My name is Lawanda Carpenter, and I am the driving force behind the extraordinary vision of the Ferns
Foundation. I am a 39 year old married mother of four fabulous children; Delainey, Donovan, Darryle and
Dia, ages 4, 5, 7 and 13. My husband is a University of Pittsburgh Graduate and a devoted Pitt and
Steelers fan. My husband and I reside in the Penn Hills area. I attend Mount Ararat Baptist Church. I am a
member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Alpha Omega Graduate Chapter.
I began my college education at the University of Pittsburgh. I hold a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in
Organizational Leadership and Professional Communication from Duquesne University. I am currently
pursuing my MBA with a concentration in Management and Technology at Carlow University.
I have a background in professional consulting and telecommunications. I was professionally employed
by Bell of Pennsylvania, Bell Atlantic, and Verizon for over eight years. In 2004 I left Verizon to focus on
raising my children. At that time I started a successful home based corporate gift basket company. I
serviced corporate clients such as Magee Women’s Hospital, UPMC, and Graybar Electric. I am living
proof that sometimes you have to take a small step backward in order to take a giant leap forward.
As a Lady Fern I have a true understanding and deep respect for philanthropy. I embrace the fact that I
have a responsibility to give back, sharing my talents and gifts. It is my duty to extend the blazing torch of
wisdom and knowledge, sharing the light, illuminating as many young minds as possible, equipping
them with the tools necessary to succeed and lead.
It is my heartfelt desire to help young women and girls realize their full potential. It is my mission to instill
into every young lady that I come across a strong sense of confidence, self esteem, and resilience. I want
our young ladies to garner a zest for scholarship, and a love of the Arts. I know that the Ferns Foundation
will provide a strong platform for success.
In closing, I grew up in Duquesne PA, I attended Duquesne Senior High School, I was raised in the Burns
Heights Housing Project; according to statistics I was not supposed to make it……….
Dream BIG, have faith, take action and be prepared to soar~
Foundation. I am a 39 year old married mother of four fabulous children; Delainey, Donovan, Darryle and
Dia, ages 4, 5, 7 and 13. My husband is a University of Pittsburgh Graduate and a devoted Pitt and
Steelers fan. My husband and I reside in the Penn Hills area. I attend Mount Ararat Baptist Church. I am a
member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Alpha Omega Graduate Chapter.
I began my college education at the University of Pittsburgh. I hold a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in
Organizational Leadership and Professional Communication from Duquesne University. I am currently
pursuing my MBA with a concentration in Management and Technology at Carlow University.
I have a background in professional consulting and telecommunications. I was professionally employed
by Bell of Pennsylvania, Bell Atlantic, and Verizon for over eight years. In 2004 I left Verizon to focus on
raising my children. At that time I started a successful home based corporate gift basket company. I
serviced corporate clients such as Magee Women’s Hospital, UPMC, and Graybar Electric. I am living
proof that sometimes you have to take a small step backward in order to take a giant leap forward.
As a Lady Fern I have a true understanding and deep respect for philanthropy. I embrace the fact that I
have a responsibility to give back, sharing my talents and gifts. It is my duty to extend the blazing torch of
wisdom and knowledge, sharing the light, illuminating as many young minds as possible, equipping
them with the tools necessary to succeed and lead.
It is my heartfelt desire to help young women and girls realize their full potential. It is my mission to instill
into every young lady that I come across a strong sense of confidence, self esteem, and resilience. I want
our young ladies to garner a zest for scholarship, and a love of the Arts. I know that the Ferns Foundation
will provide a strong platform for success.
In closing, I grew up in Duquesne PA, I attended Duquesne Senior High School, I was raised in the Burns
Heights Housing Project; according to statistics I was not supposed to make it……….
Dream BIG, have faith, take action and be prepared to soar~
Lawanda Carpenter
 |
 |
 |
 |
