About Us
The LMG Foundation provides micro grants to organizations working to build wealth and strengthen communal ties within Black communities. We believe that the journey to economic resilience begins with removing systemic barriers. LMG Foundation was founded to bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity, ensuring that entrepreneurs have the capital and belief they need to build lasting legacies for Black neighborhoods. By funding these micro-grants, we aren't just giving away money; we are rewriting the narrative of business success, accelerating the velocity of money within Black communities, and fueling the engine of the middle class.
Guiding Philosphies
We believe in three core ideas that drive our mission.
1.
Small Business are a Key Driver of Middle Class Growth
2.
Community wealth increases when money moves faster within that community.
3.
An effective way to help small businesses grow is to provide much-needed revenue.
Guided by Vision
Meet the dedicated leaders and community advocates committed to fostering the growth and sustainability of Black-owned small businesses nationwide.
Leslie Gray
President/Co-Founder
Leslie grew up as one of four children of divorced parents, learning early that survival and success depend on community. She watched her siblings and family rely on one another, extended relatives, and close friends, a lesson that would shape her life and career.
A former senior leader at Accenture, Microsoft, and Mozilla, and CEO/Co-Founder of a dialysis healthcare provider, Leslie is a technology expert, C-suite executive, entrepreneur, and thought leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion. She holds a BA from Northwestern University and an MBA from the University of Southern California (USC).
Throughout her career, Leslie has been most passionate about advancing opportunities for African Americans and women. Her deepest desire has been to leave a legacy of educational and financial advancement for her family and community. She has founded the LMG Foundation, to increase resource access and build wealth within the Black community through micro-grants.
Leslie believes that businesses can, and must, balance human dignity, social responsibility, and profitability.
Treasurer/Co-Founder
Kyla Gray
The eldest of two children, Kyla grew up in Columbia, South Carolina with a creative spirit and close ties to her community. Surrounded by an energetic and supportive environment, she learned early on the value of connection and had the opportunity to travel the globe, immersing herself in cultures beyond her own. This experience has helped Kyla understand and advocate for the needs of the Black Community and women of color.
She is also a passionate advocate for Black visibility and belonging in nerd and geek communities, working to ensure that spaces like gaming, comics, cosplay, and fandom welcome and celebrate Black voices and participation.
Kyla has built a career in public facing and administrative roles across a variety of industries. With a natural empathy for client needs and a creative approach to problem-solving, she excels at bridging the gap between organizational goals and community expectations. Currently, Kyla is an Accounts Manager at Laserform & Machine, Inc.
Khalil Gray
Secretary/Co-Founder
Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Khalil Gray is a musician, fundraiser, and activist for the Black community. He is currently the Associate Director of Industry Engagement at the University of Wyoming. Prior to joining the University of Wyoming, Khalil served as the Corporate and Foundation Relations Coordinator at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
He is a member of several professional fundraising organizations including the Network for Academic Corporate Relations Officers, where he serves as the Early Career Subcommittee Co-Chair, the African American Development Officers Network, and the Men of Color in Development Network.
Khalil holds a Bachelors and Masters degree in Music Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto Canada and the University of Texas at Austin, respectively. Recent performances with the Henderson Symphony Orchestra and the Desert Winds Wind Ensemble highlight his engagements while residing in Las Vegas.