By: William Jones
Lacette Cross, D.Min, is a source of inspiration for those who cherish authenticity. As the executive director of Diversity Richmond, she has channeled her intersecting identities as a Black, bisexual, Baptist-ordained woman into a powerful force for change. Throughout the course of her career, a lifelong commitment to service has marked her path to leadership.
“I never intended to be here but always intended to serve my community,” Dr. Cross notes. This guiding principle has led her to create spaces where healing, belonging and authenticity flourish. Her work has ranged from mentoring Black girls and championing LGBTQ+ inclusion to supporting reproductive health, rights and justice movement.
Building a Legacy of Inclusion
Dr. Cross earned a Doctor of Ministry in practical theology from Virginia Union University. She moved to Richmond, Virginia, in 2010 and began volunteering with local groups that empowered marginalized communities.
By 2016, Dr. Cross had co-founded Black Pride RVA under the banner of ‘Us Giving Richmond Connections.’ The organization addressed a gap in the representation and support of Black LGBTQ+ voices. In this capacity, Dr. Cross took a proactive posture in solving the problem. She asked her fellow leaders: “Do we want to keep complaining, or do we want to create our own?”
One of Dr. Cross’ notable achievements was organizing the first Virginia Black pride festival. The 2018 Black Pride RVA Weekend was more than a series of fun festivities. The event created a platform where Black queer individuals could feel seen, valued and heard. One 14-year-old Black queer youth summed it up when they told Dr. Cross, “Thank you for creating a place where I feel like I belong.” The event still takes place every third weekend of July.
Authenticity as a Leadership Model
In 2021, Dr. Cross became the interim executive director of Side by Side, an LGBTQ+ youth organization. During her tenure, she learned a lot about supporting nonprofits through crisis. The experience affirmed her gifts as a healer of people and a bold leader. These personal insights propelled Dr. Cross into her current role at Diversity Richmond.
Dr. Cross attributes much of her success to authenticity. “I only know how to be myself,” she says. This affirming stance has allowed her to connect with the people she serves. In addition, she has learned how to learn from mistakes and grow personally. Her leadership style pairs emotional intelligence with strategic thinking. It’s an approach that empowers others to embrace their truths while encouraging collaboration.
As a leader, Dr. Cross values creating infrastructure that endures. Since joining Diversity Richmond in 2022, she has prioritized building a team, expanding programming and solidifying the organization’s role as a pillar of the Richmond community.
A New Vision for Authentic Living
Dr. Cross envisions transitioning from running organizations to guiding others as a consultant. She plans to focus on coaching, facilitating and creating spaces for healing and dialogue on complex topics like faith, sexuality and leadership. “I want people to feel unapologetic and inspired to be themselves to guide them to do the work they love,” she shares.
Aside from furthering her work with impacted communities, Dr. Cross’ immediate goals include writing a book and expanding her podcast.
A Life Anchored in Serving Others
Throughout her career, Dr. Cross has drawn strength from her community and her clarity of purpose. Whether teaching Bible classes as a teenager or addressing systemic inequalities, she has remained steadfast in her mission to love, support and guide others. “We all deserve the space to be healed, whole and free,” she says.
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Published by Tom W.
