Today we’d like to introduce you to LaTanya Simpson-Speight.
Hi LaTanya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Waymakers of North Carolina began with a dream. Our co-founder, Everett Speight, had a vision of creating an organization where no one in our community would have to wonder where their next meal would come from. He believed that if businesses, churches, civic organizations, and individuals came together with a shared purpose, we could make a lasting difference in the lives of our neighbors.
That vision became Waymakers of North Carolina, guided by our mission, “Feeding Wilson One Plate at a Time.” What started as a simple effort to serve meals has grown into a community-wide movement dedicated to addressing food insecurity in Wilson County. Through our monthly meal distributions, clothing giveaways, partnerships with local organizations, and connections to community resources, we strive to meet people where they are and serve them with dignity and compassion.
One of the things that makes Waymakers unique is our belief that everyone can be a “waymaker.” Whether someone volunteers, donates, prepares meals, sponsors an event, or simply shares our mission with others, they are helping make a way for someone else. We know that a hot meal can provide more than nourishment—it can offer hope, encouragement, and the reminder that someone cares.
Today, Waymakers continues to grow because of the incredible support of our volunteers, donors, and community partners. Everett’s dream has become a shared community mission, proving that when people unite around compassion and service, they can create meaningful change—one plate, one family, and one life at a time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like most nonprofits, our journey hasn’t always been easy. One of our biggest challenges has been securing consistent funding to meet the growing need in our community. In the beginning, recruiting volunteers was also difficult, but as more people learned about our mission, our volunteer base continued to grow.
We’ve experienced our share of ups and downs, but each challenge has strengthened our organization. Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, community partners, and donors, we continue to move forward, expand our impact, and serve more families each month.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Waymakers of North Carolina is led by two individuals with different professional backgrounds but a shared passion for serving the community.
Everett Speight is an entrepreneur and longtime community advocate whose heart for helping others inspired the creation of Waymakers. Through his work as a small business owner and his deep connections within the community, he recognized the growing need to address food insecurity and dreamed of bringing people together to make a difference.
Dr. LaTanya Simpson is the owner of Eastern Carolina Chiropractic Center and has dedicated her career to improving the health and well-being of others. In addition to caring for patients, she has served in numerous leadership roles throughout the community, helping connect nonprofits, businesses, and local organizations to create lasting partnerships and positive change.
Together, our strengths complement one another. Everett provides the vision and passion that sparked Waymakers, while Dr. Simpson brings organizational leadership, strategic partnerships, and operational experience that have helped the organization grow. We are most proud of building a nonprofit that unites businesses, churches, civic groups, and volunteers around a common mission: Feeding Wilson One Plate at a Time. What sets Waymakers apart is our belief that lasting change happens when an entire community comes together to serve its neighbors with compassion, dignity, and hope.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are many ways to support Waymakers of North Carolina. Individuals, businesses, churches, civic organizations, and schools can volunteer at our monthly meal distributions, sponsor a meal, donate food or financial resources, organize donation drives, or partner with us on community outreach initiatives. Every act of support helps us provide hope and nutritious meals to neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.WaymakersofNC.org
- Instagram: waymakersofnc
- Facebook: waymakersofnc
- Youtube: @waymakersofnc5690
