Today we’d like to introduce you to Latonda Hinton.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up with very limited resources, I learned early in life what it meant to struggle. Those experiences shaped my heart and planted a dream that one day I would build something that would change the lives of people who felt forgotten; this dream eventually became WIN.I.T.Y (Pronounced Win-Eye-Tee-Why), Empowerment Program. The name itself is unique because it is a backwards acronym for “I Win, They Win, You Win.” Looking back, I find it fitting because much of my own life has been lived in a “backwards” way. Although I have never been formally diagnosed, I have struggled with what I believe to be dyslexia throughout my life. It has often caused me to process information differently, making everyday tasks more challenging than they appeared for others. Yet, despite those obstacles, I have learned that sometimes taking a different path still leads you exactly where God intended you to be.
At just 19 years old, I earned my first degree in Medical Administration. Although I had accomplished something many people would have been satisfied with, I knew my journey was far from over. I made the difficult decision to start over from the beginning by enrolling at Passaic County Community College, where I pushed myself academically, became President of the Honors Society, and later transferred to Rutgers University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. After graduating, I quickly realized that the limited career opportunities available for psychology majors did not align with my long-term goals, so once again I chose to reinvent myself. I returned to school to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), hoping it would provide greater stability. When that path didn’t work out as planned, I became a Residential Counselor in Virginia, dedicating myself to helping others. Unfortunately, while working in that position, I sustained permanent nerve damage; another life-changing setback that forced me to start over once again. Rather than allowing those challenges to define me, I earned my New Jersey Real Estate License, continued building my professional experience, climbed the corporate ladder, and ultimately stepped into the role that I believe I was always called to fulfill—becoming the CEO and Director of Community Advocacy & Resource Development for WIN.I.T.Y Empowerment Program.
Today, my mission is much bigger than building a successful business. My goal is to create opportunities for people who have been overlooked for far too long. I want to help veterans who courageously fought for our country but now find themselves homeless, empower adults with developmental disabilities by helping them access the resources they deserve, and support women, men, and families who work hard every day but still struggle to afford life’s basic necessities, including groceries. In a time when the cost of living continues to rise, I believe no family should have to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table. My vision is to hire life coaches, licensed therapists, and other compassionate professionals who share my passion for serving others. I also want WIN.I.T.Y to personally sponsor groceries and essential items for families because I believe that access to food should never become a privilege.
Looking ahead, I dream of developing affordable housing communities to help combat homelessness, establishing a Supports Brokerage that truly serves individuals and families the way it was intended, and creating a one-stop resource center where people can access everything they need to thrive. I hope to build meaningful partnerships with corporations, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders who share my commitment to creating lasting change. I also aspire to work alongside more Support Coordinators, helping families understand that WIN.I.T.Y is more than just another community vendor—it is a movement built on advocacy, empowerment, and hope. My journey has taught me that success is not measured by how many times life knocks you down, but by your willingness to keep getting back up. Every setback, every career change, every obstacle, and every sacrifice has prepared me for this purpose. I truly believe that when I Win, They Win, and You Win, we all become stronger together. That belief is not just the name of my organization—it is the foundation of my life and the legacy I hope to leave for generations to come.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to building my vision has been anything but easy. Even as an adult, I still find myself navigating the complexities of people and relationships or in lack of better terms, feeling “stuck”. Although my background in psychology has given me valuable insight, I’ve learned that understanding others doesn’t always mean they will understand you. One of my greatest challenges has been finding people who can truly see my vision and recognize the potential behind ideas that don’t fit the traditional mold. At times, I’ve felt like the “black sheep”—someone whose perspective is simply different from those around her. It’s not because my ideas lack purpose, but because innovation often looks unfamiliar before it becomes accepted. I’ve come to realize that many people are carrying burdens of their own, making it difficult for them to pour into someone else’s dream. Still, I refuse to let that discourage me. If anything, it has strengthened my belief that being different is one of my greatest assets. I may be a unicorn in a world that often prefers conformity, but I’ve learned that meaningful change has always begun with those who dared to think differently.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the Founder, CEO, and Director of Community Advocacy & Resource Development for WIN.I.T.Y Empowerment Program, where I create innovative solutions that connect underserved individuals and families to resources, advocacy, life coaching, housing opportunities, and community support. My work focuses on empowering people to become more independent while improving their overall quality of life. I am a community vendor in NJ with hopes to expand globally, and I specialize in community advocacy, resource development, empowerment coaching, disability services, strategic partnerships, and building programs that bridge the gap between people in need and the resources available to them. I also specialize in creating innovative ideas that solve real-world social problems. I am known for thinking beyond conventional solutions, advocating for people who are often overlooked, and refusing to give up on ideas that can make a lasting difference. Whether I’m supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, veterans, struggling families, or developing new initiatives, I’m recognized for leading with compassion, creativity, and purpose. I am most proud of turning my personal struggles into a mission that serves others. Every setback I’ve experienced has strengthened my commitment to building WIN.I.T.Y into an organization that creates opportunities, restores hope, and leaves a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities.What sets me apart is my ability to see possibilities where others see limitations. I don’t just identify problems—I design practical solutions. My diverse background in psychology, healthcare, real estate and community advocacy allows me to connect ideas across different fields to create meaningful change. I believe leadership is about service, innovation, and leaving every person better than you found them. My vision has always been bigger than building a business—it’s about building a legacy that empowers others to win alongside me.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising that most people may not know is that some of my biggest ideas began as dreams. Many people don’t realize that the name & vision behind WIN.I.T.Y came to me in a dream. Several of my most meaningful ideas, including future business concepts, inventions, and community initiatives, have first taken shape while I was asleep. I’ve learned to trust my creativity and turn those visions into practical solutions that can positively impact people’s lives.
Pricing:
- $0 out of pocket fees if under DDD Programs
- 375 monthly via fical intermediary option
- Billed for 2 hours of services but you basically have access to me for 24 hours if needed
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WWW.WIN-ITY.COM
- Instagram: https://www.tiktok.com/@tondalaylay?_r=1&_t=ZT-982Qat2YByg
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tondalaylay?_r=1&_t=ZT-982Qat2YByg
