About Us
The Howard family has a long history of giving back to the community.
La Creashia Howard, with her husband Lamar Sr., founded the Howards 4 Hope Organization in January 2022 to continue that legacy. The 501c3 was registered in February of that year and has been making a difference in people's lives ever since with the intent of being a beacon of hope for unheard individuals and families within surrounding communities. They have gathered friends and family to amplify this metaphorical beacon of hope while involving the community as well.
Howards4Hope established itself in February of 2022 and, only one month later, it organized the Pretty & Poised Experience. This experience was a two-part event that awarded inner-city girls within Los Angeles County the opportunity to shop for their prom dresses, get fitted by a tailor, and select shoes and accessories. On the day of their prom, these young ladies received the full Pretty & Poised treatment, including hair styling and make-up, in addition to being sent off to prom by CEO and staff. The Pretty & Poised Experience began as a Prom Dress Drive and has since evolved into an initiative that provides young ladies with a Cinderella experience.
Our Team
Passion. Dedication. Expertise.
Our team is genuinely committed to the cause and it is reflected in the quality of their results. They have a wealth of expertise in their field, and are passionate about their work. This combination makes them best fitted to be a part of the Howards 4 Hope team. We are confident they'll continue to yield great results.
Board of Directors
LaCreashia
Willis-Howard
LaCreashia Willis-Howard has always loved the community and longed to devise methods to help and heal. Consequently, she began volunteering with various community organizations when she was very young, Mrs. Willis-Howard later obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, emphasizing culture and personality, and a Master of Art in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peacemaking (NCRP) through Cal State Dominguez Hills. Whether directing nonprofits or teaching in a classroom, she has managed to be a fixture within the community. Presently, LaCreashia spends her days developing little minds as owner and operator of Lotta Love Family Child Care as well as planning and administrating Howards 4 Hope
President
Lamar Howard Sr.
As Vice President of Howards 4 Hope, I’m proud to serve with heart, purpose, and a deep commitment to those who are often overlooked. I believe every person deserves dignity, fairness, and the opportunity to thrive—and that belief drives everything I do.
In this role, I support our mission by helping lead our day-to-day operations, fundraising efforts, and community partnerships, while also working closely with our CEO and Board of Directors. Together, we make sure that our work stays rooted in the values that matter most: equity, inclusion, accountability, and access for all.
Outside of Howards 4 Hope, I continue to serve in ministry and give back through my role on the steering committee for the welding program at Long Beach City College. At the end of the day, it’s all about showing up for people and building a stronger, more connected community—one act of hope at a time.
Vice President/
Interim Treasurer
Taylor Wilcher
Hi I’m Taylor Wilcher , I am the Secretary for Howards 4 Hope. Being apart of this non profit is such a great experience for me since I already adore helping others. In the past I have volunteered helping with special needs children as well as feeding the homeless and delivering meals to the elderly. On my spare time I love to travel and since I’m a big foodie I love going out and experiencing new restaurants and trying different foods . I’m also a self taught Makeup Artist who adores enhancing the beauty in all my clients.
Secretary
Dr. Edna Willis
Dr. Edna Willis is a licensed registered nurse and public health nurse. She is certified by the California Board of Nurses as a qualified nurse instructor in medical surgical and geriatric nursing and has 40 years of nursing practice experience in various fields of nursing. Dr. Willis has a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from Argosy University and a Master of Science in Nursing Degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She is compassionate about the needs of the community in which she serves and over the years has helped to organize and implement job fairs, health fairs, and health workshops for underserved and unheard communities throughout Los Angeles County.
Programs Manager
Staff
Director of Community Management
Janiel Lizardo - Howard
Janiel Lizardo-Howard has been naturally altruistic since day one. Janiel’s loves and respects all things living, exemplifying how deeply she cares not simply on occasion, rather by living a lifestyle that reflects as such. Aside from Howards 4 Hope, Janiel has accomplished many certifications in female health and Birth Doula Services. With hopes to positively impact her community, she intends to serve through Howards 4 Hope in Public Relations and Marketing. All the while she continues expanding her Devine Wombs Doula services LLC, assisting the community in healthy and holistic pre-natal and post natal practices.
Public Relations and Marketing
Lamar Howard Jr.
Lamar Howard II is half of the Public Relations and Marketing team for Howards 4 Hope, with Janiel Lizardo-Howard completing their team. Born a Long Beach Native, Lamar II has always aspired to positively impact his community in hopes to “Put the Beach on the map!”. He has acquired knowledge in Business Marketing from Scottsdale Community College and Arizona State University. Throughout this time, Lamar II was able to successfully apply this newly learned knowledge with companies such as ADT, W Hotel, and Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG).
Program Facilitator of Me,
Myself and Why
Brevenn Howard
Brevenn Howard
Virtual Engagement &
Technology Coordinator
LaBryce Howard
Hi, My name is LaBryce Howard and as a staff member/ Officer for Howards 4 Hope, I'm truly proud to be of service to our community. I believe that giving hope and catering to our community can change lives for the better .Helping a community, to me, means creating a sense of belonging and connection where everyone feels valued and supported. It's about more than just lending a hand during tough times; it's about consistently showing up for each other, whether through small acts of kindness, sharing resources, or offering a listening ear.
Community Partnership &
Donor Relations Coordinator
McKayla Howard
Hi, I’m McKayla Williams-Howard, Community Partnership & Donor Relations Coordinator at Howards 4 Hope. I’m passionate about building strong relationships that connect our mission with the community. I hold a degree in Neuroscience and African American Studies from Emory University, and I bring that perspective to my work in outreach and social impact.
Outside of work, I’m a teacher, wife, and mom who loves baking and supporting local businesses — especially coffee shops and neighborhood spots that bring people together.
Program Support of
Links of Hope
Charlene Herron
I’m Charlene Herron, a proud Long Beach native with over 30 years of experience at McDonnell Douglas. I’m passionate about faith, family, and community, and I love serving at Willow Street Church of God and spending time with my loved ones.
My daughter Chanice, who has epilepsy and a learning disability, inspired my journey as a special needs advocate. It’s a privilege to serve on the Howards 4 Hope Board and support families in finding the resources they need.
Digital Operations Support
William Willis Jr
Over the past five years, I’ve experienced how Links of Hope has been able to create a space that not only supports caregivers but also connects them to resources that many aren’t aware are accessible. It has also shown me firsthand that being a caretaker is not an easy task and just how important and useful information and access to forms of help could be. Being able to be a part of this and seeing how much help to people it provides feels rewarding and I can say I am very thankful and happy to be a part of this team.
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Program Support of
Links of Hope
Shenique Route
I bring over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing within corporate America, where I have developed a strong background in relationship building, strategic growth, and client engagement. I am deeply passionate about my family and committed to using my professional experience to support and uplift my community. My journey as a parent has had a profound impact on my perspective and purpose.
My daughter, Olivia, who lives with epilepsy, has inspired me to become a stronger advocate and has given me firsthand insight into the challenges that families face when navigating medical, educational, and support systems. This experience has strengthened my commitment to helping other parents and caregivers access the resources and guidance they need.
It is an honor to serve on the Howards for Hope Board, where I am dedicated to empowering families, building community, and supporting others as they navigate their own journeys with resilience and hope.
Executive Assistant
Sarah Micah Cabusora
Hi, I’m Sarah Micah Cabusora, and I’ve been proudly working with Howards 4 Hope for over three years. Being part of this mission-driven organization has been incredibly meaningful to me. I’m passionate about creating safe, empowering spaces where families, youth, and caregivers feel seen, supported, and inspired. Through my work, I get to help bring our programs to life and connect directly with the communities we serve — something that aligns closely with my own values of compassion, resilience, and hope. Outside of work, I love cooking and spending quality time with my daughter and husband. They’re my greatest joy and constant reminder of why this work matters so much.
Through us, To us, To You