top of page
Search

She Didn't Wait for Permission: How Laneice Runnels Is Building Youth Leaders, Empowering Women, and Closing the TWC4K Tour With Legacy on Her Mind



There are people who show up to movements — and then there are people who build them. Laneice Runnels, District Director and Co-Founder of the Together We Create 4 Kids (TWC4K) movement, is unmistakably the latter. Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and operating under her brand Laneice Leads, she has spent decades doing the quiet, consistent, transformational work that changes the trajectory of entire communities — one young leader, one empowered woman, and one intentional family at a time.


As the TWC4K National Tour prepares to close its final chapter in Milwaukee, Laneice isn't just celebrating an ending. She is building a beginning.


Her Role Within the TWC4K Movement


Q: Briefly describe your role within the TWC4K movement and how you serve your community through this work.


"As Co-Founder and Milwaukee City Head Author for the Together We Create 4 Kids (TWC4K) movement, I lead the vision and execution of our impact work in Milwaukee while helping shape the national tour experience. My role focuses on community leadership, youth empowerment, and strategic collaboration. I work to build partnerships, organize transformational events, and ensure our initiatives create lasting value for children and families.


While TWC4K champions literacy, my personal lane within the movement centers on youth entrepreneurship, leadership development, and confidence-building. I help young people see themselves as creators and future leaders by equipping them with mindset tools, vision, and practical pathways to ownership. I also advocate for women's empowerment, encouraging positive mindset and healthy self-image so they can lead their families and communities with strength.


Through givebacks, mentorship, and purpose-driven conversations, I serve by creating safe, empowering spaces where families grow, youth activate their potential, and legacy is built intentionally."



Purpose That Moves Like a Mission


Q: What is your purpose, and how does the work you do align with serving children, families, or your community?


"My purpose is to develop leaders, build legacy, and cultivate confidence — in both young people and women.


For years, my work has centered around youth entrepreneurship and leadership development. I believe when young people are taught to think like creators, problem-solvers, and visionaries, they begin to see opportunity instead of limitation. Entrepreneurship teaches ownership, resilience, discipline, and confidence — skills that strengthen not just individuals, but entire families.


At the same time, I am deeply committed to helping women develop a positive mindset and healthy body image. I understand how self-perception can either shrink a woman's leadership or strengthen it. When women embrace who they are — mentally, physically, and spiritually — they lead differently. They parent differently. They build differently. Confidence is not vanity; it is alignment.


The work I do aligns with serving children and families because strong women raise strong leaders, and confident youth build strong communities. Whether I am mentoring young entrepreneurs, equipping families with growth tools, or encouraging women to see themselves through a lens of worth and power, my mission is the same: to activate purpose and build generational impact.

I don't just want people to believe they matter — I want them to move like they know it."




Why She Answered the Call


Q: Why did you feel called to join the Together We Create 4 Kids Tour, and what impact do you hope to make through your involvement?


"I felt called to join the Together We Create 4 Kids Tour because it aligns deeply with my life's work — developing youth leaders, strengthening families, and building legacy through intentional community impact. While the tour highlights literacy and authorship, what resonated most with me was the movement's heart: empowering children to understand their value and creating spaces where families feel supported, seen, and equipped.


Throughout my career, I have focused on youth entrepreneurship and leadership development. I believe young people should be taught early that they are creators of opportunity, not just recipients of it. When a child gains confidence, vision, and ownership, it changes the trajectory of their family. The tour provides a platform to combine practical resources with transformational conversations — and that is where real impact happens.


Through my involvement, I hope to inspire youth to think boldly about their future, encourage women to embrace confidence and positive self-image, and help families shift from simply navigating challenges to building legacy. As we close the tour in Milwaukee, my goal is to ensure the impact extends beyond one event — creating momentum that continues to uplift our community long after the stage lights dim."


What Makes Milwaukee Unique Within TWC4K


Q: What makes your city's work unique within the TWC4K movement?

"As the final stop of the tour, Milwaukee represents legacy in motion. We are closing not just with celebration, but with intention — documenting impact, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring the seeds planted through TWC4K continue to grow. Our uniqueness is in the heart, collaboration, and long-term vision we bring to the movement."



Real Results: The Outcomes That Matter Most

Q: What measurable outcomes, success stories, or positive changes have you seen through your work with children and families?


"Through my work in Milwaukee, I have seen measurable growth in youth confidence, leadership development, and family engagement. One of the most tangible outcomes has been the development of young entrepreneurs through initiatives like FEMA (Future Entrepreneurs Moving Ahead), where youth were introduced to business fundamentals, ownership mindset, and public presentation skills. Many of these young participants demonstrated increased confidence, improved communication skills, and a clearer vision for their future goals.


I have also witnessed families become more engaged and empowered when provided with leadership tools and community support. Parents have shared that mindset workshops and youth programming helped shift conversations at home from limitation to possibility. When youth begin thinking like leaders and women begin embracing confidence and positive self-image, the ripple effect impacts entire households.


In recognition of sustained community service, I have been honored with distinctions such as an Honorary Doctorate and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, reflecting decades of volunteerism and leadership impact. While awards are meaningful, the true measure of success has been seeing lives redirected, confidence rebuilt, and young people begin to walk boldly in purpose.

The most powerful outcome is transformation — youth who once doubted themselves now stepping forward as leaders, and families who now see legacy as something they can intentionally build."


A Vision Built for Generations


Q: What is your vision for the future of your work and your role within Together We Create 4 Kids?

"Long-term, I want my role within TWC4K to focus on strategy, sustainability, and replication — helping create models that other cities can adapt to combine literacy, entrepreneurship, and family empowerment in a cohesive way.

My vision is generational. I don't want one-day inspiration. I want measurable pipelines of youth leaders, confident women, and empowered families who continue the work — building legacy long after the event concludes."



How You Can Get Involved


Q: How can readers support, connect with, or get involved with your work?


"Visit my website at LaneiceLeads.com. You can also access all of my platforms, event updates, and partnership opportunities through my Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mzlaneice


You can also help by sharing the mission with your network and attending events. Every share, partnership, and contribution strengthens the impact.

This work is about building confident youth, empowered women, and strong families — and it grows through community involvement."


Connect With Laneice Runnels

Instagram: @mzlaneice

TikTok: @laneicemcgee


CTR Media Network spotlights entrepreneurs, podcasters, TV hosts, artists, actors, creators, and media personalities who are shaping culture and conversation. To submit your story for consideration, visit CTR Media Network.

Comments

bottom of page