Empowering the Future: An Exclusive with Lindsey Anderson, Founder of Vision Driven 757
Lindsey Anderson, a nonprofit organization consultant, empowerment speaker, and community advocate, has dedicated her life to creating impactful change for youth and families in the Hampton Roads area. Through Vision Driven LLC and its nonprofit branch, Vision Driven 757, Lindsey continues to inspire future generations. I sat down with Lindsey to discuss her journey, her passion for youth empowerment, and her vision for the future.
In 2017, Lindsey founded Vision Driven LLC with the initial goal of serving as an incubator for aspiring entrepreneurs. However, when the venture struggled to gain traction, a heartfelt conversation with her mother reminded her of her true passion: working with youth. By 2020, Lindsey had pivoted her focus, establishing Vision Driven 757 and securing 501(c)3 status. Her response to the pandemic catalyzed this shift, where she launched the “Lunch on US” program to provide meals to students and families affected by school closures. Lindsey reflects, “I did not know what I was going to do, but I wanted to be as prepared as possible.”
Lindsey’s commitment to empowering young people is deeply rooted in her experiences. Throughout high school and college, she volunteered with youth-focused organizations and created and led youth groups at her church. “I have always been of the mindset that if you see a problem, you create a solution,” she shares. This proactive approach drives her mission to equip youth with the tools and knowledge to transition into adulthood successfully.
Milestone of Impact
Among Vision Driven 757’s accomplishments, Lindsey highlights two key initiatives:
Lunch on US Program: During the pandemic, this program delivered over 8,500 meals to families in four Hampton Roads cities.
Building Bosses Youth Empowerment Conference: In 2024, this conference empowered young leaders and, in partnership with AT&T, distributed 100 laptops to scholars and youth organizations.
Implementing pandemic relief programs like Lunch on US was not without its challenges. Coordinating volunteers and managing logistics required innovative solutions. Lindsey credits collaboration with friends, local businesses, and community members for the program’s success. “Tapping into my network was key to making it all work," she explains.
Looking ahead, Lindsey envisions scaling Vision Driven’s programs across the United States. Her plan includes addressing region-specific youth challenges and fostering community engagement. Over the next three years, Lindsey aims to expand into the Northeast and eventually establish roots in her birthplace, Detroit, Michigan. “My goal is to create sister organizations across the U.S. and empower youth and families on a broader scale,” she shares.
In addition to leading Vision Driven 757, Lindsey serves as the Community Liaison for Senator Angelia Williams and holds leadership positions with the NAACP Portsmouth. These roles align with her broader mission to drive systemic change. Lindsey explains, “There is a greeting among the Masai warrior tribe that asks, ‘How are the children?’ The intended response is, ‘The children are well.’ This philosophy inspires me to create immediate, long-term solutions for our youth.”
Lindsey’s journey as a nonprofit leader has taught her the value of perseverance. “I started this organization as a self-funded one-woman band,” she recalls. Today, Vision Diriven 757 benefits from a growing team, corporate partnerships, and plans to hire staff. Lindsey’s advice to aspiring nonprofit founders is clear: “Stay the course. Push through the hard times to see your vision come to life.”
Through programs like the Building Bosses Youth Empowerment Conference, Lindsey aims to instill leadership skills and self-confidence in participants. “It’s about empowering our youth to be the boss of their own lives,” she explains. She also encourages parents and caregivers to find their village and expose children to diverse opportunities, emphasizing, “Exposure is key to giving them the insight and support they need.”
In five years, Lindsey envisions Vision Driven 757 with a community resource center in Hampton Roads, expanded programs, and a nationwide support network. She invites the community to join her mission through volunteering, donating, and spreading the word.
As a mother, Lindsey finds daily inspiration in her daughter, who motivates her to show up authentically and create a better future for the next generation. “She is the driving force behind my commitment to this work.” Lindsey shares.
Lindey’s legacy is empowerment, equality, and accessible resources. Her dedication to youth and community advocacy exemplifies the change that can be achieved when passion meets purpose. “I want to leave a legacy that inspires future generations to lead and uplift their communities,” she says. Through Vision Driven 757, Lindsey Anderson is making that vision a reality.
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