Meet Towanda Carrigan
A Heart for Inclusion. A Life of Purpose.
Every movement begins with a story — a lived experience that refuses to be silenced.
For Towanda Carrigan, that story began long before the titles, the trainings, and the triumphs. It began in childhood — in a world where she learned to nurture others before she ever learned to nurture herself.
Roots of Resilience
Raised in a family where addiction and instability were constant battles, Towanda often found herself taking on adult responsibilities at a young age. As the oldest of her siblings and cousins, she became the caretaker — the one who made sure everyone else was okay.
That sense of duty planted the seeds of compassion, but it also left her with a lifelong question:
“Who takes care of the one who’s always caring for everyone else?”
Growing up under the care of her grandparents after her parent’s addiction, Towanda learned early that love could be both fragile and powerful — that family is not defined by perfection, but by presence. Those years of holding others together gave her the empathy and insight that would one day become her superpower: the ability to see people not for what they do, but for who they are beneath the weight of what they carry.
From Survival to Service
Her journey from those early years of survival to a life of service became the blueprint for everything she’s built. Over the next two decades, Towanda poured her heart into raising seven children — two biological and five adopted — many with diverse abilities and autism.
She became not only a mother, but an advocate, educator, and trainer, teaching others how to support individuals with behavioral and developmental differences with compassion and understanding.
Her motto, “All behavior is data,” reflects a truth she learned from life itself — that every action tells a story, and every story deserves to be heard.
The Birth of the 2Wanda Community Foundation
Out of this lifelong calling came the 2Wanda Community Foundation, a space built to ensure that no one has to go through struggle unseen. The Foundation provides grants, scholarships, mentorship, and community lifelines to individuals, families, and grassroots organizations who are ready to thrive but need help bridging the gap between need and opportunity.
Towanda created 2WCF as both a mirror and a message — a mirror to her past and a message to the world:
“You are more than what you’ve survived. Your story can still create systems of healing.”
Through its six initiatives — HOPE, RESTORATION, PURPOSE, WELLNESS, LEGACY, and LOVE — the Foundation uplifts lives through inclusion, empowerment, and sustainable change. Every program is a reflection of Towanda’s belief that care is sacred, inclusion is necessary, and love is transformative.
A Legacy of Love & Leadership
Today, Towanda’s story is a testament to divine alignment — proof that what once felt like broken beginnings can become blueprints for community healing. She continues to bridge behavioral health, inclusion, and philanthropy through her multi-brand ecosystem, ensuring that every person — no matter their background, ability, or circumstance — has the opportunity to thrive.
“For a long time, I thought my worth came from how much I could give. But God showed me my value was never in what I did — it was in who I am. The Foundation is my way of helping others discover that same truth.”
Towanda’s Message to You
If you’ve ever felt unseen, under-resourced, or overwhelmed — this foundation was built for you. We exist because someone like Towanda refused to let pain have the final word.
“We don’t just fund programs — we fuel purpose. We don’t just restore systems — we restore people.”
And that’s exactly what she continues to do — one life, one family, one community at a time.
Connect and Join Our Leadership Team
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is the governing body responsible for enforcing bylaws and overseeing our organization's strategic management. Its members ensure that we adhere to our mission, maintain fiscal responsibility, and operate with the highest standards of integrity and accountability. Their leadership is crucial in guiding the organization toward achieving its long-term goals.
Advisory Board
Our Advisory Board comprises industry leaders and experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our organization. These advisors provide invaluable guidance, helping us navigate complex challenges and seize new opportunities. While they do not hold voting rights, their insights and advice are critical in shaping our strategic direction and ensuring we stay true to our mission of fostering generosity and strengthening communities.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our volunteers are the backbone of our organization, bringing energy, dedication, and a commitment to our mission of fostering generosity and strengthening communities. Volunteering with us is a meaningful way to contribute to impactful projects, support our programs, and engage with a vibrant community.
Mentors
Our mentors are experienced professionals and leaders who guide, support and inspire individuals within our programs. By sharing their expertise and experiences, they help mentees develop skills, build confidence, and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Advocates
Our advocates are crucial in spreading awareness about our mission and advocating for the causes we support. By leveraging their networks and platforms, they help us reach a broader audience and engage more effectively with the community.
Application Form
Connect With 2Wanda Community Foundation
Your time, energy, and commitment amplify our ability to create positive change. Together, we don't just transform lives — we build stronger communities. Become a part of the 2Wanda Community Foundation and experience the profound impact of your contributions. Join us as we journey towards a future filled with empowerment, resilience, and compassion.