Our Vision

L.I.T.E. is not just an organization; it's a catalyst for personal narratives that transcend limitations. Our objective is to foster an atmosphere that recognizes the value of each individual, while nurturing and uplifting all who we encounter. We serve as a beacon of faith-inspired support and empowerment. We echo the sentiment “Love thy neighbor as thy self” (Mark 12:31) and strive to illuminate hope, love, and intentional transformation. At L.I.T.E. we visualize a world where individuals are able to flourish and are given the tools to unleash their full potential. Picture the ripple effect, where empowered voices not only transform individual lives, but also create a symphony of positive change echoing through communities. In the heart of our vision is a world where worth, once lost; voices, once silenced, now resonate with strength and purpose.

Imagine a journey, much like that of our founder Marissa McDonald. From a young age, Marissa spoke for others, advocating with ease, yet she struggled to find and use her own voice. Or picture someone; let’s call them Taylor, who once felt suffocated by a whirlwind of expectations and self-doubt, navigating the waves of uncertainty to rediscover his or her worth. In this vision, we see a world where every LIFE, every VOICE, is valued, fostering connections that transcend the noise and chaos.

Meet our Founder

Marissa C. McDonald, M.S.

"Hello, I'm Marissa McDonald, the founder of L.I.T.E. (Live Intentionally Transformed Everyday). Imagine stepping into a room filled with diverse stories, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose—that's the kind of space we're building here.

Growing up, I found solace in speaking up for others, advocating on their behalf. However, amidst the strength I lent to those around me, I discovered a void within myself– a struggle to use my own voice. I found myself drowning in a sea of my own unspoken words. That struggle, that journey, is what led to the birth of L.I.T.E.“

Marissa’s innate ability to connect with people on a personal level has been the driving force behind the innovative programs and initiatives being established by L.I.T.E. Despite her relatively shorter tenure in the nonprofit landscape, her enthusiasm, fresh perspective, and determination is instrumental in the inception and development of L.I.T.E.

L.I.T.E. is not just an organization; it's a reflection of her personal journey and the journeys of countless others who have sought to find their value in their unique situations. L.I.T.E. is the canvas where your unique story gets to unfold. It's that cozy corner where you can let your voice echo, where your struggles transform into strengths, and where your journey becomes a masterpiece. We are all about creating a space where your voice is not just heard but celebrated. As the founder, Marissa’s passion is to guide you through the process of recognizing the value of your voice, just like she did. Marissa was fortunate enough to be able to overcome the hurdles that held her back, and now she intends to empower others to do the same.

Her magnetic personality and ability to paint a vivid picture of a better tomorrow have drawn together a passionate team and energize supporters to rally behind the organization’s noble cause. Marissa’s bold vision continues to be the guiding light, illuminating the path towards a future where faith-inspired action brings about profound and enduring change and transformation.

Marissa’s keen ability to listen to others, has made her the go-to person among her friends and is what led her to focus her studies on Psychology. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Howard University and a Masters of Science in Forensic Psychology from Arizona State University. Her journey, shaped by both personal experiences and her academic background, has fueled the creation of programs that blend faith-based principles and psychological insights to guide you on a path of empowerment.

Our transformative programs are crafted with care, aiming to create a supportive environment where individuals can confidently articulate their thoughts, discover their worth, and embrace the power of their own voice. Whether you're just starting to explore your voice or looking to rediscover your value, you're not alone.