LaTara Thompkins is a native of Dallas, TX.  She founded N.I.A. Kids in 2005 to address the concern and need to provide productive activities for youth and teens in the community to help transform their free time from a threat to their safety and security into opportunities to participate in enriching, life-changing  programs. 

 

LaTara is the product of a family of singers, musicians, and performers. Her vocal training has allowed her opportunities to perform as a lead soloist and performer. She has recorded with local gospel artists and is a founding member of the local gospel

group, “Devotion.”  As the Founder of N.I.A. Kids, LaTara continues to use her creativity to implement programs and opportunities for youth to get formal training in artistic disciplines. She oversees a strong, artistic team and has successfully produced several outstanding theatrical productions showcasing the talents of youth and teens throughout the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex.

 

Under her leadership, the organization has been featured on Channel 8 news, local radio stations, featured in Dallas’ largest newspaper, The Dallas Morning News, and on Good Morning Texas.  LaTara's business acumen and hard work has afforded her the opportunity to receive numerous awards. Among them, she was a recipient of Ebony Magazine’s “Unsung Hero” Award and was featured in their magazine in 2010. She received the Community Service Award – 2015 awarded by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc.; Women of HOPE Award – 2016 awarded by the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.; and the I’m Every Woman Activist Award – 2016 awarded by Stand for Sisterhood.  LaTara holds a dual master's degree from Texas Woman's University and is a proud alumni of Prairie View A&M University.  She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

 

Through the programs of N.I.A. Kids, LaTara continues

to use her gifts to Nurture Inspire and Affirm the gifts and talents of youth and teens, while equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in life.  She is a proud wife and mother of four children.