LDU Memory Room

LDU Time Capsule

Maker's Academy

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Big Kika is a visionary, community leader and co-founder of Life Development University (LDU), a new workforce training center in the heart of South Central LA. With a lifelong commitment to uplifting the block, Kika’s leadership bridges business, culture, and grassroots movement building. LDU is more than a space — it’s a home for the future of our community. Support Kika in building a legacy rooted in creativity, opportunity, and radical love. Let’s rise together.

BUILD THE BLOCK WITH BIG KIKA

Kika Howze co-founded LDU with a bold vision: to build a space where creativity, career, and community could thrive side by side. She personally spearheaded the design and development of the physical campus, pouring her love into every frame and detail to ensure South Central has a state-of-the-art facility worthy of its brilliance. Her commitment to excellence is felt in every corner of the space — from the walls that tell our story to the doors that open new possibilities. Support Kika in building a legacy that looks, feels, and lives like us.

BUILD THE BLOCK WITH KIKA HOWZE

Sheila is the heartbeat of LDU — the steady force that keeps the team aligned and the vision moving forward. Her precision, passion, and deep experience in creative operations are what make this dream function day to day. From timelines to textures, Sheila is the reason the makerspace is more than an idea — it's becoming a reality. With her at the core, LDU runs with purpose and power. Support Sheila as she helps bring this community-powered campus to life, piece by piece.

BUILD THE BLOCK WITH SHEILA

Mskindness is an award-winning educator, published author, and cultural wellness leader with over 15 years of experience in the classroom and beyond. As Executive Chancellor of LDU, she brings depth, healing, and heart to everything she touches. Her curriculum designs don’t just teach — they transform. At the intersection of education, identity, and empowerment, Mskindness is crafting a university rooted in radical care and community. Support her as she builds a new blueprint for what learning can feel like.

BUILD THE BLOCK WITH MSKINDNESS

Toni is an artist, educator, and community organizer who has spent almost a decade developing dynamic programs for youth and families in South Central. Her work centers on equipping brilliant minds with the tools, resources, and mindset to dream big — and reach those dreams. Whether curating hands-on workshops or building bridges between the community and opportunity, Toni’s approach is rooted in creativity, care, and impact. Support her as she continues to design spaces where people of all ages feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow.

BUILD THE BLOCK WITH TONI

BUILD THE BLOCK WITH TEAM LDU

Foundational Friends can help us build the institution, including a state of the art ISO Certified teaching lab with $10,000,000. Leave a legacy with your gifts.

Life Development Group., Inc

Foundational Friends of LDU: Build With Us

Life Development University... The Institution the People Built. 

At Life Development University (LDU), we are not just constructing a building—we are laying the foundation for transformative education, economic empowerment, and generational change. We are a community-centered university, an extension of the house the people built, evolving into the institution the people built and, soon, the block the people built.

Our mission is simple but profound: to provide innovative workforce development and entrepreneurship training for historically marginalized communities. We believe in education that builds futures, creates pathways, and removes systemic barriers—and we need your help to bring this vision to life.

$3.3M Raised—Now, We Need You to Help Reach $10M

We’ve already secured $3.3 million to acquire our building, complete the first-floor buildout, and bring on vital staff to establish our programming. But to fully realize the vision of a multi-story, state-of-the-art educational facility, we need the support of our community, our people, and early adopters like you.

In one of our first crowdfunded campaigns, we’re calling on visionaries, changemakers, and believers to join us as 

—the first wave of supporters making this build possible.

What It Means to Be a Foundational Friend

By making a contribution today, you become a permanent part of LDU’s foundation—the first supporters investing in a future where education is truly accessible and transformative.

✔️ Recognition as a Foundational Friend on our Donor Wall

✔️ Exclusive updates & insider access to LDU’s buildout journey

✔️ VIP invitations to our grand opening & special events

✔️ A tangible legacy—your name forever linked to The Institution the People Built

This Isn’t Just a University—It’s a Movement

LDU is a first-of-its-kind institution, built by the people, for the people. Your donation fuels progress, innovation, and a future where education is the key to economic justice.

Every dollar brings us closer to completing this build. No gift is too small, and every contribution is an investment in the future of our community.

💛 Give now. Be a Foundational Friend. Help build the future. 💛

Interested in opportunities to make a really BIG impact. Please email our Executive Chancellor, Mskindness Ramirez at: mskindness@lifedevelopmentgroup.org or visit us online at: www.lduniversity.org and schedule a HARD HAT TOUR. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Life Development University (LDU) is committed to bridging the gap between passion and profession by providing immersive, hands-on training in emerging industries. Through strategic partnerships, holistic development, and a strong focus on economic mobility, we equip students, fellows, and entrepreneurs with the skills, confidence, and support needed to thrive.

Our ecosystem is designed to serve those who face systemic barriers to career advancement, including formerly incarcerated individuals, single parents, transitional workers, low-income community members, and the chronically unemployed.