Connect
To Top

Meet Aaliyah Stewart of ASW Foundation in Southwestern

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaliyah Stewart.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My freshman year of high school, I started a 501C3 foundation in honor of my brothers Anthony S.White Jr.and James Anderson who were killed due to senseless gun violence. The ASW Foundation (Hope for the Lost) was started in December 2014. The foundation began by awarding scholarships to two seniors, Brianna Smith and Christian Espino. Both students had to meet the requirements which included writing an essay stating how they would stop the violence in their community.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a journey but God is truly Amazing! He turned my test into a testimony which makes it easy to share my story! Being young, I started at 14 I am 20 now so standing out in the crowd knowing that God had a plan was always interesting but I knew God had me.

ASW Foundation – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Four words: Hope for the Lost. That is the mission of The ASW Foundation, Inc. in a nutshell. In everything we do, we strive to show the youth in our communities that they have potential. Over the last five years, our organization has grown into a movement to stop the senseless gun violence in our communities. We believe that by supporting our youth, encouraging them, and providing them with creative and constructive outlets, we can change the narrative of the future. What makes me proud is helping young people know they no matter what they go through or where they come from they’ve potential! What sets me apart is that my story is real and authentic not saying that others are not but it’s pain behind my drive and purpose! I am now opening a youth center in my hometown of Gary, Indiana.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is fulfilling the plans and purpose God has for your life! Trusting his plan knowing that great things will occur!

Contact Info:


Image Credit:

Hair Brashandra & Delshandra Douglas, Photographer Year 2139 Shaun Michael Harris, Woman to Woman, Makeup April Nelson

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in

  • Portraits of the Valley

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesMay 12, 2025
  • Portraits of Hollywood

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesMay 12, 2025
  • LA’s Most Inspiring Stories

    Every neighborhood in LA has its own vibe, style, culture and history, but what consistently amazes us is not what differentiates...

    Local StoriesMay 12, 2025
  • Hidden Gems: Local Businesses & Creatives You Should Know

    Every day we have a choice. We can support an up and coming podcaster, try a new family-run restaurant, join a...

    Local StoriesMay 5, 2025
  • Portraits of LA

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesApril 18, 2025
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Services Spotlights

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 15, 2024
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Experiences to Consider

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 15, 2024
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Products from the Community

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 14, 2024
  • Podcast: Your Journey As An Actress

    We’re so lucky to have a great guest with us today to discuss your journey as an actress and so much...

    Partner SeriesOctober 22, 2024