Meet Leidra McQueen Executive Director Lynchburg Beacon of Hope

Leidra McQueen, the newly appointed executive director of Lynchburg Beacon of Hope has always been intertwined with education and community and her passion for what she does is obvious.

Growing up, her family often moved due to her father's collegiate football coaching career but that eventually brought her to Lynchburg where she attended and graduated from Heritage High School.

“I had great friends, great times, and some really exceptional educators who were there for me,” she said.

After high school, McQueen attended the University of Virginia, where she engaged in the Virginia College Advising Corps, a program aimed at increasing college access for students in urban and rural areas with low college-going rates.

“I got bit by the bug,” she said. “I certainly fell into it.”

After graduation, McQueen was recruited by Teach for America but chose to work in admissions and college advising instead. Her role in the Virginia College Advising Corps allowed her to help students with college applications, financial aid, and overall college readiness—a role she found fulfilling.

"I fell in love with the idea of helping students find their path," McQueen said.

In 2014, McQueen joined Lynchburg Beacon of Hope as the Future Center Director at Heritage High School. She played a key role in launching the organization's "Stay Close, Go Far" Promise Scholarship, which provides financial aid and continued support to students pursuing higher education. Her dedication led to the creation of the Office of College and Career Success, where she worked to make sure students received comprehensive support beyond just financial aid.

In many cases students feel lost and confused about the process and about what they want their next steps to be,” McQueen said.

“They're nervous and by the time you get to graduation, you can see that there's a purpose and the light bulbs are on. And for other students that happens a little bit later. We work through the summer, and we get to continue to work with students and so sometimes that light bulb comes on before graduation for other students is happening after graduation, but there is nothing more special than seeing a student connect to their purpose and connect to their dreams.”

 Until April, she was working as the organization’s deputy director collaborating with executive director and founder, Laura Hamilton.

As the new executive director, McQueen is committed to keeping and expanding the legacy of Lynchburg Beacon of Hope. Her priorities include securing scholarships in perpetuity for students beyond the class of 2029 and making sure the organization’s programs and services stay top-notch.

"We have a proven record and an established name," McQueen said. "Our promise to students is genuine, and we want to continue making that promise early enough so that students know there's a guarantee upon graduation. This takes funding, and we're actively fundraising to secure these scholarships."

One of her immediate goals is to strengthen the local focus of Beacon of Hope, so Lynchburg City School students receive the best possible support.

"Even as we gain state and national recognition, our primary focus remains on taking care of home—Lynchburg. That is our foundation," she said.