For Latasha D. McCullar, vice president of Operations at Blacklidge and founder of the Josten J. Day Foundation, philanthropy is purpose in action.
Her understanding of service has been shaped throughout her life by three powerful influences: her faith, her family, and her military career. Together, they taught her that leadership means putting people first and that each of us has a responsibility to leave our communities better than we found them.
“To me, philanthropy is purpose in action. It is creating lasting impact, building sustainable change, and inspiring others through service. The greatest gift we can leave is a legacy that strengthens communities and changes lives.”
For Latasha, there wasn’t one person or one moment that taught her the importance of serving others.
” It was shaped by my faith, my family, and my military career. My faith taught me to serve with compassion, my family taught me the value of helping others, and the Army showed me that the best leaders put people first. Those experiences have stayed with me and continue to guide how I lead, serve, and give back. To me, the greatest impact we can make is leaving our communities and the people around us better than we found them.”
That commitment can be seen in the organizations and causes to which she gives her time and leadership.
“The causes closest to my heart are those that create opportunities for children, families, and future leaders. Through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Junior Auxiliary of Biloxi Ocean Springs, and Court Appointed Special Advocates of Jackson County, I have the privilege of serving organizations that are committed to improving lives through education, advocacy, and community outreach. Whether we’re supporting children in foster care, providing resources to families, awarding scholarships, or developing future leaders, I believe lasting change begins by investing in people. These opportunities to serve are especially meaningful to me because they allow me to combine my passion for leadership with my commitment to leaving my community better than I found it.”
For Latasha, that commitment to future generations is also deeply personal.
The Josten J. Day Scholarship was established in honor of her late son. Awarded through Jackson State University, the scholarship supports students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to serving their communities. For Latasha and her family, it is a way to turn loss into purpose while helping students pursue their educational goals and carrying Josten’s legacy forward through education.
“I hope my legacy is one of purpose and service. I want future generations to inherit more than the programs we’ve built. I want them to inherit the belief that we all have a responsibility to make our communities better than we found them. Through education, leadership, and service, I hope to create opportunities that empower others to dream bigger, achieve more, and continue the cycle of giving for generations to come.”
Her message to others is equally clear: philanthropy doesn’t belong only to people who can write a large check.
“I believe everyone has something to give. For some, it’s financial support. For others, it’s their time, talents, knowledge, or simply showing up to help. Philanthropy is about using whatever you’ve been given to make someone else’s life better. When we all do our part, no matter how big or small, we create lasting impact.”
Latasha’s story is one of service, leadership, and a deeply personal commitment to leaving something meaningful for those who come next.
This story is part of Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. Throughout August, we’re highlighting Black donors, fundholders, and community members whose generosity, leadership, and service are helping strengthen South Mississippi.
