The rise of women in leadership has been a profound and transformative movement, one that has reshaped industries, communities, and the world at large. They have not only demonstrated capabilities in driving growth and innovation but have also championed causes of equity, inclusion, and social justice. Their journeys stand as powerful narratives of courage and determination, paving the way for future generations to lead with confidence and purpose.
Lydia Gray, President and Founder of the Lydia Amputees Foundation, is one such personality who exemplifies such leadership. As one of the Most Influential Business Leaders to Watch, Lydia Gray’s journey is a testament to perseverance and visionary leadership. Having overcome racism and hardship from a young age, her commitment to improving the lives of amputees and her innovative approaches to addressing their needs have garnered widespread admiration. Lydia’s impactful work and inspiring story highlight the profound difference that dedicated and compassionate leadership can make in society.
Professional Journey
Lydia Gray began her professional journey at Rutgers University in November 1990 as a dishwasher. She later transitioned to a role in security while attending the university. During her studies, she returned to dining services, advancing to an office administrator position where she managed payroll and hiring. This role marked the beginning of her administrative career.
Lydia then moved to the University of Medicine and Dentistry, part of the same university system, working in logistical services for eight months. She transitioned to auditing, starting as a junior auditor and eventually becoming the office coordinator in the Office of Audit and Advisory Services at Rutgers University. As office coordinator, she attended every audit, liaised with auditors, and ensured the efficient operation of the office.
After accumulating over 25 years of service, Lydia contemplated retirement but chose to pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions instead. She started a business producing Chin Chin, a West African fried pastry snack. Despite initial success, an accident in March 2020 resulted in the loss of her dominant left hand, a devastating event that deeply affected her both physically and emotionally.
The accident and subsequent amputation led Lydia to start the Lydia Gray Amputees Foundation, inspired by the challenges she faced in affording a prosthetic hand. The foundation aims to support amputees and others with disabilities, providing prosthetic devices and encouraging them that life continues after amputation. Despite her professional success, Lydia’s passion now lies in raising awareness and helping those facing similar adversities, driven by her personal experience and resilience.
Hope for Amputees
Adjusting to life after an amputation is a challenging journey. The Lydia Gray Amputees Foundation is dedicated to supporting those facing such hardships, providing hope and assistance to amputees and individuals with other disabilities.
Mission
The mission of the Lydia Gray Amputees Foundation is to support amputees struggling with life’s challenges by offering employment training and rehabilitation services.
Goals
- To become a leader in the prosthetics industry.
- To be a reliable source of information on new prosthetic technology and product reviews, leveraging direct access to the user group.
- To be a source of knowledge in the prosthesis engineering development field.
- To use our expertise and proceeds to help as many people affected by limb loss and amputations as possible.
Through these initiatives, the Lydia Amputees Foundation aims to improve the lives of amputees and advance the field of prosthetics.
Services Offered
Lydia Gray Amputees Foundation offers a range of financial and supportive services to amputees. The foundation provides financial assistance for urgent needs such as rent and bills, recognizing that Social Security disability benefits often take time to process, leaving amputees in immediate need. Lydia’s foundation also distributes wheelchairs and connects individuals with medical professionals, including doctors, physical therapists, and prosthetic specialists, to ensure they receive necessary care.
Additionally, the foundation is exploring the development of modular or container homes for amputees to help them live independently rather than in nursing homes. Through these services, the foundation aims to alleviate financial stress and promote hope and independence among amputees.
Overcoming Challenges
Lydia Gray faced significant challenges throughout her professional journey and while founding the Lydia Amputees Foundation. As a Black woman with an accent, she struggled to gain credibility and trust in a predominantly white society. People often questioned the genuineness of her efforts, making it difficult to convince others of her mission’s sincerity and effectiveness.
Lydia Gray’s primary goal is to help amputees and individuals with disabilities realize that life continues after such setbacks. However, even the amputees she aims to assist sometimes doubted her intentions. Despite these obstacles, Lydia remains steadfast, choosing to ignore skepticism and persistently advocating for her cause.
Integrating Technology
The Lydia Gray Amputees Foundation has its own website. This platform facilitates registration and payment for events, such as the annual 5K walk held on April 20th. Participants can register and purchase event merchandise, like T-shirts, directly from the website. While the foundation has not yet started selling merchandise beyond event-specific items, the website is set up to support future sales.
Additionally, the foundation collaborates with prosthetic innovation experts who understand the advanced mechanisms of prosthetic devices. This collaboration ensures that the latest technological advancements are accessible to those the foundation serves, enhancing the functionality and usability of prosthetic hands.
Leadership Philosophy
Lydia leads alongside a vice president, board members, and advisory members. Her leadership philosophy centers on diversity and inclusivity. Lydia’s organization assists individuals regardless of race, color, or creed. She believes in helping anyone in need, irrespective of their background, language, or origin. This commitment to diversity and inclusivity is a core principle that Lydia actively promotes and integrates into all aspects of the foundation’s work.
Long-Term Vision
Lydia Gray’s vision for the Lydia Amputees Foundation is to create a significant positive impact on the lives of amputees. She aims to help amputees secure employment at major companies like Walmart and Target, or in administrative roles suited to their abilities. Lydia believes that being an amputee should not be a barrier to employment. Her goal is to ensure that amputees can lead fruitful lives, complete with stable housing they can call their own.
Lydia envisions a future where her foundation supports individuals in achieving a sense of purpose and fulfillment. She hopes to see those she helps, hypothetically referred to as “Joe Blow,” thriving in their personal and professional lives. This vision encompasses enabling amputees to live independently and enjoy activities such as driving, demonstrating the profound and positive impact of the foundation’s efforts.
Key Life Lessons
Lydia Gray was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and faced numerous hardships from an early age. Orphaned by the age of 11, she grew up in extreme poverty, experiencing hunger and sleeping on the floor. Despite these challenges, she moved to the United States in her early 20s, determined to change her life through hard work and education. Lydia worked multiple jobs while pursuing her education, striving to escape the cycle of poverty and build a better future for herself and her family. Her perseverance paid off as she achieved academic and professional success. However, just when her life seemed to be improving, she faced another major setback—losing her dominant hand in an accident.
Despite questioning her faith and facing immense physical and emotional pain, Lydia chose to channel her energy into helping others. She founded the Lydia Amputees Foundation, dedicating her time, effort, and resources to support amputees. Lydia acknowledges that this journey is challenging and may not yield financial returns, but her commitment to making a positive impact remains unwavering. The key lessons from Lydia Gray’s journey include resilience in the face of adversity, the importance of education, and the power of helping others. She emphasizes that while the path to success may be long and difficult, the rewards of perseverance and compassion are invaluable.
Source of Inspiration
Lydia Gray attributes her resilience and determination to her inherently good-hearted nature. Known for her generosity and willingness to help others, she would give the clothes off her back to someone in need. This deep-seated compassion and empathy have driven her actions throughout her life.
Starting the Lydia Gray Amputees Foundation came naturally to Lydia. Even when faced with her financial burdens, such as a $25,000 bill for her prosthetic hand, her thoughts were with those who couldn’t afford even a fraction of that cost. Her focus remains on helping others and providing support to those who may not have the means to help themselves. This commitment to making a difference keeps her moving forward, regardless of the challenges she faces.
Core Leadership Values
Lydia Gray leads with a focus on diversity and accountability. While she primarily manages the foundation on her own, balancing her role at Rutgers University with her responsibilities to the foundation, she upholds high standards in leadership. Lydia ensures that all actions taken within the foundation reflect her core values. She promotes diversity in every aspect of the foundation’s operations and maintains strict accountability for all funds collected. This dedication to transparency and inclusivity defines her approach to managing the foundation, guiding it toward fulfilling its mission.
Key Achievements
Lydia Gray Amputees Foundation has made significant strides in supporting amputees. One notable achievement is the successful rehabilitation of an amputee in New Brunswick who lost all four limbs. With the help of Dr. Shah and his team, she is now up and working in less than a year. Another accomplishment includes providing housing support to a man in Massachusetts, enabling him to move from a motel to his apartment. These successes highlight the foundation’s impactful “Help One, Reach One” program, reflecting its commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of amputees.
Overcoming Bias
Lydia Gray, as a black woman and leader, faces significant challenges in gaining recognition and support for her foundation. She observes that despite her impactful work with amputees over the past four years, she has not received the media attention or support that she believes would have come if she were a white woman. She feels that the media often highlights less impactful stories while overlooking substantial efforts to help humanity, like those of her foundation. This lack of recognition and support often leads to feelings of discouragement and raises questions about the value placed on her work. Despite these challenges, Lydia remains committed to her mission and continues to seek the support needed to advance her foundation’s goals.
Empowering the Young Generation
Lydia Gray emphasizes the importance of standing up for oneself and pursuing goals with determination, particularly for the younger generation. She acknowledges the discrimination she faces and hopes her child, and others like her, will not experience the same challenges. Lydia advises young people to advocate for themselves and pursue their aspirations without waiting for society to hand them opportunities. She encourages assertiveness tempered with respect, urging them to be proactive in achieving their dreams.
Make a Difference
Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of amputees in need.
Your donations will support:
- The payment of operations due to Amputation or limb loss
- Subsiding prosthetics for people who can’t afford it
- Obtaining 3D printers in low-income countries (Sierra Leone, India, Initial Focus on the African continent
Donate today to the Lydia Gray Amputees Foundation and be a part of a movement that brings hope and assistance to those in need.
[Link – Make a Donation | Lydiafoundation (lydiaamputee.org)]
“Perseverance is the key to transforming adversity into triumph. Every challenge faced is an opportunity to create a brighter future.”
Lydia Gray
