Lea Manningham was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1977. While in middle school, she played baseball, basketball, and track. In the spring of 1993, at 16 years old, she became a teen mom. She also was in a domestic violence relationship and endured homelessness. However, Lea did not allow these challenges to hinder her from becoming a phenomenal mother and leader. She continued her education and received a degree in theology from Warner University. In 2004, seeking better opportunities as a businesswoman, Lea Manningham and her two children moved to Tampa, Florida. She had a dream and was ready for a change. She became the jack of all trades, working as an assistant manager at a furniture store, a law firm, a customer service representative, a bill collector, and a community coordinator. Lea discovered her passion while mentoring the young girls in her community and decided to pivot in her career.
Lea worked with hundreds of girls throughout Florida for three and a half years after establishing GIRLS OF THE WORLD INC. She helped her first mentee, Ikeisha Freeny, achieve three long-term goals: receiving her high school diploma, getting a job, and enrolling in Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School within three months of being released from jail. After seeing how her story changed lives in Pasco County, she wanted to spread that inspiration to the inner city she grew up in. In 2013, Lea moved back to her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. She started her program in the inner city at the Glenville Recreation Center, which she attended when she was younger. Since her return to Tampa, Florida, in 2015, Lea has fiercely expanded her outreach and driven our organization to new heights. She actively serves as a local Chamber of Commerce board member to advocate for our girls and promote their development. She has also received several awards and recognitions throughout her career, such as the 2022 Young Alumni Award, the 2024 Tampa Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Queen of Hearts Community Award, Kiwanis Club of South Shore as the Distinguished Service Community Leader Award, and more for her dedication to the community and empowering the next generation of young women.
Executive Director
Southshore Chamber of Commerce
Area Director
Kids R Kids
Co-found & Executive Director Distinctly His Ministries
Retired Educator and Mental Health Professional
GIRLS OF THE WORLD INC.
300 Frandorson Circle, Suite 3118, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
Copyright © 2009-2023 GIRLS OF THE WORLD, INC. - All Rights Reserved.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit, Tax I.D 42-1668793
Giving Tuesday is here! Join the generosity movement and donate to make a difference today!