Using Storytelling to Create Impact

International Women’s History Month Spotlight: Letrece Griffin

During International Women’s History Month, I’ve had the privilege of photographing and highlighting women whose work, leadership, and passion are shaping our communities in powerful ways. One of those incredible women is Letrece Griffin—a communications strategist, storyteller, and community advocate whose career centers around amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.

Using Storytelling to Create Impact

Letrece Griffin is a communications and marketing expert currently serving as the Director of Storytelling and Cultural Activation for Cities United. The organization works to build safe, healthy, and hopeful communities for young Black men, boys, and their families.

Throughout her career, Letrece has led major communications initiatives in education and public service. She previously served as Chief of Communications & Engagement for both Columbus City Schools and East Baton Rouge Parish School System, where she directed district-wide messaging, marketing campaigns, events, and community engagement strategies.

Her expertise has also extended into consulting, working with organizations such as Southern University Human Jukebox, one of the most recognized collegiate marching bands in the country.

But at the core of everything Letrece does is a love for words and storytelling.

From an early age, she discovered the power of communication—and how stories can influence understanding, shape narratives, and uplift communities.

In spaces where minority voices are often overlooked, she has made it her mission to help amplify the stories of the underserved and underrepresented.

Leadership Through Service

For Letrece, leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about service.

She believes the most effective leaders bring people together around a shared mission and equip others with the tools they need to grow into leaders themselves.

Her approach to leadership is rooted in collaboration, mentorship, and education. Throughout her career, she has intentionally worked with interns and young professionals, ensuring that they gain meaningful, hands-on experiences that build real skills rather than simply completing routine tasks.

Professional development, she believes, should always be a priority—whether for interns, colleagues, or staff members.

True leadership, in her view, happens when leaders work alongside their teams rather than from a distance.

Giving Back Through Community and Service

Service plays a central role in Letrece’s life and career.

She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a charter member of National Coalition of 100 Black Women – Metropolitan Baton Rouge Chapter, organizations dedicated to empowering communities and advocating for social change.

In addition, Letrece frequently facilitates workshops on communications, branding, and strategic storytelling, helping organizations and individuals strengthen their voices and reach broader audiences.

She has also been involved in efforts to address food insecurity in Louisiana, further demonstrating her commitment to supporting the communities around her.

Her service extends to her church as well, where she contributes her communications and media skills through the Media Ministry at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church.

For Letrece, community impact is about using the talents you’ve been given.

Not everyone may be able to donate financially, she says, but everyone has a skill they can use to help others.

Family, Culture, and Creativity

Letrece credits much of her creativity and passion for storytelling to the family she grew up in.

She is the proud daughter of Leroy and Geraldine Griffin and comes from a family filled with musicians, creatives, business owners, and ministers. This blend of artistry, entrepreneurship, and faith helped shape the unique perspective she brings to her work today.

Growing up in the South—surrounded by culture, music, and storytelling—further fueled her love for communications and creative expression.

These influences continue to inspire the way she approaches both her professional work and community involvement.

Advice for the Next Generation

When speaking to young women pursuing careers in communications or leadership, Letrece offers a powerful piece of advice: Never be afraid to speak up when something isn’t right.

She encourages women to have the courage to be a voice of truth in the room—even when the conversation may be uncomfortable.

At the same time, she emphasizes the importance of how messages are delivered. A lesson passed down from her mother has stayed with her throughout her life:

It’s not always what you say—it’s how you say it.

For a communicator, the ability to share even difficult messages in a thoughtful, effective way is one of the most powerful skills you can develop.

A Season of Expansion

When asked to describe this season of her life in one word, Letrece chose Expansion.

It’s a season of growth, creativity, and stepping into new spaces with intention and purpose—without shrinking any part of who she already is.

Her career has already earned her significant recognition, including features in 225 Magazine and Greater Baton Rouge Business Report. She has also received numerous honors such as:

• The Book Fest Award
  
  

• International Author Boss Award
  
  

• Baton Rouge Parents Magazine’s Favorite Local Author
  
  

• Greater Baton Rouge Business Report’s 40 Under 40
  
  

• Baton Rouge Black Professionals 40 Under 40
  
  

• Top Branding Experts on Twitter
  
  

• Manager of the Year
  
  

These accolades reflect not only her professional excellence but also the meaningful impact of her work.

Celebrating Women Who Amplify Voices

Photographing Letrece during this International Women’s History Month series was a reminder that behind every powerful image is a story worth telling.

Her career demonstrates the transformative power of storytelling, advocacy, and leadership rooted in service.

Through her work, Letrece Griffin continues to amplify voices, elevate communities, and remind others that their stories—and their experiences—deserve to be heard.