Feb 14, 2022

#PasstheMic: Meet Lapedra Tolson

As part of our efforts to #PasstheMic this Black History Month and beyond, we are excited to spotlight Lapedra Tolson, the founder and principal at Friends From the City.

  1. What kind of connections are you looking for?

We are interested in working with other digital service agencies that are intentional about equity and inclusive design, not just in word but in action as well. Ideally, we would like to work with agencies that demonstrate integrity and a commitment to positively impacting society.



  1. What do you want people to pay attention to?

It is important that the public reads and heeds Biden's Executive Order on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce. At Friends, we understand the benefits of a diversified workforce, and we hire people who reflect the folks we serve. Our company differentiates itself by offering to clients equity as a service, because we believe that a great experience for our clients is as important as a great experience for our users. Our philosophy allows us to build great partnerships, and further cements our ability to enact change. 

  1. How do you think the social impact space can further amplify the Black community?

The social impact space aims to identify and address the root causes of social problems. In this space, impact may resemble forming strategic partnerships with companies like Friends. 

The inclusion of minority-owned small businesses is great as long as it's not performative, as capital is a root issue for any small business, and in particular for those founded by underrepresented groups. In other words, put real action behind every action to help fill the gaps and create a real impact. 

As Black women, we appreciate Black Girls Rock because they are doing the work to empower the next generation of Black girls which is essential to society. As founders, we understand how impactful representation is in inspiring the next generation of leaders. Representation gives others the belief that anything is possible. I like to remind folks that you can make an impact no matter what industry you choose. You just need to decide and then do.

Want to continue the conversation with Lapedra? Reach out at lapedra@cityfriends.tech .

Feb 14, 2022

#PasstheMic: Meet Lapedra Tolson

As part of our efforts to #PasstheMic this Black History Month and beyond, we are excited to spotlight Lapedra Tolson, the founder and principal at Friends From the City.

  1. What kind of connections are you looking for?

We are interested in working with other digital service agencies that are intentional about equity and inclusive design, not just in word but in action as well. Ideally, we would like to work with agencies that demonstrate integrity and a commitment to positively impacting society.



  1. What do you want people to pay attention to?

It is important that the public reads and heeds Biden's Executive Order on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce. At Friends, we understand the benefits of a diversified workforce, and we hire people who reflect the folks we serve. Our company differentiates itself by offering to clients equity as a service, because we believe that a great experience for our clients is as important as a great experience for our users. Our philosophy allows us to build great partnerships, and further cements our ability to enact change. 

  1. How do you think the social impact space can further amplify the Black community?

The social impact space aims to identify and address the root causes of social problems. In this space, impact may resemble forming strategic partnerships with companies like Friends. 

The inclusion of minority-owned small businesses is great as long as it's not performative, as capital is a root issue for any small business, and in particular for those founded by underrepresented groups. In other words, put real action behind every action to help fill the gaps and create a real impact. 

As Black women, we appreciate Black Girls Rock because they are doing the work to empower the next generation of Black girls which is essential to society. As founders, we understand how impactful representation is in inspiring the next generation of leaders. Representation gives others the belief that anything is possible. I like to remind folks that you can make an impact no matter what industry you choose. You just need to decide and then do.

Want to continue the conversation with Lapedra? Reach out at lapedra@cityfriends.tech .

Feb 14, 2022

#PasstheMic: Meet Lapedra Tolson

As part of our efforts to #PasstheMic this Black History Month and beyond, we are excited to spotlight Lapedra Tolson, the founder and principal at Friends From the City.

  1. What kind of connections are you looking for?

We are interested in working with other digital service agencies that are intentional about equity and inclusive design, not just in word but in action as well. Ideally, we would like to work with agencies that demonstrate integrity and a commitment to positively impacting society.



  1. What do you want people to pay attention to?

It is important that the public reads and heeds Biden's Executive Order on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce. At Friends, we understand the benefits of a diversified workforce, and we hire people who reflect the folks we serve. Our company differentiates itself by offering to clients equity as a service, because we believe that a great experience for our clients is as important as a great experience for our users. Our philosophy allows us to build great partnerships, and further cements our ability to enact change. 

  1. How do you think the social impact space can further amplify the Black community?

The social impact space aims to identify and address the root causes of social problems. In this space, impact may resemble forming strategic partnerships with companies like Friends. 

The inclusion of minority-owned small businesses is great as long as it's not performative, as capital is a root issue for any small business, and in particular for those founded by underrepresented groups. In other words, put real action behind every action to help fill the gaps and create a real impact. 

As Black women, we appreciate Black Girls Rock because they are doing the work to empower the next generation of Black girls which is essential to society. As founders, we understand how impactful representation is in inspiring the next generation of leaders. Representation gives others the belief that anything is possible. I like to remind folks that you can make an impact no matter what industry you choose. You just need to decide and then do.

Want to continue the conversation with Lapedra? Reach out at lapedra@cityfriends.tech .

Share on Linked In