Hidden Figures in SWLA: LaToya Tunwar

KINDER, LA (KPLC) - LaToya Tunwar grew up in Oakdale with her two younger brothers. However, her brothers weren’t always keen on hanging with her.

“I can remember growing up they were always, 'you can’t come with me and my friends ‘cause you’re the only girl’. So, I was kind of a little tomboy-ish so I can try to hang with them as much as possible,” Tunwar said.

Latoya's grandmother along with her parents were a huge part of her development.

Tunwar says, “My childhood hero would have to be my grandmother. She was a hard worker; very devoted to her community, as well as her family. You know, her kids—she only had one kid—my mother. So, we were kind of her babies. Well, I was her baby.”

While running for office, Tunwar was also raising her daughter, Mollie, as a single mother and getting her degree all at the same time. It was difficult to do all of her duties while making sure her daughter was okay. Luckily, Mollie didn’t mind helping out with the campaign.

“I help mommy go by the houses and tell them, the kids, that, ‘tell your mom vote 78,’” Mollie said.

Tunwar won her election and went on to become the first African American councilwoman for the town of Kinder. She has this to say to others trying to reach their goals: "Whatever goal that you set for yourself, don't let anything hold you back from it."

Tunwar plans to revitalize neglected areas of Kinder.

To support Tunwar, you can visit her Facebook page HERE. Her next council meeting is on Feb. 4 at 6 p.m.

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