Lakeisha Little-Shaw: Healing Communities, One Person at a Time

Lakeisha Little-Shaw is unafraid of being the first–whether the first to say hello, the first to represent overlooked communities, or the first to create a space for those who need support. The effervescent nonprofit director, business owner and mother of five has a defiant joy that ignites the hearts of those around her and brings light into some of the darkest places. Though she may have a quick smile and an easy laugh, she is no stranger to suffering; she openly shares her testimony as proof you can withstand the worst storms of life and transform them into healing, regenerative power.

Lakeisha grew up in South Stockton, and despite navigating the hardships of poverty and systemic neglect, she excelled in education through her AP courses and classical music training in piano and violin. Despite her hard-won achievements and accolades, her home life was severely traumatic. She endured horrific physical, emotional and sexual abuse from the age of seven until she ran away from home at 18. On her own, she found herself with no community or support, unsure of where to go, experiencing first-hand how difficult it is to be without community or resource. “I didn’t just see the need: I was the need.” She carved her own path forward, determined to find her place and her purpose.

That purpose became clear to her when her twin daughters were born prematurely at 27 weeks with complex medical diagnoses, including chronic lung disease. Lakeisha was told they would not survive, but she advocated tirelessly for their care, combating systemic racism and demanding the answers and resources they deserved. “I had my twins, and then something clicked. I needed to do something,” she said. Many systems may have failed her, but they would not fail her children. Health, wellness and the resources to achieve both were a human right, not a privilege, and she was determined to champion these rights for the underserved and overlooked. Many would have been daunted by the sheer enormity of tackling injustice on such a wide scale, but Lakeisha firmly believes in the power of being the first to act and the ripple effect it has. “If we can make our own communities better, that is going to change other communities around the world.”

Her nonprofit organization SHAW 4 Community was born as she undertook the monumental task of pouring into her community, specifically promoting healthy eating and lifestyle choices to those who have limited education and resources. The name of the organization is both a nod to Lakeisha’s surname and an attractive acronym, Sharing Health and Wellness. SHAW 4 Community has several programs, many specifically designed to empower underprivileged youth such as the Summit Seekers Squad, a youth leadership program focused not only on leadership skills but mental and physical health habits. “Youth are our upcoming leaders,” Lakeisha says, “and we need healthy leaders.” In addition to her youth leadership program, SHAW 4 Community also runs 209 Hikes, which is a monthly hiking and wellness program. “Nature is healing…I use hiking as a way to bridge the gaps that keep communities and people separated.” She also has personal experience with the healing nature can bring. “Hiking is something that got me through my own depression,” she says, reminiscing about her postpartum journeys. Through this hiking program, people of all ages and social demographics from both San Joaquin County and Stanislaus County come together to enjoy nature and build community, as well as receive trauma-informed support. 209 Hikes removes barriers to hiking that many underprivileged communities have, such as lack of access to transportation or gear, and provides a safe and welcoming community for people experience the healing effects of nature and friendship. SHAW 4 Community also runs programs such as Nourish the Block (nutritional and wellness education for underserved communities) and Community Wellness Workshops and F.I.T. Fix fitness camps (F.I.T. standing for Focused, Inspired and Transformed). These initiatives have reached thousands across Central California, yet another example of the impact just one individual can make through their actions. Through hiking, nutritional education, wellness practices and beyond, she urges people to join her in action, saying, “If we don’t create the spaces and opportunities for people…there won’t be change.”

Her service to the local community stretches beyond the expansive reach of SHAW 4 Community: Lakeisha is also an active and avid member of the Rotary Club of Stockton. She was introduced to Rotary through one of her friends in her Leadership Stockton class. She was unsure at first whether she would “fit in” for various reasons; her age, race and gender all flew in the face of common stereotypes for Rotary Club members. But the club embraced her and reaffirmed how important her voice truly is. “I represent a lot of communities that go unrecognized because they don’t have representation in spaces.” Rotary Club quickly grew to be an important and cherished part of her life. She is excited to champion it for the younger generations in particular. “A lot of people have the misconception that it’s only older people that influence the young, but that’s not the case!” She is always enthusiastic about encouraging young people to use their voices for their community, and that stands at the heart of what Rotary is, a club of service dedicated to the betterment of their local communities.

In addition to her nonprofit work, Lakeisha is a successful businesswoman; she runs both the F.I.T Me Gym and the SHAW Bar in South Stockton. The F.I.T Me Gym, one of the only fitness centers in the downtown area, prioritizes intimate small group classes and focuses on teaching people to work out with their own body weight, overcoming the obstacles presented to some by lack of equipment. The Stockton Children’s Museum stands across the street from the gym, its bright and colorful murals a beautiful backdrop to the work being done within the gym itself. F.I.T Me goes beyond merely fitness. Lakeisha especially has a heart for pouring back into women who are postpartum or have limited support or resources. “It’s about helping them discover who they are and build them up despite what trends or social media is telling them,” she says. “Love the body you were given and be the best version of yourself.” She encourages them to build internal strength as well as external strength; it’s easy to get caught up in titles or pleasing others, but Lakeisha emphasizes that it’s critical to know the person you are outside of all the external influences, and to learn to love that person.

The SHAW Bar, which celebrated its third year in August, serves teas, wraps, smoothies and other freshly prepared whole food meals. Lakeisha loves the beauty and accessibility of her location, with the sparkling lights of the ballpark and Weber Point event center visible from the parking lot across McLeod Lake. The SHAW Bar’s interior is crisp and bright with pops of color and lush greenery, an elevated experience that is also accessible to underserved communities. Its slogan is emblazoned across their counter, proclaiming Healthy Body + Healthy Mind = Happy Human. In 2026, they will also be launching LUVLY CURVES, a clothing line Lakeisha hopes will inspire women to love who they naturally are. For her, it’s more than fashion. “It’s a movement for women in all stages of life. It’s important to learn to love your natural state, no matter what season you’re in.”

While Lakeisha appreciates the recognition she’s received, from Small Business Owner of the Year 2023 to multiple press features, she is transparent about her own struggles and the monumental obstacles she has overcome, aspiring to help others find their roots in resilience. For her, one of the most important messages she communicates is one of value: no matter who you are, we see you and we cherish you. As she says, “You don’t have to be a CEO or do elaborate things to be seen; we need to recognize the members of our community and let them know they’re important, too.” Whether through her tireless nonprofit work, her business ventures or her plans for the future, Lakeisha creates spaces that embody the heart of her passion: healing communities, one person at a time.