Rediscover your worth. Embrace your value. Reclaim your voice
Our Story
Our story began with a simple truth: too many people were walking through life unheard, unhealed and unseen. L.I.T.E. was created to give them a place to rediscover their identity, rebuild their confidence, and find their voice again. Today, we continue that mission by offering programs and community spaces that lead people toward healing, empowerment, and lasting transformation.
Mission
Our mission is to transform lives and communities by helping people heal, rebuild confidence and live boldly. We believe that when individuals recognize their value, their mental health improves, and they don’t just change their own lives, they create a wave of change that transforms entire communities.
Values
At L.I.T.E., our values are rooted in compassion, empowerment, and inclusivity. We are committed to fostering an environment where every person feels valued, supported, and encouraged to thrive.
Meet our Founder
Marissa C. McDonald
Marissa McDonald is the Founder & CEO of L.I.T.E. (Live Intentionally Transformed Everyday) a nonprofit dedicated to healing, identity and empowerment. She created L.I.T.E. out of her own experience of feeling unheard and unseen. Despite being one who always advocated for others. Learning to reclaim her voice shaped her passion for helping people recognize their worth and express themselves with confidence.
Her commitment to supporting others started early. While in college, she served as a youth mentor with the D.C. Courts, helping young people navigate challenges at home and find healthier ways to communicate. She later co-hosted The Grounded Podcast, where over 100 subscribers tuned in weekly for honest conversations about faith and personal growth.
Marissa has continued building communities rooted in healing and connection. She co-founded Unity, a faith-based online group of 15 members focused on spiritual growth and overcoming limiting beliefs. She also launched a fitness and wellness group of 19 people, creating a safe space for accountability in physical and mental health. Most recently, she co-founded a women’s fellowship group of 9 members committed to confidence, identity, and mutual support.
Her lifelong passion for understanding people led her to pursue a B.S. in Psychology from Howard University and an M.S. in Forensic Psychology from Arizona State University. Her training, combined with her personal journey, informs L.I.T.E.’s blend of faith-rooted principles and psychological insight.
Today, Marissa continues her mission through L.I.T.E.’s programs; creating spaces where individuals feel heard, seen, and empowered to grow.
