizations and individuals become more remarkable.
Through one subtle and simple – yet very important action, connecting, LaNell is helping to create innovative and transformational opportunities in social service, business, politics and finance. His methods, accomplishments and intentions are quickly establishing him as one of the most influential men of his generation. LaNell wants to help create change in the world, and so far…with the help of others, has been doing just that.
LaNell continues to be directly active in developing transformational businesses under a set of unique business partnerships wherein he participates, although his primary efforts are moving toward helping individuals, businesses, politicians and entertainment professionals maximize their full potential through workshops, training, coaching and muse work, while creating unique opportunities for global economic change by creating innovative financial instruments & ventures, and bridging the gap between the worlds of philanthropy and for-profit commerce.
To find out what LaNell is currently doing in the business and financial world, click here.
To find out what LaNell is currently doing in the world of public service, click here.
To find out what human development, business development and training services LaNell is currently offering, click here.
Education
LaNell is a lifelong learner—dedicated to staying informed of global changes and any opportunities for learning wherever possible. He regularly attends specialized industry-specific training courses mainly in the areas of global structured finance, organizational development, and human development. For LaNell, “every experience is a learning experience”, and he often likes to “sharpen the saw”.
He is currently completing his degree in Philosophy with Harvard University Extension, and plans to return to UCLA to obtain his MBA, USM for his Masters in Spiritual Psychology, and Rutgers for his PhD in Global Affairs.
Personal Development
LaNell also believes that in addition to conventional education, one should have a well-rounded mental, spiritual, emotional educational experience. Mr. Williams has been through multilevel trainings with Insight Seminars, Peace Theological Seminary & College of Philosophy, and other global personal development training institutions for over 16 years.
In His Spare Time
Catch LaNell listening to music, dancing, singing (in the shower), hiking, skiing, camping, rock climbing (the little ones), reading, writing, capoeira, playing tennis, jogging on an easy breezy day, boating, traveling, spending time with family & close friends, or just kicking back and watching a good movie! Whatever it is…best believe…he’s having fun – it’s the LTW way.
Also in 1982 –
- The year the first United Nations International Day of Peace is held
- The year the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at so far, its all-time high
- The year Michael Jackson released, “Thriller”, the biggest selling album of all time
- The year Time Magazine’s Man of the Year award is given to a non-human, the computer
- The year LaNell Tyrone Williams was born.
| Grandmother
LaVonne Brewer |
Self-Adopted God Parents Stu & Candace Semigran Pamela Norris |
Surrogate Parents John & Naomi White (Deceased) Soncerie Mason-Villegas & Miguel Villegas Geni King |
| Sisters (in the order of who gets on my nerves the most) Trinette Angelique Nicole |
Brothers (in order of who gets on my nerves the least) Aaron B. Chenery (Deceased) Lenious Shawn Joshua Keevan Donald |
Best Friends Monique, My Bestie Tramisha, My Buddy Jessica, My God Babies Momma Angela, My Sister from Anotha Mister |
| Mentors Dr. Willie Mitchell LaVonce D. Jeffrey |
Teachers John-Roger John Morton |
For My Cousins, Extended Family, Many other Friends & Supporters I love you, and you are always in my heart. |
| Nieces, Nephews & Godchildren (In alphabetical order) |
||
| Nieces Empress Leonna Majestee |
Nephews Dae’John Javantee Karieem Knoah Nnemiah |
God Children DeShaun Mariah Mekhi Makhel |