Kenya Croom is a mother of three, an entrepreneur, and the Chief Executive Officer of A Step to Freedom. Influenced by the generous spirit of her father and grandparents, Kenya has dedicated her life and career towards the betterment of family and community, with a deep interest in building wealth within the Black community.
“I see the people in South LA as my people and my family. Everyone should have access to not only the basics of food, housing, and a career, but the simple pleasures of life too, good food, travel, and rest.”
Under Kenya’s strategic leadership, A Step to Freedom has expanded its programs and services, serving 289 people annually, with a budget of nearly $4 million, and has contracts with the Department of Health Services Office of Diversion and Reentry (ODR) and The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) to provide interim housing and supportive services to people experiencing homelessness and justice-involved. With a background in executive management leadership, Kenya understands the critical importance of developing a capable and committed team and recognizes the deep value of hiring people with lived experience.
Kenya participates in several volunteer advocacy roles including membership in the Los Angeles African American Women in Public Policy Institute and the Social Action Chair of the Inglewood Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She was recently nominated by her peers to serve on the Equity Diversity Inclusion and Anti-Racism Sub-committee at the Department of Health Services in Los Angeles County. In 2019, Kenya was recognized for her advocacy efforts for the Los Angeles community and awarded the Empowerment Congress Civic Leaders 40 Under 40 Award.
Kenya recently founded Reshape the Nation and is mentoring and educating a coalition of housing providers with integrity who are focused on providing housing and addressing poverty in major cities throughout the United States.
Email: kenya@asteptofreedom.org