The Journey of a Teenage Mother: Struggle. Hope. Success. - Couverture souple

LaShunda Leslie-Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Services from St. John Fisher College, a Masters in Social Work from the Greater Rochester Collaborative Master of Social Work Program, and a Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership from Roberts Wesleyan College. LaShunda developed her passion for youth and the human service field through her roles as a child protective investigator for Monroe County Department of Human Services and therapeutic foster care social worker for Hillside Family of Agencies. LaShunda’s nonprofit management and fundraising skills were further developed in her role as Executive Director of Successful Pathways, an organization that she founded. Her responsibilities include overall agency management, human resources, program development, grant compliance, marketing and fundraising. In February of 2007, LaShunda was named one of Rochester, New York’s Emerging African American Leaders, by the Democrat and Chronicle. She has been featured in Rochester Insider magazine, and was named the Woman in the Spotlight by the Women’s Council of Rochester, NY. In 2008, the Rochester Insider magazine named Ms. Leslie-Smith, Most Likely to Succeed. In 2009 she was named a Woman to Watch by HerRochester. The City of Rochester, awarded LaShunda the 2011 Pioneer Award for the youth work that she does in Rochester. Committed to her community, LaShunda serves on several boards and committees. She also serves in multiple ministries at the Church of Love Faith Center. LaShunda is a motivational speaker, author, and consultant. LaShunda is blessed to share her life’s journey with her husband Moses Smith and their two children, Branden and Myanna.

Teenage motherhood is often accompanied by social issues, such as lower educational levels, higher rates of poverty, and other poorer life outcomes in children of teenage mothers. Among developed countries, the United States, the United Kingdom and New Zealand have the highest levels of teenage pregnancy. This captivating memoir is a collection of stories from thirteen women from the US and the UK who have endured and persevered through teenage pregnancy. Their stories are passionate, powerful and life-affirming. Readers will be amazed by the resiliency and maturity displayed by these women at young ages. Their stories are full of encouragement and hope for anyone facing difficult life circumstances. The bonus section of the book features three stories written by the adult children of former teenage mothers. Their stories are equally as powerful.