Remarkable Women: LaQuiera Gantt empowering the next generation in Abilene

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) — For more than a century, the Alliance for Women and Children has been a pillar of support in Abilene. Now, Executive Director LaQuiera Gantt is carrying that legacy forward — pouring into others just as the nonprofit once poured into her and her family.

Gantt first came to Abilene as an ACU student, studying business. After graduating, she received a job offer and decided to stay in Key City. She said throughout her career, she has always had a heart for children and inspired them to be great.

“I want you, when you come into our space that you feel seen, that you feel heard, that you leave with some hope,” Gantt said.

She came across the nonprofit when she was temporarily caring for her nephew and needed extra help. Now, Gantt said, it has been a full circle moment of giving back to others what she has experienced herself.

“I needed to have a place to put my oldest nephew in care while I was working, and after school care through the alliance popped up, and they did what they’ve always done, to be able to provide a safe space for him. He blossomed in that program. It’s why he wanted to go to school every day. So, this is a full circle moment,” Gantt said.

As the oldest of nine siblings, she has always cared for her youngest brothers and sisters, and now she looks out for her 12 nieces and nephews. Having her own support system has helped her through difficult times, and she told KTAB/KRBC that it is her responsibility to pay it forward to others.

“A few years ago, I suffered with fibroids, and the result of that is that I’m not able to have children. You talk about community rallying in that moment and women stepping in and stepping up to not just encourage me, not just to pray for me, but to walk beside me,” Gantt said.

Turning her lemons into lemonade, she aims to use her story to inspire others facing challenges to find hope and see the light at the end of the tunnel. Her office is a testament to the impact she has made, filled with photos and memorabilia of the lives she has touched. One of her favorite pieces is a framed graduation cap.

“[A past mentee] sent me a picture the day of her graduation, which was far away, I was not able to attend it, but this is what she wore as her cap,” Gantt explained while holding the framed cap with the inscription ‘Thank you Ms. Gantt.’ “I immediately just cried like a baby, and I’m emotional now just thinking about this particular story, because these are my kids.”

Although she cares for everyone, she has a particular affinity for young women. For the past decade, Gantt has organized a conference to inspire and support teenage girls. She believes it is crucial to set a positive example for others and be open and transparent about her experiences.

“It’s important that young girls get to see other women, not just their success stories, but to talk about just some of the struggles they had to endure and go through. Just because you’re entering this season right now of maybe feeling discouraged or you feel like there’s no hope, this too shall pass,” Gantt explained.

The Alliance for Women and Children will host its annual Wine, Women, and Shoes event on April 10.

Throughout March, four women will be recognized on BigCountryHomepage for their remarkable efforts in the community. The winner of this year’s Remarkable Women contest will be announced on April 1, 2025.