Rising Stars: Meet Tanya Dorsey of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanya Dorsey.

Hi Tanya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Watts Community Core is an organization that thrives on connecting with the residents of Nickerson Gardens and the larger Watts community. We are committed to helping meet the needs of people in our community because we believe that in working together we all rise. In 2019, long-time community advocates and former residents of Nickerson Gardens came together to establish Watts Community Core. We understand the community and know the families in Nickerson Gardens because we grew up in the community. However, we don’t presume to speak for our community. We want to elevate the voices of all community members. WCC utilizes a participatory method. We survey the community and their needs, and we use this information to inform our programming and priorities. We believe that if we work together, we will see everyone in Watts rise. WCC started by providing boxing programs to youth and young adults. More than just a fitness program, our boxing program gave the youth a safe place to be in the evenings and started to build community among Black and Latino families. When the pandemic started, we pivoted quickly. We started a weekly food distribution and clothing/shoes giveaway program. Initially, we intended to service the children and families in our boxing program, but we quickly expanded to other vulnerable families and home-bound seniors to meet the growing need for assistance. We are currently providing weekly groceries and essential supplies to 700 families in Nickerson Gardens. In September 2020, we also launched our safe zone school program. Ensuring Covid safety measures were met, we transformed our facility into a drop-in center where children could access computers and the internet to participate in virtual learning while LAUSD schools were closed. We further expanded our programs to provide additional services to youth such as STEM programs, music production classes, robotics, access to counseling and mental health services. We are committed to sustaining our programs and meeting the growing and changing needs in the community. We are constantly soliciting feedback from the residents in Nickerson Gardens because we want to address the issues that they feel are most pressing and important to improving their quality of life. Through our efforts, we have raised the profile of Nickerson Gardens and have been able to attract partners who are committed to supporting our community improvement efforts.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has the journey of being a nonprofit organization and serving as the CEO of Watts Community Core been a smooth ride? The answer is no; like many nonprofits, there have been numerous ups and downs. The challenges we face can often be substantial, but the rewards make it worthwhile.
At the end of the day, witnessing the smiles on faces—whether it’s a family receiving food assistance or a young person learning to redirect their anger into positive actions—makes all the hard work worth it. These moments remind us of our mission and the impact we’re striving to achieve.
Our volunteers play a crucial role; seeing their smiles when they help families in need reinforces the sense of community we aim to foster. While we encounter rough patches, our commitment to serving the community and the blessings we receive keep us motivated.
Collaboration with other nonprofit organizations and community partners helps us meet various needs, creating a network of support that enhances our ability to serve. Although there are always obstacles behind the scenes, we strive to deliver our services with excellence and a compassionate spirit.
Ultimately, the love and care embedded in our work are what resonate most with the community. Our board members and staff share a commitment to uplifting those we serve, and the understanding and support we provide help to ensure that despite the challenges, our community knows they can rely on us.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Watts Community Core, we focus on empowering youth through innovative programs that address both emotional and educational needs. Our most notable initiative is the No Contact Boxing program, designed to help children and young adults learn to channel their anger and frustrations into positive energy. By allowing them to “box it out,” we provide a constructive outlet for their emotions, helping them understand that while they may face difficult days, there are healthy ways to cope and transform that energy.
In addition to our boxing program, we offer a comprehensive STREAM program—covering Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math. This initiative is tailored to recognize and embrace diverse learning styles, particularly for children with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). We focus on creating an inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive at their own pace. Many of the students we’ve worked with have been mischaracterized as having learning difficulties, such as ADHD, but through personalized attention and understanding, we have been able to help them demonstrate their capabilities and succeed academically.
We take immense pride in the positive changes we witness in our students’ lives. It’s not just about education; we aim to provide holistic support. Whether it’s offering meals to hungry children, counseling for those dealing with personal challenges, or providing clothing and shoes as needed, we strive to meet our students’ comprehensive needs. Our commitment is driven by the belief that if we can offer the right resources and support, we can help each child flourish.
What sets us apart is our unconditional dedication to understanding the individual journeys of each child. We believe that with patience and empathy, we can unlock their potential and help them realize their worth. Ultimately, our mission is to ensure that every child feels seen, heard, and supported, allowing them to thrive in a nurturing environment.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
At Watts Community Core, our core principle is driven by a clear vision and mission focused on meeting the specific needs of our community. We prioritize understanding what the community requires, rather than imposing predetermined solutions as a nonprofit organization.
By actively engaging with community members and observing their challenges, we ensure that our services are tailored to address genuine needs. This approach fosters trust and collaboration, making our programs more effective and impactful. Our commitment to being responsive and adaptable to the community’s needs not only strengthens our mission but also sustains our organization in our efforts to create positive change.
Ultimately, what matters most to us is that we listen to the voices of the community and respond accordingly, ensuring we truly serve and uplift those we are here to help.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Wattscommunitycore.org
• Instagram: @wattscommunitycore
• Facebook: Watts Community Core

Image Credits
@atibajefferson