Suga Moma LaToshia Gladney Hosts Mentoring Session Featuring LPD’s Harrington

Many around Louisville and Winston County know LaToshia (Hampton) Gladney as Suga Moma of Suga Moma’s Cupcakes and Thangs. Some have heard of her “Suga Babies,” a cheer group that doubles as a mentoring program for Gladney.

Gladney grew up in Louisville, but she would leave home to join the military. Her career in the military helped to “grow” her - and it also taught her that one day, she wanted to come back to give back to the community.

Gladney sees the potential of her hometown, and she knows that it is the youth of the community who will make Louisville fulfill its potential.

So, she planned far before she retired from the military to come back home and to give back to the area that “grew” her.

Gladney’s mentoring program is just one of the ways she gives back. She is known for opening her shop space so that people can come and have a place to come play games or just socialize. She is quick to organize benefits for the needy.

However, providing leadership for the area youth is near and dear to Gladney’s heart.

Corporal Ray speaking to the mentees.

Last week, Gladney invited Corporal Ray Harrington to come and speak to her mentees.

Issues that our youth face on a daily basis - bullying, peer pressure, trying out illicit substances - these were the topics Harrington spoke of to Gladney’s mentees. “We want to give them a safe space to discuss their feelings and thoughts,” Gladney said. She also plans team building activities for her mentees.

Gladney shared that she is taking mentorship applications each month. The mentorship program is for children ages 4 - 15. Interested parents or guardians may inbox Gladney on Facebook or stop by Suga Moma’s shop on West Main Street in Downtown Louisville to discuss signing up.