Meet our Founder!

LaToyia Okere is the visionary and servant-hearted founder of Connect + Learn + Grow, a faith-based learning community located in the Slavic Village neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio.  She leads with vision, compassion, and faith to cultivate a thriving learning community where education, gardening, and spiritual growth intertwine.

Rooted in Christian values, LaToyia Okere oversees programs that empower children, youth, and families to connect with one another, learn practical STEM and life skills through hands-on gardening, and grow in character, faith, and community responsibility.

LaToyia Okere lives and works in Slavic Village with her husband and five children.  She is a proud graduate of Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University.  She also obtained an Agricultural and Gardening Certificate through The Ohio State University.  Her background in social work, education and a passion for faith-based community development, brings both professional expertise and a personal commitment to the organization. 

From building raised garden beds alongside local youth to organizing educational programs that spark curiosity, LaToyia Okere is dedicated to creating opportunities for families to connect, learn, and grow together.